Hootananny Brixton — Attraction in London

What an incredible venue! The sound system is top-notch, and the atmosphere on Saturday night was absolutely electric. We were invited by one of the artists performing, and this was our first time visiting. I’m so pleased we went — the DJs were phenomenal and really gave it their all.

However, our experience on arrival left a lot to be desired. When we got to the entrance around 11.00 p.m., the young man in the kiosk asked for ID. Fair enough — we completely understand the need for this. We hadn’t been out in a while and had forgotten to bring physical ID, so my partner politely asked if it would be acceptable to show it on our phones. Unfortunately, the staff member’s response was unnecessarily rude and dismissive. He spoke over my partner, rolled his eyes, and said, “Can’t she speak for herself?”

I understand that working in the cold at a kiosk isn’t easy, but as the first point of contact for such a fantastic venue, his attitude was really disappointing. He seemed impatient, unhappy in his role, and completely lacking in warmth or enthusiasm — qualities that are essential in customer service.

We’re older and more experienced than many of the younger revellers there, so we brushed it off, but had this been someone younger or less patient, it could have easily escalated into a bigger issue. It’s worth noting for management that this staff member might be better suited to a behind-the-scenes role rather than front-of-house, where first impressions are so important.

Overall, the night itself was amazing, but I do feel that this encounter cast a shadow on the start of our evening. As paying customers, being greeted with basic courtesy shouldn’t be too...

I have stayed for a few days, it is very nice with many qualities and facilities. I found the following which I am putting here in detail Kitchen - They have a very massive well-organized kitchen, where they provide you with free breakfast, and also an opportunity to cook yourself. They have put a naming system so you can put your stuff in your name and use it, fridge is also quite good for many people. 6 stores cooking range is very good for cooking large meals

Toillets/washroom - They have very well-organized toilets and washroom, some have hangers that seem lack of maintenance but are sort of ok and clean

Lounge - They have a big room lounge where you can sit on sofas and watch TV

Locker - they provide a quite secure way to put your valuable items in Locker with the key provided. That is very nice and easy to live here

Cons I missed one thing about having a table to work at, in the previous hostel they have provided 6-8 people space to work from there, and was amazing. But here nobody put tables, I wish they could remove one sofa and make three people so professional can work. I left earlier than my checkout because I was not to work their Internet - They have a good internet connection but are limited to the lounge room and rooms, but does not work kitchen, outside and garden, which is very strange why so much limited internet, they just need to add a few...

I need to be clear we didnt stay in the hostel We went to the songwriters event as it was my bday and I wanted something musicy that id be happy to go to on my own as it was a 'school' night.. We found it ok as I had a pretty good idea of the area even though I've never been that far down Effra before.. Slightly disappointingly we ended up staying in the pub next door for longer as Hootenanny was said not to do food. We arrived in time for the last two performances which were both great and quite different.. we did spent a few minutes wandering around as it wasn't clear as a newbie where the music was, again as with my last exploring expedition, I understand as its in a residential area and for soundproofing etc that they have closed solid doors but with little signage and lighting to the function room/ stage it was a bit of a wander.. its a BIG space; the bar area is roomy and bright with pool tables, the front garden is nicely set out and it must be nice for those staying as well as us passers by.. There weren't loads of places to sit in the stage area as a few tables scattered around but maybe its a reflection of my antisocial self that when they're were only one or two people at a table, I was reluctant to join or ask to take a chair.. I got the impression there may have been some regulars but lots of band members in crowd Would definitely go back - reminiscent of our...