Big Apple Brixton Review
I’ve attended the launch parties for South Pole Saloon and Brixton Beach Boulevard so I was disappointed to miss out on attending the launch for the new reincarnation, Big Apple Brixton. Luckily Big Apple Brixton decided to have a massive Christmas Party on the 1st of December to turn on the Christmas Lights and transform the Big Apple into a Christmas in New York themed wonderland.
Arriving in not the best of moods after a busy day at work and struggling with the winter flu, I was worried that my bad mood would put a damper on the celebrations and my experience. Those worries were all for nothing as they flew out the window the moment we got upstairs. From the first glimpse of the big yellow taxi adorned with lights and presents, my bad mood evaporated. It really is hard to be grumpy when it feels like you’ve left London and entered Christmas in New York.
As much as I enjoyed Brixton Beach Boulevard, there are definitely a large number of improvements that made the night even more enjoyable. There are more bars and it’s all undercover so guests don’t have to worry about getting rained or snowed upon should the weather change for the worse. There is a dedicated smoking area which is away from party goers, guests still have to wander through this to use the toilet facilities so it’s not the most perfect of arrangements. Definitely an improvement on Brixton Beach Boulevard where non-smokers such as myself where surrounded by smokers on the entire ‘beach’.
The cocktail list is also extensive, with classic cocktails, beer, ciders, wine and soft drinks in all bars. Plus there’s a Christmas themed cocktails listed at the speciality bar between the street food stalls. Our favourites were the Flora Dora, the Berry Blitz and the Honey Tequila Hot Chocolate. As always, the venue showcases some of the best street food in London. It was hard to choose from Plucky’s, Burger Bear, Grandmaster Slice and Mac To The Future as all the food looked and smelt so delicious. In the end, I went with the deliciously messy Halloumi Burger from Plucky’s and my cousin ordered a pizza from Grandmaster Slice. Despite, how messy and hard my Halloumi Burger was to eat… it was definitely worth it. It was absolutely delicious – just maybe not one to eat if you’re on a date as it ended up all over my face and hands.
After enjoying our food and getting more cocktails, we had the lovely girls from Love Specs (https://lovespecs.org/) glitterfy us for the night. Lovespecs is a fundraising arm of Love Support Unite, an award winning and ground breaking charity currently based in Malawi. Love Support Unite take a new approach by simultaneously providing education, healthcare and skills training to ensure every child and young adult has the opportunity to survive, develop, grow and succeed.
If the good food, Christmas lights and delicious cocktails hadn’t already made me forget I was sick – Love Specs definitely helped finish off the job. With a face full of glitter and jewels, it made us forget out troubles immediately. They were also running a raffle that night so the fact that it was for a good cause made us dig deep in to our pockets and donate. I hope that Big Apple Brixton have them return for all the weekends leading up to Christmas!
Following all the food and drink, we entered into the Night Club area to enjoy the wonders of a caberet show. An tantalising Burlesque Show and an extremely entertaining act by Drag Queen Russella, who was on Britain’s Got Talent. I can’t do the splits or walk in heels but I applaud anyone who can do both! Russella was amazing! I’m glad, they are continuing on with the tradition set by South Pole Saloon, the caberet acts liven up the night and add that extra special touch missing from your regular drinking spots.
Big Apple Brixton is open until Christmas, however will be throwing a New Year’s Eve Party like no other. Hosted by the original U.S. hip hop hype man Fatman Scoop with special guest DJ Woody, the venue will open until 3am. Early bird tickets have now sold out and a limited number of £10 tickets are now available via Design My Night.
Big Apple Brixton also has a large music lineup announced with performances from DJs such as Severino, Gideon, A. Skillz, Toyboy & Robin and Mr Thing. Full line up for 2016 included below. So there is plenty to do and see! If you haven’t already, add Big Apple Brixton to your number one place to visit this December. If you’ve been already, what are you waiting for… Start planning your next trip there now!
Reporter: Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: @toogs1
8 December 2016
Larry Luvin’
9 December 2016 – 1.Skillz
10 December 2016 – Toyboy & Robin, Matt Brawn
11 December 2016 – London Disco Society
15 December 2016 – Dirty Bones Takeover
16 December 2016 – Mr Thing
18th December 2016 – Southern Hospitality
23 December 2016 – Groove Control Christmas Party
29 December 2016 – Residents
30 December 2016 – Pineapple Police Horse
31 December 2016 – Fatman Scoop, DJ Woody, Cut Master K
Opening hours:
Thursday: 6pm-11pm
Friday: 6pm-12am
Saturday: 3pm-12am
Sunday: 12 noon-8pm
Big Apple Brixton – The Brixton Rooftop
Popes Road, Brixton, London, SW9 8JH
t: 020 7095 8980
http://www.bigapplebrixton.com/#new-page
https://www.facebook.com/BrixtonRooftop/
https://www.instagram.com/bigapplebrixton/?hl=en
