Hootananny in Brixton keeps the party going with a new garden and packed nights

Few Brixton venues have the staying power of Hootananny. The big Victorian pub on Effra Road opened as a music venue in September 2007, and nearly two decades on it describes itself, simply, as "a Live Music Venue for Everybody".

Long time locals will remember the building by other names. Brixton Buzz notes that it was once the Hobgoblin, and before that the George Canning. After an early Scottish themed start, it settled into life as a live venue and has since become a well known local landmark.

The music policy is famously broad. On any given week you might hear jungle, disco, post punk, reggae, highlife, house or electronic music, along with jazz and soul, hip hop and grime, Latin, African, folk and bass music. Brixton Buzz has described it as a home for roots, rock and reggae bands and DJ nights.

The space is a big part of the appeal. Alongside the main room there is a second bar with two pool tables, quirky interiors, street food stalls on site and a spacious beer garden. In summer 2025 the outdoor area gained a new "mini forest" of greenery, which Brixton Buzz said it was "loving".

The venue has been busy too. In November 2025 Brixton Buzz photographed an "absolutely rammed" Saturday night, with DJs on the indoor dancefloor and the garden full of drinkers, welcome news after a tough summer for many venues in the area.

This autumn's programme shows the variety on offer. Listings include a first anniversary Halloween special for Little Tokyo, a free jungle rave, Skalloween and Boogie Nights on 31 October, a Swing and Bass ten year anniversary on 20 November and a celebration of 20 years of Blah Records on 28 November.

Hootananny also offers free entry for NHS staff, and welcomes submissions from performers who want to play there.

With its twentieth birthday approaching in 2027, Hootananny remains one of the friendliest ways to spend a night out in Brixton.

Hootananny is at 95 Effra Road, SW2 1DF, a short walk from Brixton station. For listings, tickets and opening times, visit hootanannybrixton.co.uk or call 020 7737 7273.