Review: Barrio Brixton

On the 23rd of March 2016, I attended the launch of the Barrio family’s new bar Barrio Brixton. Situated minutes away from Brixton Station, this colourful and funky bar provides amazing Peruvian food and drinks to all who enter. The bar looks amazing and while it draws influence from other Barrio bars around London, Barrio Brixton still manages to wow diners with its décor.

Upon entering we were treated to the Che Guava cocktail (Santa Teresa Rum, Vida Mezcal, Guava, Passionfruit and Lime). Very fruity and fresh – definitely summer in a cup. Then came the hard part of having to choose which cocktails to try on their new cocktail menu. The new cocktail list mixes popular Barrio classics with new creations to create a delightful range of cocktails that will tempt the tastebuds of all cocktail drinkers.

We tried the following cocktails throughout the course of the evening and loved them all:

– Green Grocer (Beefeater Gin, Kiwi, Lime, Cucumber and Sesame Seeds) – I had mine sans Cucumber

– Wake me up before you Man-Go-Go (Four Roses Bourbon, Aperol, Mango, Lime, Orgeat) – Cora

– Pina Picante – Casco Viejo Tequila, Pineapple, Rico Hot Sauce, Agave Nectar, Lime and Egg White)

– South Sea Sour – Beefeater Gin, Cointreau, Pineapple, Grenadine, Lemon, Bittars

I’d have to say the Pina Picante was my favourite, that little kick from the Rick Hot Sauce gives this drink that something extra.
Having tried food at Barrio Shoreditch, I have to say Barrio Brixton’s menu was more to my taste. Barrio’s Head Chef Ernesto Paiva, and Barrio Brixton’s head chef, Heath McDonald have created a menu mixing Ernesto’s Peruvian heritage to the menu and Heath’s Baja Mexican cuisine. The results are amazing.

The food we consumed, definitely helped us soak up the alcohol we’d been enjoying throughout the night.

– Cancah Corn – Spiced crunchy Peruvian Corn

– Tequenos – Crispy Wontons filled with 3 Cheese Mix and Charred Spring Onion served with Tomato Chiptle Chili Jam

– Ceviche Amarillo Cobia (white fish), Aji Amarillo tiger’s milk, avocado, red onion, coriander & Chifles Plantain Chips

– Pork Sanguche – Grilled Pork Belly, Rocoto Mayo, Coriander, Red Onions, Chilli & Sweet Potato Jam

– Lima Lickin’ Chicken and Sweet Potato fries – Crispy Marinated Fried Chicken with Lemon Popcorn and Panca Chili Dip served with Sweet Potato Fries and Aji Panca Aioli

– Peruvian Mess – Dulce De Leche Cream, Bitter Chocolate Custard, Banana Jam, Meringues, Caramel and topped with Peanut Cream

Definitely do not leave Barrio Brixton without trying the Pork Sanguche and the Peruvian Mess. I could seriously live off both of these dishes for the rest of my life. The Sweet Potato Jam in the Pork Sanguche is a revelation. I’m totally not ashamed to admit that I ate three serves of these little sliders. The Peruvian Mess for dessert was heaven and the manager of the Barrio Brixton, let us in on a little secret. If you order the Peruvian Mess, order a shot of rum as well. Eating a spoonful of this dessert and then having a sip of rum is utter perfection.

We had an amazing time at Barrio Brixton and I’m looking forward to heading back there the next time I make my way to Brixton. Luckily Barrio Brixton is open 7 days a week and until 2am at the weekends and has brunch available at 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. Whether it’s for a small intimate dinner, dinner with friends, cocktails or a large event, head down for astounding food and cocktails. I do warn you though, you may never want to leave.

Reviewer: Tegan LeBon ¦ @toogs1

Barrio Brixton

30 Acre Lane, Brixton

London

SW2 5SG

Website: http://www.barriobars.com/

Twitter: @BarrioBars