94 Brixton Hill,
Brixton,
London,
SW2 1QN
0872 148 5037
The ViewLondon Review
This former Brixton local underwent a transformation a couple of years ago – morphing from old school boozer into a slightly shabby clubby/pubby affair.
Young-ish Brixtonians in the media worker mould come to the Horse to drink, shout and have their eardrums accosted by music that – as far as the ousted real-ale grandads are concerned – sounds like a sledgehammer beating a rhythm on their skull.
On any given night a highly credible, and probably local, DJ can be seen sputtering out breaks, disco beats, hip-hop or rare groove to a few nattering locals and a smattering of androgynous boho chicks who look so tough they probably roll their own tampons and do karate.
The exterior is somewhat unpromising, whereas the road-hugging beer ‘concrete’ area, highly purple paintjob and nursery school logo cry Soho, swing your head a few degrees and the scene’s a shitty stretch of Brixton Hill crammed with cacky junk shops and fried chicken parlours.
Still, the dimly lit interior's not bad if you like that kind of thing. It's a shoddy Victorian pub gone clubby/ravey; with purple lighting behind the bar, a few bits of modern art, stripped boards, celtic graffiti, a pool table and a raised DJ booth.
If the beats are bothering your underwear, or it’s a Sunday afternoon, escape the benches out front and order some food from amongst the Horse’s fabulous and wallet friendly range of roasts and tapas (including sticky chicken and mini fahitas).
If you’re looking for something low-maintenance cool, where scraggy clothes and week-old stubble are encouraged, and if you don’t mind the schlep up Brixton Hill, the White Horse is definitely in the running.
Even the area’s a sure bet. For, whilst Hoxton stumbles at the first hurdle (probably hampered by its coke-worn, windsock nostrils), Brixton – with its rich vein of trendy locals – is a sure bet for good tunes and better vibes. Let the party begin – but go easy on the Horse’s paintstripper Absinthe, or that Hill will seem mountainous on the home run.
White Horse has been reviewed by 4 users