The CV of Rest is Noise creators FiveEightZero reads like a who’s who of London’s trendsetting haunts, including the Amersham Arms in New Cross and Lock Tavern in Camden. Now they bring their unique flavour to Brixton.

The Venue
Rest is Noise, located just 30 seconds away from Brixton tube station, is nothing if not unashamedly hip. After all, an advertising campaign that has included blow-up dolls is hardly likely to attract the pub going mainstream of South London. Its predecessor was Ivans Retreat, a dark, Gallic sort of gastro boozer that caught punters on their way to a gig at the Brixton Academy with cheap beer and a drab, uninspiring decor. If anything, the Retreat made any old boring indie band seem like Kasabian in comparison, but this is not the case with Rest is Noise.

A vibrantly rouged-up boutique like interior conjures visions of The Shining, Dulwich Picture Gallery and a high-class strip joint. To be resolutely unpretentious it looks like a red Amersham Arms. Which isn't a bad thing: New Cross' premier indie fix is a breath of fresh air in an area dominated by cheap pubs and raucous pop clubs. Unsurprisingly, there's a week-long live music calendar that put forth headline acts like dubstep denizen Caspa and hardcore indie rockers Rolo Tomassi within its first week of opening. All of these can be seen in the 300-person live room, although you wouldn't know it held so many: the ceiling is low, the atmosphere distinctly back-room-of-a-pub and the oppressive sound system like something from the sort of car featured in Max Power. The Academy it ain't, but Rest is Noise really packs a punch.

The Atmosphere
In short, the atmosphere here is fantastic. Sure, you've got your fair share of indie wannabes with super-tight skinny jeans, but such is the mishmash of Brixton's demographic. It's not frequented exclusively by the sort of pretentious art school kids who happily shoegaze until their eyes go black. Quite the opposite, there's barely any pretension here thanks to the wide range of patrons and friendly staff who, despite the rough and tumble of a packed pub with live music, manage to stay smiley and helpful. They even help you pick from the wide range of beers on offer, which is one thing this place has over the 'Red Stripe only' policy of its more illustrious neighbour.

Brixton may be known for having a distinctly raucous edge, but aside from the odd overzealous dancer there is no aggression. Thanks to a good selection of custom and a relaxed mood, the energy of the live room never feels like boiling over into something nastier.

The Drink
There's a plentiful supply of averagely-priced beers on offer here, including the usual suspects like Becks and Amstel (both £3), Heineken (£3.45) and good old London Pride (£2.95). For those with slightly more cultured tastebuds or bigger wallets you could try going for something more exotic like Peroni (£3.55), Erdinger (£3.75) or Budvar (£3.50). Bottled beers veer off a bit more towards the East End, with Brooklyn and Modello confidently propping up the arthouse criteria. So far, so reasonable, and the considerable number of cider-swilling music lovers are catered for aptly with Aspalls and Westons on tap and bottles of Bulmers and Kopparberg.

There is a decent array of spirits on display, but judging from the gung-ho attitude of its patrons, most stick to Smirnoff, Gordons and Jack Daniels. The wine list isn't extensive, but a large glass of red or white will set you back anything between £3.50 and a fiver.

The Last Word
Rest is Noise manages to combine two qualities rarely married in London, let alone Brixton: it's very, very trendy whilst being openly accessible. It doesn't matter if you're a neon-clad nu raver or a pot-bellied ACDC fanatic, you can both bop along to some really good music staffed by friendly people and enjoyed in a cosy yet accomplished gig environment. Brixton's regular haunts beware: viva la revolution!

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