95 Effra Road,
Brixton,
London,
SW2 1DF
(020) 7737 7273
The ViewLondon Review
This cavernous pub dominates the corner of Effra Road and Brixton Water Lane and has been called many different names, but it has always been a home for good live entertainment in Brixton, having previously hosted everything from local band nights to top notch circuit comedians like Harry Hill. In its latest incarnation as the Hootananny, it’s become a mecca for lovers of live ska and reggae, with acts flown in from around the world to keep its wised-up crowd of aficionados happy.
The Venue
Don’t be discouraged by the peeling paint and tattered football flags of the exterior, inside you’ll find its two rooms smart and the staff friendly. The pub room is equipped with three pool tables, the live room (partitioned off on gig nights) boasts a massive sound system and a stage tall enough to afford the most vertically challenged a decent view of proceedings. The sizeable smoking garden out front seats about 40 people and is a classic spot for catching the Brixton sunshine alongside the goth girls, art students and local drinkers who frequent it during the day.
The Music
Mainly live shows with a big emphasis on ska, reggae, ragga and other even more exotic beats. Promoters such as Skootananny and Reggae Train bring big name reggae and ska acts over from Jamaica, like Linval Thompson, Derrick Morgan and Bushman, while the homegrown Soul Jazz and Mannaseh sound systems also stage regular sound clashes. There’s more DJ action with Afrobeat and salsa every Sunday night and dubstep, hip-hop and breaks spinners popping up from time to time.
The Food
There’s a reasonably priced but extensive Mexican menu that‘s vegetarian-friendly as well as offering messy treats like ribs and wings for the more rampant carnivores, as well as kids’ and breakfast menus.
The Drink
Its selection of commercial draught beers isn’t going to win any real ale awards but presents lots of choice, backed up with a smaller selection of bottled ciders and beers. It’s noticeably cheaper than many of the pubs in the centre of Brixton, and compared to the average live venue exceptionally so.
The Last Word
You’ll notice the difference in your pocket (compared to say, the Academy) after you’ve bought a few rounds, but there’s nothing cheap and cheerful about the acts they book.
Hootananny has been reviewed by 4 users