Beyond the Fridge

A glamorous bar with a rooftop hot tub probably isn't the image that first springs to mind when you think of Brixton. But the perception of the area as a frontline ghetto of drugs, guns and riots is one that is long out of date.

We'd be lying if we said you weren't still offered drugs on the street, but the lively area is no more dangerous than other parts of the capital at night, and the place has gone through some serious changes.

Tesco Brixton now sells more smoked salmon than any other branch in south London, and the elegant Victorian houses along the tree-lined streets are inhabited by media types, artists, musicians and well-heeled young families, priced out of other, previously more affluent areas.

Brixton's nightlife has also lifted its game. The music scene and buzzing bars have always been a great night out, but now it's finally got smart. Here's London Lite's guide to a rocking good time in SW9.

The Prince and Dex
A members' bar? In Brixton? Better believe it - across four storeys Dex boasts a stylish 24-hour bar, restaurant, and a roof terrace complete with a hot tub. Compared to other private clubs membership is a reasonable £240 a year, and this month it is running open house nights so punters can go and have a nose around. Non-members can also drink below at The Prince pub, a good, solid gastro with great DJ sets and a 4am licence. Bottle of lager: £3.50; gin and tonic £3
467-469 Brixton Rd, SW9, 020 7326 4455, dexclub.co.uk, 24-hour licence

Plan B
Despite being located in a former Wimpy restaurant, this dance hangout is a slick, sophisticated space that boasts DJs like Basement Jaxx as regulars. Bands often hold their after-parties here, too, so it's a great place for spotting rock'n'roll royalty like Editors.
Pint of lager £3; gin and tonic £4
418 Brixton Rd, SW9, plan-brixton. co.uk, 08701 165421, Wed 5pm-2am, Thur 5pm-3am, Fri 5pm-4am, Sat 6pm-4am, Sun 6pm-3am

Dogstar
A recent refurb has transformed this three-floor scruffy-chic club into a smart and cosy boudoir-style bar, but with live music and DJs seven days a week it's still famous for packing in those who want to go out dancing. The comfy sofas and big- screen TVs also make it great for sport-watching or a roast after the night before.
Pint of lager £3; gin and tonic £4
389 Coldharbour Lane, SW9; 020 7733 7515, thedogstar.co.uk, Sun-Thurs 7pm until 2am, Fri/Sat until 4am

Upstairs
Brixton's best-kept secret is located above friendly neighbourhood caff, Opus. Its anonymous-looking entrance (you have to ring a buzzer to get in) has a New York feel, and there's a teeny bar on the first floor and a 14-seater restaurant on the second. Because of the good-quality grub on offer, it is constantly packed. The food is modern and chic. A meal for two is around £80.
Bottle of lager £3; gin and tonic £4
89b Acre Lane SW2 (above the Opus Café), 020 7733 8855

Mass/Babalou
Theses two big-capacity venues are geared up for rollicking all-nighters and hold two-for-one drinks offers most nights. Mass packs in 1,500 people and forms the main space of this huge converted church with Babalou (capacity 500), its more laid-back sister, down in the crypt. The music is loud and beats-driven. Babalou also hosts regular comedy nights.
Pint of lager: £3; gin and tonic £3
St Matthew's Church, Brixton Hill, SW2, mass-club.com, 020 7738 7875 Babalou Thur until 2am, Fri/Sat until 5am, closed Sun to Wed

Hope and Anchor
Located halfway betwixt Brixton and Clapham, this unpretentious boozer has benefited from a recent facelift. The fantastic food is now a big draw, the big Japanese-style beer garden means it's popular with smokers, and there's a bar upstairs (Myth) that holds stand-up nights and gigs.
Pint of lager £2.80; gin and tonic £3.10
123 Acre Lane, SW2, 020 7274 1787, Mon to Thur until 11pm, Fri/Sat open until midnight, Sun until 22.30pm