Effra Hall Tavern

A regulars kind of pub on a residential street. A little difficult to find a seat, but cozy. They had football playing on a number of tvs.
They also have a number of craft beer in bottles. More standard options are on tap.

Coming from New York City, I hear a lot of people say that our city has it all. But I can tell you that we do not have an Effra Hall. (Ugh pardon the rhyme.)
When I came to London for my birthday this past November, I knew that I wanted to visit Brixton. I had heard so much about it, and I wanted the visit to be more than The London Eye and Tower of London (although those were awesome too). A friend of mine suggested Effra Hall, and so on my very last night, I met him at the Brixton stop and off we went.
There weren’t many chairs around to start when we walked in, and certainly none available. An older gentleman was standing next to a chair, and when I asked him if it was free, he grunted but said nothing. Ever the optimist (not really), I took this to mean it was free. I was wrong. As I reached for it, he still said nothing, but firmly pulled it away from me. Oddly enough, this was when I knew I would like Effra Hall.
I eventually scored a table with my friend and we ordered some food while everyone else watched the football game. Surprisingly, the food was good! And before long, a ska/​jazz band started playing in the back room. JAMMING. I kept the cider flowing, we made some new friends, I saw a beautiful man who looked like black Jesus but never did talk to him (how can you just walk up to Jesus?), and before I knew it the bar was closing. Too soon, man. I caught the last train back to my Air B&B and said goodbye.
If – no, when I come back to London, I’m coming back to Effra Hall. Earlier in the night this time. And just maybe I’ll say hi to Jesus.

Great local pub with a nice, fun and friendly Brixton crowd. While the ale selection may not be as broad as in some of the newer Brixton bars, it has a lovely local feel to the place — like somewhere people have been going for a long time. And, it’s possible to get a drink pretty quickly which sadly isn’t the case in the newer places that have been getting horribly packed lately! There’s a lovely little beer garden out back too. Looking forward to checking out some of the live jazz they’ve got on.
Enjoy,
C*

Like a scene out of The League of Gentlemen, I heard the resounding silence of the locals gaze. All in unison saying, «you’re not a local!»
On the other hand and having visited with friends who are like furniture there, my first experience of the Effra could have also been likened to that of Bridget Jones’ & her relationship with her mother; arriving at a family party and being introduced & shown around like a prized horse!
Having been serval times since, I understand why it is home from home for my ladies, as the ever familiar Cheers comradery mists my thoughts, so it is with the patrons who will indeed be your wife too… Dave.

Brilliant out-​of-​the-​way local with free music on from time to time. Very Brixton. Very Local. Very excellent. Seem to make about 12 roast dinners as they’re coveted, but difficult to come by…

The reviews here really let me down! No character in this place dirty, bad lighting, and bad selection of drinks.

Sunday night jazz and soul. That is all.

Without a doubt the best pub in South London. Always friendly good service and live music you can’t beat it! Highly recommended.

I’m a huge fan of the Effra but you’ll find me there on a Sunday night when Lauren Dalrymple runs a live jazz jam session (she’s been doing this for just under 12 years now!) with the sassy and friendly professionalism of a seasoned performer she bring the pub and it’s crowd to life, all the time the brilliantly friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes the jazz even sweeter! the night brings in a mixed crowd, old to young chatty to chilled they are all in here coexisting with a bluesy chilled vibe.
A nice one for lovers of live music, friends, lovers, or a night out with your folks too — there’s no one this night doesn’t cater for! Drinks = good, prices = good what can I say, it’s all gooooooooooooooood!
;)

Chanced on this and pulled-​in by the Red Stripe and the opportunity of some lunch. And it wasn’t too bad: bit of Jerk Chicken and cold beer. looks like it could be a cool place in the evenings, so I think we’ll be back to dig the scene then

Not quite what I was expecting as I’d heard very good things about the Effra. It’s nice in that it’s a pub that hasn’t been messed about with, ok beer garden (although pretty small) and friendly enough service but I thought it lacked atmosphere. Left here and wandered up the hill to the White Horse where the welcome was much warmer…

One of the best nights of my life culminated at this very cool establishment in Brixton. My travel companion and I traveled up to Brixton on a Sunday afternoon, just hanging out and walking around. We met a cool guy who’d spent some time in the states and he suggested that we come with him to meet friends at Effra.
Coziest pub ever! Sunday nights they had open mic, so poets and vocalists entertained us all evening, and our new friend was well acquainted with the barkeep and kept us hooked up with pints all night. I highly recommend this place. Comfy, friendly and a place where everybody really does seem to know your name.

This is one of my Brixton favourites! Red stripe on tap, fantastic live Jazz band with lots of locals dancing, Authentic Carribean food, Nice beer garden, good service, lovely laid back atmosphere. You wont find a better spot for a beer in Brixton.

A lovely pub in Brixton, very laid back atmosphere and a great place for a saturday night or sunday afternoon. The jazz is a real treat too. There aren’t many pubs in south London that are so welcoming.

Having lived in Brixton for 18 months when I first moved to London I couldn’t believe it when a friend told me I hadn’t unearthed a hidden gem– only a stones throw away from the Ritzy cinema. I was very intrigued — and not at all let down after my first visit. We decided to go for a couple of stretching drinks before heading of to see the chemical brothers but were having such a good time we missed the warm up act.
There is a great selection of beers on tap, good music and a buzzing atmosphere– you can tell everyone there is having a really good time. I am also a huge fan of caribbean food so I was really excited to see jerk pork and mutton curry on the menu– who needs more than 2 options when they are both this good? It was really spicy, delicious and set me up for the entire evening!
This place really is something special– its everything you hope for in a Brixton pub.

The Effra is one of the best watering holes you’ll find in Brixton. Decked out in a victorian period style, (Like the Queen Vic) it’s popular with the older generation, many of whom are regulars on first name terms with the staff. But it is by no means an old man’s pub, it has a vibrant if laid-​back atmosphere, a great place to watch the football, even having a plasma screen in their outdoor area to accomodate the smokers. There are also regular music nights with live ska, regga and jazz, even a few karaōke nights and the music is always good. The prices are average for London, around £3.10 a pint, but there are good deals to be had on pitchers if you’re counting the pennies. One of the best features though is the humble Afro-​Carribean cuisine, the jerk-​chicken is an absolute delight and worth a visit on it’s own. All in all it’s a friendly, well run pub which I am proud to call my local.