Visitors to South West London pubs will find nothing to compare to the Effra Hall Tavern, or the Effra as it is better known.

Outside it looks a bit like a proper Victorian pub, but since this pub is located in magical Brixton, you can expect that things are sometimes not quite what they seem. It puts a Caribbean spin on the pub theme, with Red Stripe on tap and a spicy jerk menu.

There are lots of locals here, and lots of older folks, and they mingle happily with a social and racial blend of young people, tourists, and serious music lovers.

Oh yes, the music, that is the other rather magical thing about the Effra. Almost every night you can hear amazing live jazz, reggae, and ska being performed in the back room.

On Thursdays, they have a special jazz night with a crew of perhaps a dozen talented musicians who play all night, free of charge. They also have other events planned, like an open mic night with vocalists and poets stepping up, and even a few karaoke nights for the secret performer hiding in us all.

The food is simply amazing at the Effra, it is all good Jamaican home cooking, favourites like Jerk Pork with Rice and Peas and Mutton Curry. The menu is quite limited, usually two or three offerings on a given night, but when it is all so very good, who needs a wide selection?

The Effra has a very happy vibe going on; you will feel welcome from the moment you set foot in the place. It has the lively buzzing atmosphere that comes from a group of people who are just having a really good time.

There is an outdoor garden lit by fairy lights, it is the nicest place to sit on a nice summer evening.

In South West London, pubs are easy to find, but special places like the Effra take a little more searching to uncover, but when you do, you will be so glad you made that extra effort.

Visiting Effra

38a Kellet Road, SW2 1EB

Telephone: 020 7274 4180

Opening Times

Open from 11:00 to 23:00 daily

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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