A good gig is one of the purest pleasures in life but that doesn't mean you should jump into that mosh pit unprepared. Dine on the best food in Brixton or have a tipple in a great bar; whether you're about to see your favourite band but need to hang out for a few hours or just want to make gig night that much more special, here's the best bars and restaurants near O2 Academy Brixton to really get you into the mood.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 12th December 2025
Looking for somewhere for a quick bite to eat and a swift drink before your gig? There's nowhere quite like Pergola Brixton, the rooftop haunt with swoon-worthy interiors and mouthwatering food delivered directly from the vendors in the market below.
Fill yourself up on Blues Kitchen's authentic southern fare and sip on their signature cocktails, stepping into a real American experience. They're playing live blues, roots and soul music on top of all that, making them a great bar near O2 Academy Brixton to get some proper post-gig fun.
Situated just minutes from the O2 Academy Brixton, The Duke of Edinburgh is a great place for a little pre or post-gig food and drink. Pair bites from White Men Can't Jerk with cocktails and beer in the heaving beer garden or on a cosy corner sofa.
If you're looking for a spot near O2 Academy to enjoy some beer, cider or wine, then head to Friendship Adventure. This dog-friendly taproom is the perfect place to try out a range of high quality beers and seasonal tipple.
Looking for a beer and bite pre-gig? Dance your way down to Paddy's Yard.
The warmth of an Irish bar meets soulful Jamaican vibes to deliver a fantastic fusion of craic and Caribbean culture. Expect Guinness, rum and tropical cocktails, plus jerk chicken, saltfish, stew and sirloin steak sharing space on the menu.
The Courtesan is a great place to grab some delicious Dim Sum before the gig in O2 Academy Brixton. The dark, vintage interior is modelled from an Imperial Chinese opium den, while the bar serves quality cocktails and speciality teas. Families are welcome here, which is ideal if you're taking someone to their first gig.
Shrub and Shutter is an atmospheric neighbourhood cocktail and listening bar on Cold Harbour Lane, offering vinyl soundtracks powered by studio-grade monitors to accompany your meal. Its menu focuses on globally-inspired small plates to be shared with friends, from manchego cheese croquetas with Gochujang sauce to Indian spiced lamb koftas, served with mint yoghurt. If you're feeling thirsty, the cocktails are not to be missed, with standouts such as the Sweet, Wet martini and a Hickory Smoked Old Fashioned.
Just a stone's throw from the O2 Acadamy, Kricket Brixton is the perfect stop-off for tasty grub. So, what's on the menu? Whether you're in the mood for Keralan fried chicken with mooli and curry leaf mayo or delicate ghee roast hake, this venue is sure to impress.
Perfect for carb lovers, Mamma Dough Brixton is whipping up some seriously delicious oven-baked pizzas, complete with all the best toppings - think burrata, pesto and fresh chillis. Plus, these guys host classes if you fancy making your own doughy delight.
