A five-minute stroll from Brixton tube, Grand Union Brixton is a cheery bar. I’d heard rumours that this gem came alive at the weekends and is a certified honeypot for the young professionals of the area, so I decided to head over to see whether Grand Union could wow me.
The Venue
When the weather is good this Brixton bar comes into its own thanks to its deceptively large, Robinson-Crusoe-esque garden, which can accommodate up to 500 people – hard to imagine at the bar entrance. In the garden, cool beach shacks offer privacy for small groups, as well as a great talking point for the drinkers of Brixton. The big screen, which really is big – can be viewed by all the outside revellers and is ideal for watching the footie, or other sporting events. The interior is plush, welcoming and comfortable, everything you’d want from a cool London bar.
Grand Union Brixton has a plush and welcoming interior, a must for a cool London bar.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
The venue has all the hallmarks of a Grand Union venue as soon as you enter; friendly, check-shirted staff, nicely priced drinks, hearty student stodge on the food menu and cute pig-tailed barmaids offering Jagermeister shots (£5 for a ‘bomb’) – and a spacious building which is always buzzing with trendy, interesting folk.
At around 10pm on a Friday and Saturday the place transforms. Punters are driven inside from the well-designed outdoor area, the bar lights are dimmed and the volume dialed up. Downstairs a DJ hammers out en-trend disco and house bangers, and upstairs the music is smoother; hip-hop and RnB tunes are on the playlist – but the atmosphere is just as electric between the girls and boys until the doors shut at 2am.
With an amazingly well designed outside area, this is an excellent alfresco drinking spot in London.
The Food and Drinks
We decided to delve into a calorific and tasty sampling of Grand Union’s signature pizza and burger menu. You can’t argue with good bar food; everything was easy, simple and very tasty. We chose a drink or two from the inventive and extensive cocktail menu and then kicked back on the ample sofas upstairs to enjoy them. The Green Ninja and Expresso Martini (all £7.95) come highly recommended, well mixed and very flavourful.
With lots of outdoor seating Grand Union Brixton can be a real suntrap in the summer months.
Summary
Whether you want to let your hair down and bop to Calvin Harris and friends on the ground floor, or relax in the garden with a burger and a cocktail, Grand Union Brixton has something wonderful for you.
