Happy Hour and Hip Hop at Market House

Although it's only been open for a year, Market House on Coldharbour Lane has already established itself as one of Brixton's coolest bars and a worthy destination for foodies and cocktail lovers alike.

After being challenged by a friend to find us a fun place to eat South of the River, I stumbled upon the Market House website and was impressed by the generous happy hour lasting from 5-9pm every day. On further inspection of their facebook and twitter pages, I saw that they were running a 2 for 1 burger deal if you emailed the team. Although the deal was only on the Spicy Chicken (£8.50) and Market (Hereford Beef) Burger (£8.95), both looked tasty enough so we decided to go for it. For any tastecard holders among you, you and a friend can get 2 for 1 on any meals on the menu between Mondays and Thursday as long as you call ahead.

My Pornstar Martini

We arrived at 7 to find the bar already pretty full and in full swing, despite being a Wednesday. The setting is a restored 19th century building and the management have successfully recreated a speakeasy atmosphere, fitting the bar with chandeliers, vintage wallpaper and stripped down wooden furniture. With the (slightly too loud) music pumping and the friendly bar staff shaking up cocktails, the place had a feel-good lively atmosphere from the moment we walked in. 

We wanted to take advantage of the £5 cocktails during Happy Hour so I (awkwardly) ordered a Pornstar Martini (Vanilla Vodka with lime juice, passionfruit syrup and passionfruit juice) whilst my friend went for the Caipirinha, a rum based Brazilian drink. Both were delicious and definitely recommended. Whilst we waited for our burgers to arrive we shared the Wild Boar Sausage Rolls with apple filling (£5) which were really yummy and just the right size for an appetiser. I also enjoyed an exceptionally large glass of red wine- a bargain at £3 during Happy Hour.

A taste of Wild Boar

Our mains arrived well-presented on a thick wooden board. My Spicy Chicken came with all the usual extras but also included pineapple which gave it an added sweetness and kick. 

Spicy Chicken Burger with Coleslaw

The skin on chips were also nicely salted and tinged with rosemary. If you want a tasty meal accompanied by some fantastic cheap cocktails then I would recommend trying out Market House. The staff were lovely and smiley, seeming to genuinely enjoy working in the vibrant venue, and with the discounts applied the evening was brilliant value.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings the bar hosts themed nights with free entry all night and, even more impressively, free bubbly for groups of 10 or more. There is something to please most, with this weekend including tropical funk and reggae DJs, old skool house, garage and brit pop nights. If that sounds like your kind of thing sign up to their mailing list for the latest news and promotions.

Splashing out? Visit nearby Market Row Wines, an independent shop selling quality wines, to grab a bottle for a special occasion (or simply later that evening). Still very reasonably priced, but definitely beats the usual supermarket plonk. Open until 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Check them out here.