A pontoon crossing on the Essequibo River seems an unlikely name for a bar in Brixton but that’s exactly what you get with Mango Landin. Whether the name is intentional or not, this is a neighbourhood joint where decent grub, lively music and friendly cheer prevail.

The Venue
Mango Landin occupies a humble spot on St Matthew's Rd just off Brixton Hill, a quiet street that's not quite in the heart of Brixton but not entirely in the middle of nowhere either. But on this nondescript block, Mango Landin is the bee’s knees, a benevolent neighbourhood establishment whose flock call out for hotter than hot evenings.

By its own admission Mango Landin is a bar where the sun shines every day, however the bar itself is quite dimly lit. A medium sized room offers tables in the dining section and large comfy sofas in a part of the room that becomes a dance floor at weekends. A bordello-red bar accented with fairy lights, brightly coloured wallpaper and a cute outdoors area with a blooming garden come the summer time, all add to the general vibe here, which is relaxed to say the least.

The Atmosphere
There is a lot of greeting, meeting and hugging at Mango Landin, with softly speaking Brixtonites on the tail-end of youth during the week making way for women in short dresses flirting with men with artfully scruffy hair come the weekend. If you're lucky, you’ll get to meet the Mango Landin owner, who on occasions can be found swirling across the airy floor space and greets all those who venture through the door.

The Food
While killer music, whipped up by resident DJs, is clearly an allure at Mango Landin, the food here is to be marvelled at too. The kitchen combines classic pub dishes with an appreciation for organic ingredients. The menu is small, befitting the size of the bar, but both the main and starter courses include some flavourful choices. A smooth vegetable soup (£3.50) is comforting and served with addictively moist sundried tomato ciabatta. Rib-eye steak with herb butter and chips (£9.50), a gastro pub staple, seems dry at first, but it comes to life with the butter. If you fancy risotto (£9.50), you’ll do well here, with a mound of glossy, plump mushroom-doused risotto grains.

The Drink
The wine list extends to a handful of pedestrian reds and whites, mostly under £20. Much more interesting though are the homemade ciders from Somerset or the cocktails, like the Mango Landin Original Red Rum Punch (£6.50). With a wicked blend of Mount Gay rum, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries and orange juice it’s a real nod to what this place is all about - laid back tropical-charm.

The Last Word
Mango Landin is not a destination restaurant; to be sure it’s a bar, a locals-rule sort of spot. But imagine a perfect late weekend walk through Brockwell Park, the sun glints as you walk on to an empty street in search of a beverage. Then it’s just the thing: a lovely meal, a drink and a dance, and a good dose of friendly cheer.

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