Tunnelling into Brixton

Underneath the arches among the fish and fruit shops on the vibrant Atlantic Road, a new bar has arrived on the south-London scene.

The earthy and urban Brixton Bar and Grill is a cool and slinky place to hang out, even if you do feel a bit achingly hip while you soak up the vibe there.

The large arch bunker comprises a long bar and lounge area. At the drinks end there's dark brown leather banquet seating, an island table of oak (created from a tree knocked down in the storms of 1987, affectionately named 'Old Peter') and a busy cocktail bar, of which onto later. The back lounge features a loafing area, with a mish mash of low tables and comfy seating laid out to enjoy DJ entertainment.

We parked up at Old Pete for our tapas supper and ordered a medley of half crumbed scallops, pressed marinated mackerel and grilled tiger prawns, each dish was succulent, crunchy and fresh — and I wanted more.

My dinner partner being veggie, we plumped for beetroot fritter balls with yoghurt and watercress (deliciously crispy and extremely more-ish) a Mediterranean-influenced dish of eggplant stack with mozarello, pesto and capsicum, and figs stuffed with goats cheese and rocket. The sharpness of the raw fig contrasting in texture and taste with the creamy cheese to make this an unusually flavoursome choice.

The drinks list at the Brixton Bar and Grill is pretty impressive. With five different champagnes on offer, from Mumm at £30 to Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque at £90, this place seems aching to be a party venue. And with an extensive wine list brimming with tantalising descriptions, all priced around the £18 mark, the wannabe connoisseur will feel at home.

Cocktails are created with flair from scratch — pinching a few raw ingredients from the kitchen. Try the refreshing Pimms Rose or zesty Lemon Rolla this spring, each will be sure to give you a kick start after dinner!

And if you're ready for more, well you can always 'retire' to the lounge, where the beats will be pulsing until 3am on a Friday and Saturday night, when the late licence gets approval in about one month's time.