Effra Hall, Brixton

Here we have some delightful Victorian features, such as the elaborate bar-back and central servery, glazed screening that still to some extent separates two rooms, and the mirrored display cabinet on the right.

This three-storey Victorian corner pub has retained some real delights. Behind the façade with its hefty iron columns, the interior has, sadly, been much opened out but with the multiple external doors, right-hand vestibule and former corridor mosaic, you can get some sense of the original, subdivided layout. But pride of place goes to the rather stunning central servery and its back fitting and vestiges of the publican’s office. It’s embellished with classical columns and a rich cornice, although unfortunately the back fitting in the left hand room has now been painted a light cream colour with the exception of the gold capitols on the columns. The counter top in the right hand room has a linoleum inlay.

Another noteworthy feature is the large screen with a wide opening that separates the two rooms, extending across both the public area and the servery. This screen, as well as the counter front, has been painted a dark blue/green colour. On either side of the servery opening are original cut glass panes. It is likely that to the left of the screen would have been the off-sales, which means that a second screen separating it from the left hand room has been lost.

On the right, just beyond the former mosaic-floored corridor, is an impressive two-bay mirrored feature with display cabinets above.