A no-brainer for great nights out, Brixton is home to a top bar on every (and we mean every) corner. Whatever occasion, SW2 is sure to have something that will fit the bill, whether it's cosy pints in a local pub or cocktails at the neighbourhood's coolest hideaways. To help you zone in on the right venue you for you, we've rounded up our personal picks for the best Brixton bars.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 22nd October 2024
If you're looking for a little more cabaret and cocktails with your dim sum, then The Courtesan has just the thing. One of the most unique bars in Brixton, this gorgeous restaurant on Atlantic Road fronts creative drinks, delicious food and sultry live performances every weekend.
Nestled in Coldharbour Works, Supercute Brewhouse awaits your visit. More than just a bar and taproom, this innovative microbrewery offers a one-of-a-kind beer experience with fresh brews made right on-site.
Throughout the week, you can enjoy an exciting array of events like quiz nights, along with our signature beverages available from Tuesday to Sunday. Don't miss the chance to support local talent while enjoying great drinks.
When it comes to hidden gems, this Brixton Irish whiskey bar just so happens to be one of them. When you're not lapping up a cocktail in their small but charming beer garden come the summer, head inside for a dimly-lit, romantic spot where there are over 70 types of whiskey to choose from.
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with the laidback vibes at Il Maremmano, a Tuscan-inspired apericena bar on Tulse Hill which serves small plates and cocktails, alongside hand-picked Italian wine from an independent producer. Dig into pumpkin arancini, cheese boards or pizettes with fresh buffalo mozzarella, while surrounded by traditional terracotta walls lined with vintage posters.
Bringing that trademark trio of Texan BBQ, bourbon cocktails and big blues tunes to the neighbourhood, it's always buzzing when you're partying at this Brixton bar. Prep yourself for plenty of dancing with their menu of soulful food and drink, followed by live bands and DJs 'til late.
Much more than just a bar, Pop Brixton is a vibrant community space made from repurposed shipping containers. This location is home to all kinds of independent, local businesses - from cosy cafes to lively bars and restaurants. Relax with a drink on their sunny outdoor terrace, where you'll often find live music too, or take advantage of all the street food on offer, including Thai green curries, halloumi wraps or grilled chicken with jollof rice.
Harlem Brewing Taproom sits proudly on Market Row in Brixton Village, a must-visit spot for beer aficionados, Founded by Celeste Beatty, the pioneering first African American female brewer, this lively taproom embodies the spirit of community and cultural richness.
Grab a glass of the 125th Street IPA, with its zesty citrus and spicy notes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant decor. The room is beautifully curated by Harlem artists and the talented Brixton architects, Squire & Partners, creating a unique space to enjoy your favourite brews.
Home to one of the coolest gardens in Brixton, Trinity Arms is a gorgeous pub just off Acre Lane. The bustling spot fronts a great selection of craft beers, fine wines and delicious food, and the aforementioned outdoor space even comes with a cosy firepit.
This bar-meets-restaurant-meets-co-working space is certainly one of the swishest spots in Brixton. Mixing simple, rustic decor with innovative menus and even their own house gin, Canova Hall regularly hosts live bands and DJs, as well as serving some of the best pizza in the area.
Nestled on the ever-famous Coldharbour Lane, there's no doubt that Market House is one of the best bars in town. While downstairs is a cool, open-plan restaurant with Wingmans and excellent cocktails at the helm, upstairs is a vibrant party palace with DJs and a rollicking dancefloor.
A casual pub tucked away from the high street on Ferndale Road, The Duke of Edinburgh take beer gardens and sports seriously, with this buzzing favourite notorious for great beer, big matches and a pop-up kitchen in the summer sun.
Mixing traditional boozer vibes with contemporary touches, Crown & Anchor is a Brixton pub that's become a much-loved local. Alongside the beaut interiors, you'll find a bar stocked to the brim with craft beers, wines and spirits - which go perfectly with the tasty tacos and Sunday roasts.
To sip on a scotch bonnet margarita in swish surrounds, look no further than getting yourself over to Wood & Water. Whipping up a variety of signature cocktails, this gorgeous restaurant also pairs them with a range of Jamaican and British small plates.
The perfect addition to South London's nightlife scene, Pergola Brixton is the gorgeous rooftop space dealing in Latin-inspired cocktails, funky botanical interiors and live music aplenty. Fully covered and heated from midday 'til late, it's the ultimate hangout whatever the weather.
One of the best cocktail bars in Brixton, Shrub and Shutter isn't the location to hit if you're looking for something plain and simple. Their unique roster of botanical drinks and ingredients includes pine-infused gin, prickly pear soda and cornflake milk, so you can expect something a little more adventurous.
Supercute may be small in size, but it's big in energy and atmosphere, featuring all things creative, fun and Afro-Latino. Here you'll find DJ sets, coffee from Peru and delicious fruity cocktails made with fresh Brixton market produce.
Head down on Thursdays to soak up Latino culture with live music, percussions and dancers, and on Fridays? Think sleazy disco, as it's your chance to grab your flares, light up the dance floor and devour honest burgers. Tipples start from £5 (an absolute steal if you ask us), and include mango margaritas, raspberry vanilla daiquiris and watermelon martinis.
This quirky Brixton beach bar is the place to go if you're looking for top DJs and an epic atmosphere. A cool and casual suntrap by day, it's a top location for chilled pints with pals. However, when the sun goes down you'll find the music blasting and the cocktails flowing.
Friendship Adventure Brewery and Taproom in Brixton is a fantastic spot for casual after-work or pre-dinner drinks. Found down Coldharbour Lane, this place has live music and pours delicious house beers that have been brewed on-site, as well as seltzers and wines.
A favourite of late-night bars in Brixton, Kricket is where to head if you want to pair Indian snacks with signature cocktails and other drinks. Think spiced gin and cardamom concoctions, margs and potent pomegranate numbers, alongside a choice of wine or draught beer.
If you're looking for somewhere social to enjoy a few drinks then The Laundry is just the place for you. This neighbourhood bar and restaurant is housed in an old Edwardian building, flaunting vintage decor and antique furnishings to match the vibe. These guys are slinging out delicious signature cocktails like the Cherry Bramble or a pomegranate cosmopolitan, alongside tasty snacks like spicy meatballs or crispy pork spring rolls, with larger plates available too.
A small plates restaurant and cocktail bar in Brixton, Three Eight Four is the Coldharbour Lane cutie designed with date nights in mind. Snuggle up in rustic settings with a selection of tasty tapas and some potent tipples.
Bringing tacos, wings and margaritas to Ferndale Road, Pacifica Burger & Cocktail Bar is a gorgeous Brixton cocktail bar. Boasting an array of decadent drinks on boozy trolleys and some delicious small plates, this is an ideal spot for date nights or catch-ups alike.
