Effra Social Club

Bar in Brixton

8 / 10 from 1 review

Address
Effra Social Club
89 Effra Road
Brixton
London
SW2 1DF

Map

History

Telephone
020 7737 6800

Region
Brixton

Nearest Station
Brixton
0.49 miles

Category
Bars

Website
https://effrasocial.com/

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The Effra Social was the previous home of the local Conservative Club from the late 1800’s until its closure in November 2012 and so this will be the first time in over 100 years that the venue will be open to the general public. With its front bar, dance hall, dining room and garden, it provides an interesting space which is very much of its time. It is not trying to be retro, it is retro. Whilst Brixton continues to flourish, we felt that it was missing a modern take on the traditional social club, which whilst retaining the look and feel of yesteryear, delivers a quirky night out for locals. The building lends itself to the sort of place that the Balham Bowls Club has become and whilst close to the hustle and bustle of the town centre, it is far enough removed to be a bit more sedate. A bit more grown up.

It’s a really lovely old thing and deserves to be used by the many, not the few, and it will very much resonate with anyone who enjoyed a bottle of coke and a packet of Golden Wonder crisps when out with their parents in the glam days of 70’s.

Effra Social Club Picture Gallery

All In London Review

Effra Social Club is as charming a venue as you could hope for...

Oh, the irony of an old local Conservative Party club in Brixton being turned into a community social club. Closed to the public from the late 1800s until 2012, Effra Social Club was installed and opened its doors to all in 2013. Located about a ten-minute walk from Brixton Tube, it stands in a beautiful old building next door to the Hootenanny bar. The name says it all, this is a large venue that incorporates a classic hatch serving point in the front bar and a vast dance hall in the back, complete with enough space for tables and dancing space.

Just far enough from the bustle of Brixton central for it to feel like a place of its own, Effra Social Club makes the most of its size and individuality. This type of large community space is no longer the norm and while retaining that vintage style it has updated in certain places. The bar serves a range of Meantime beers along with a choice of real ales and the occasional guest on tap. Sheet music bunting hangs from the spacious music hall, with its bare basic look one of its most charming features. The stage hosts live bands and DJs and there is a packed events schedule. More and more of these types of venue appear to be popping up in South London and the taste for them is evident in the late night crowds who pack in after dark. Open until 1am on Friday and Saturday night there’s no need to leave early…

Effra Social Club is as charming a venue as you could hope to run into and it is all the sweeter that the beauty of a building that was closed to the few has been opened up to the many.

Reviewed by T.A.O on Jan 30, 2014
Published on Jan 24, 2014

Best For

Pubs in Peckham and South London

Proper. London. Boozers.

Once headquarters of the local Conservative Party the Effra Social Club, between Brixton and Herne Hill, has replaced the fustiness (it was probably fusty) with fun. Quiz nights, live music, DJs, book groups and comedy share the retro space making sure there is always something going on.