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Effra Hall Tavern, Brixton

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user reviews of the Effra Hall Tavern, Brixton

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

A very fine backstreet hostelry that carefully dances on the line between retaining its charm and catering for the media types who moved in last year and you know like really want to be part of like the local community because it's like so vibrant and have you tried those samosa's.

A good Wandle beer on tap. Service was a bit too cool for school but overall this remains a very decent pub. Nothing not to like.
terenced - 20 Jan 2020 08:46
The below poster is right about the brightness, but this is only in the lounge area and the back where the music is played. The front bar has quite a bit of character thankfully.

Only drink i had there was a bottle of Foreign Extra Guinness and came in at a welcome £2.90.
el_bozboz - 9 Feb 2016 20:58
I want to love you, Effra, but white washed walls and 100 watt light bulbs are great for interrogations, not pubs.
Repaint the walls back to that nice cosy tobacco, turn the lights down and you'll be truly great once again. I won't even mind drinking Red Stripe. Please!!
Bongaloo - 12 Oct 2010 10:30
The Effra Pub has just got better and better with time. In the 11 years that I have been running the sunday Nite Jam The Effra has become Londons best kept secret.
Now bursting out to let all know:
Come on down and join in a full fit to bursting jam on sundays, great food all week long and friendly bar staff.
For those you wishing to join the jam contact Lauren Dalrymple:
facebook or laurendalrymple.com for more information. See you all there!!
dalstirling72 - 31 May 2010 16:04
Just been told that it has closed down, is this true?
dalglish - 20 May 2010 15:26
The Good - the punters, the music, the big screens, the overall vibe
The Bad - the lack of proper ale, the always unsmiling staff
The Ugly - the toilets
che_ze_one - 27 Jan 2010 10:08
Don't waste your time. Not sure how this pub has achieved the good reviews on this site. Went in there on a quiet weekday to find the football on so loud that a conversation was not possible, despite there only being about 30 people in the place, none of whom seemed interested in the match (which was Villa - Liverpool BTW, its not like it was a major match/London club involved). Waited at the bar for over 10 minutes while the 1 barstaff served as slowly as I've ever seen it done and in no order whatsoever. In the end we gave up and went to the highly recommended Prince of Wales on Coldharbour Lane where the Guinness was good, service spot on, and excellent music and atmosphere to boot.
Emerald05 - 6 Jan 2010 10:30
Just awesome. A Brixton landmark that is a bastion of multicultural ideals. Great music most nights. Additionally on my missus b'day a mate emntioned this to the jazz band who then played a jazz happy b'day. Tip top
thelobster - 24 Oct 2008 16:50
Despite the limited choice of draught beer and the fairly rude, unhelpful staff, The Effra is a great pub. It's got an energetic atmosphere, regular live jazz music and a good bunch of locals. Sit at the bar in the centre of the pub, in the beer garden out the back or at the tables on the street. Either way, the Effra is well worth a visit
helpinuglypeoplehavesex - 22 Sep 2008 17:10
Was open open Monday when I went in there. Okay Guinness, toilets at street level (so no narrow staircase into a stinking sewer), pleasant locals and good beer garden. The best I have found in Brixton but the search continues and there is something to be said for the Windmill..
mfawkner - 26 Aug 2008 13:24
Was shut when i passed at half 12 on a weekday afternoon ? Is it being renovated ??
nickthefish - 27 Jun 2008 06:45
great brass bar, good music, mixed crowd!
el_scook - 6 Sep 2007 23:17
Great pub with old locals playing dominoes in the corner. Try the Jerk Pork. Much better than it sounds!
adiechorizo - 24 May 2007 17:34
The really cool thing about brixton is that all the best pubs are hidden away. The effra is a classic example of this and an absolute gem of a boozer. I grant you the choice of beer aint that special (no draught ale) and it has that kind of "am I invisible" service but of course this don't matter when the atmosphere (made better by the live jazz) is as good as it is in the Effra.
tribeofthenuba3 - 13 Apr 2006 17:17
Have been in the Effra a few times and was made to feel very welcome. The pub i sdefinately worth a visit. Food was good when i was in.
anonymous - 13 Jan 2006 19:16
Great to see the Effra so highly rated. It used to be my regular before I moved away, Joe Smith was running it then at a very high standard.

Terrific!
BrianE - 29 Nov 2005 20:49
Stunning. Good vibe, good beer (at times), cheap and with some very cool live music.
anonymous - 6 Oct 2005 19:21
I thought it was great in here. Nice atmos and good Guinness - Food looked good as well although I didn't dabble. Thumbs up all round.
BigWobblers - 23 Sep 2005 14:18
A quality local. Relaxed and friendly with strong customer loyalty.
redrocket - 10 Aug 2005 17:22
I have been running the live jazz at the Effra for 5.5 years and I, glad that all the visitors to your site have enjoyed the sunday nights. All are welcome ANYTIME!
Lauren Dalrymple - 20 Sep 2004 03:06
fantastic music, cheap beer - you can't go wrong
simon - 16 Jul 2004 12:19
Best 'local' in Brixton. Good drinks prices - check out the 2-pint offers.
Dan - 27 Apr 2004 23:30
My mate wants me to move into his spare room in Hackney, but I don't 'cause of the EFFRA HALL. Live jazz, cheap prices, no attitude and all 1 min walk from my house. I love it.
Dan - 12 Mar 2004 09:45
This has got to one of the cheapest bars in London. Fantastic live jazz bands on every night. Makes you feel like you in the real Brixton, and not the 'new' Brixton. A great secret.
Ming - 11 Mar 2004 17:11
my local and my favourite pub for miles around. good guiness and good live jazz and very good atmosphere...
pat - 14 Feb 2004 15:20
great live Jazz most nights; mixed crowd; friendly staff
Stephania - 15 Jan 2004 11:53
i work there part time i believe its probably the best pub in brixton. it has a very diverse clientele and an enjoyable selection of live jazz bands.
anon - 5 Sep 2003 18:43
Great pub, great West Indian food, groovey jazz music. Cheap beer. PSst, it's off the regular Brixton beaten track - don't tell anyone!
kath - 9 Feb 2003 10:18

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