Effra Social, Brixton, SW2

Tris C left this review about Effra Social

One of two Brixton hostelries taking its name from Effra Hall, demolished towards the end of the 19th century. The scruffy sign has now gone, replaced by a gayly luminescent arched number, behind which is a substantial beer patio – with LGBTQ+ flag – where almost all the customers had congregated at the time of my warm Wednesday 8.50pm arrival.
This place opened in Brixton’s former Conservative Club in 2013 and formerly an Antic joint, is now operated by the Portobello Pub Co., though it bears an uncanny resemblance to Antic’s Balham Bowls Club, with lots of regimental coats of arms to picture rails and pot shelf. There’s a small snug bar upstairs, with rather grand 1930s’ fireplace. Downstairs, and there’s a grand ballroom with parquet floor and woody bar array, probably dating back to at least the 1960s; to the rear is a stage area and another LBGTQ+ flag and furniture is tall, simple and mixed, lighting coming from attractive Art Deco sconces. There’s much Tory-themed memorabilia, with other items such as framed front covers from Private Eye, a couple of portraits of the Queen and trophy cabinet, replete with engraved shields and silverware. As mentioned, most customers were outside, young and trendy types; just two customers – older than me and possibly former club members – were seated in the ballroom.
Ale amounted to an unused pump, Portobello Star then just Sambrook’s Pumphouse, £2.80 a half and slightly flabby, served by a friendly barmaid.
Whilst certainly not a destination pub, it’s miles better than the offerings in central Brixton, making for a good crawl with the neighbouring Elm Pak Tavern and Effra Hall, but given the parentage, why just two cask offerings and only one from Portobello?

On 15^th June 2024 - rating: 6
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