One of the quieter corners of Brixton, Herne Hill can feel more like a village than part of the inner city. No village is complete without its local pub and the stained glass-fronted Half Moon, located at its heart, is undeniably its main focal point. Despite attracting a very local crowd who drink in the snug downstairs bar, the Half Moon has enough going for it to pull gig-goers from further afield, too.

The Venue
This Victorian pub’s main centre of operations is the snug downstairs bar with its impressive original wooden bar intact, and there’s also a bigger bar which is opened up when needed and room for a handful of tables in the recently much smartened-up garden. The live music room upstairs caters for audiences of up to 100 people.

The Music
Having staged concerts for more than 25 years, the roll call of bands who’ve been through its doors is practically unrivalled for a London pub. U2, The Police, Van Morrison and The Stray Cats have all trod the boards here in their earlier days and latter day visitors include Freakpower and cool indie types like Turin Brakes and The Handsome Family. Tuesday’s open mic night is a weekly fixture, but on other nights you might happen across anything from fledgling folk singers to theatre companies or Krautrock enthusiasts playing vintage Can and Neu tunes.

The Food
They’re very proud of their twelve inch pizzas, which are made to a traditional Italian recipe from fresh dough, one of which will set you back just under a tenner. There are cheaper options, again mainly Italian-themed, like ciabatta sandwiches, meatballs and salads, plus steaks.

The Drink
The fiercely independent Half Moon has a good selection of Young's ales, alongside a wider selection of draught beers and bottles at fair pub prices.

The Last Word
The booking policy is so eclectic you need to do your research before turning up, but it’s worth the trip off the beaten track.

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