address: 11 Dorrell Place, Brixton, London SW9 8EG

telephone: 020 7738 3116

email: info@sw9bar.co.uk

website: http://sw9bar.co.uk/

This bar has had many incarnations and is usually full to the brim of people who are going to Brixton Academy. But on a cold and blustery Monday evening it is almost empty and by 10.30 it is empty. The bar is small inside and they have increased the space with a temporary canopy outside with tables, chairs and heaters – although it must have been pretty nippy for even the most desperate smoker on the evening we visited. The decor looks like a throwback to the 80s – shiny walls and low lamps. The toilets are communal and they looked like they were in the middle of a refurbishment. The music is loudish and I suspect when there are a lot of people crammed in, you just have to expect a sore throat if you want a conversation.

But on to the food …. starters, main courses and desserts are available as well as a breakfast menu (served until 2.00pm) but we went for main courses. There is a variety and I chose sea bass which arrived on top of some sautéed potatoes with asparagus and another green vegetable. The fish was cooked well and the vegetables were crisp although there was a bit too much oil on the plate from the potatoes. My companion fared less well on an order of fish and chips. When it arrived it was rather darker than usual for fish and chips – not twice but thrice cooked! We were hungry so cleared the plate together with several glasses of good wine.

The service was jolly and helpful but I don’t think we will be venturing back there soon. The bill came to £20 per person including a lot of wine so I guess it is about £10-15 if you are hungry for more than one course.