New Antic pub Effra Social to open tonight on Effra Road, Brixton

By Kitty Knowles

Tonight, the Effra Social, Effra Road will invite locals within its walls for the first time in over 100 years as it becomes a public house.

Antic London, who also own Dogstar and a string of local London pubs, saved the building after the local Conservative Club, who had owned it since the late 1800’s, closed last November.

The building predates the surrounding properties, and though a large dance hall and snooker room were added later, the interiors retain a dated charm.

Manager, Jennifer Allen, said “It is not trying to be retro, it is retro… The Effra Social will very much resonate with anyone who enjoyed a bottle of coke and a packet of Golden Wonder or Smiths crisps when out with their parents in the glam days of the seventies.’’

She added, ‘It deserves to be used by the many not the few and I hope that we can ensure that it is. We were the only prospective purchaser wanting to retain its use, so it could very easily have been another regretful loss to the Brixton landscape. ”

The night opens at six pm and will feature DJ’s, live music and a free dance class courtesy of Swing Land. See effrasocial.com for more information on events.

Allen added:  “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. Providing a convivial and interesting place to go will be key to putting this lovely space on the map, whilst ensuring we retain the essence of what we have been lucky enough to become custodians of.”

Watch out for a review on Brixton Blog tomorrow.

Here’s the line-up for the opening weekend:

Thursday 28^th Feb 2013

Open at 6PM

• 6PM –  DJ’s
• 8PM – Conrad & the ATOMIKS
• 8:15PM – Swing Land start free dance class alongside band
• 8:45PM –  DJ
• 9:00PM – Conrad & the ATOMIKS
• 10PM – DJ
• 12AM – Bar Closes

                   Friday March 1^st Feb

                           Open at 4pm  

• 6PM – DJ’s
• 8PM – Jukebox Heros First Set
• 9PM – DJ’s
• 9:30PM – Jukebox Heroes Second Set
• 10:30PM ­–DJ’s
• 1AM- Bar closes

Saturday March 2^nd Feb

         Open at 12pm

• Brixton Soul Club begins at 8pm
• DJ’s play until 1AM.
• Bar closes at 1AM