The Hootananny, Brixton, SW2

Pub SignMan left this review about The Hootananny

A large two bar venue and live music space with a big outdoor garden, Hootananny is clearly primarily geared towards performance nights. The main space is a cavernous open-plan room with the stage to the left and the bar running along the rear right-hand wall. The bar itself has a simple, traditional wood-panelled counter and a modest, functional bar back. The floor is a mix of wooden boards near the stage and rough stone tiling by the bar, which proved a bit awkward underfoot when attempting to dance. Dark walls and large shuttered windows lend a moody vibe, enhanced by a few music posters and event flyers. The stage is set high, allowing good visibility throughout the venue. Seating had been cleared for the performance I attended, but there’s a sense the room can be reconfigured depending on use. A revist a month or two later uncovered a side bar to the right, which is a pretty large room in its own right, with an L-shaped servery tpo the rear, some grand pillars, loads of seating and a few traditional features. Crucially, it appears to be an unticketed space that can be used whilst performances are underway next door. The outdoor area is extensive and well screened from the busy main road, with ample picnic tables, benches, covered areas, and a food truck on site.
No cask ale is available; Beavertown Neck Oil was the rather dim highlight on keg, priced at £7.00 per pint, which is about par for the course in music venues these days. The service was fast and professional given the busy gig atmosphere and as you might expect, the venue had a buzzy, youthful energy and seems a good choice for a night out or catching a band.
I enjoyed my two visits here, both of which were to catch some music, but the place falls down a bit when solely viewed as a pub, not just for the lack of any cask ale, but also because the venue side of the pub isn't very pubby, whilst the right-hand room feels like a bit of an afterthought - somewhere you'd spend the night wondering what you were missing out on next door. Go for the music by all means, but there are many better pubs in and around Brixton.

Date of visit: 16th February 2025

On 2^nd September 2025 - rating: 5
[User has posted 3387 recommendations about 3387 pubs]