A proper raised stage — not a cleared corner
The Old Black Bar has a built-in raised stage at one end of the room, visible from every seat. Whether it's a solo artist, a duo, a spoken word night, or a band — performers get a real stage. Audiences get a real view. The intimacy is the point: 30 people in a room designed for performance, not converted from an office.
- Built-in raised stage with clear sightlines
- High-fidelity PA system with monitor output
- Microphone and microphone stand included
- Stage lighting for atmosphere and visibility
A room with a story — and the atmosphere to match
The Old Black Bar takes its name from the bar that used to occupy this space. Original bay windows. Exposed brick. A room that has absorbed performances and gathered people for decades. Your audience will feel that the moment they walk in. It’s the kind of venue that makes a performance feel like an occasion.
- Original bay windows and exposed brick throughout
- Intimate 30-person capacity — close enough to connect
- Inside Brixton Village — a destination in itself
- Evening and weekend hire available
Add BCC Bar — drinks before and after the show
BCC Bar is in the same building — a fully licensed private bar with its own on-site distillery. Add it to your performance night and your audience has drinks on arrival, during the interval, and after the set. It turns a performance into a full evening.
- Full alcohol licence — cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer
- Small-batch spirits distilled on-site
- Comfortable lounge seating for your whole audience
- Optional welcome drinks or full bar service
Everything your performance needs
Exclusive Hire
The whole room is yours — no other events, no strangers walking through.
Raised Stage
Built-in performance stage with clear sightlines from every seat in the room.
PA & Microphone
High-fidelity sound system with monitor output and microphone stand — tested before you start.
Stage Lighting
Lighting to set the atmosphere and ensure performers are visible from every seat.
On-site Host
Our team handles setup, audience arrivals, and anything that comes up — so you focus on the show.
Bar Add-on
Add BCC Bar for a fully licensed drinks offering before, during, and after the performance.
The performances it’s made for
Sofar Sounds Style
Intimate gigs where the audience is as close to the music as physically possible. The room is made for it.
Solo & Acoustic Sets
A small room, a real stage, and 30 people paying attention. Exactly the right setting for stripped-back performance.
Spoken Word Nights
The stage and PA make every word land. An audience that fits in a room, not a theatre.
Comedy Nights
30 people, a real mic, and nowhere to hide. The intimacy that makes comedy actually work.
Album Launches
Bring your people to Brixton Village, play the record live, and open the bar. A proper release night.
Cultural Events
Community screenings, artistic presentations, and cultural programming in a venue that reflects Brixton.
Tell us your date and what you’re putting on.
WhatsApp us your date, the type of performance, and a rough audience size — we’ll confirm availability and a quote the same day.
Or email host@impactbrixton.com — WhatsApp is faster.
Questions about performance hire
How many people does The Old Black Bar hold for a performance?
The Old Black Bar holds up to 30 people for a standing or theatre-seated performance. It’s intentionally intimate — the right size for acoustic sets, spoken word, and Sofar Sounds-style gigs where closeness to the performer is part of the experience. WhatsApp us with your details.
What sound equipment is available?
The Old Black Bar has a high-fidelity PA system with monitor output, a microphone and stand, and DI inputs for instruments. Our host will set up and sound-check before doors open. If you have specific technical requirements, let us know when you enquire.
Can I add a bar for my audience?
Yes — BCC Bar is in the same building and can be added to any performance booking. It has a full alcohol licence and serves cocktails made with on-site distilled spirits. Your audience can drink before, during, and after the show. Learn more about BCC Bar.
Is the space available in the evenings?
Yes — evening hire is available and most performances are booked in the evening. The Old Black Bar works particularly well for evening gigs because the Brixton Village setting adds to the sense of occasion for your audience. WhatsApp us with your date.
Can the space host bands or only solo performers?
The Old Black Bar is best suited to solo performers, duos, and small ensembles — acoustic or lightly amplified. The stage and room size are ideal for stripped-back performance. For larger amplified bands, get in touch and we’ll advise based on your setup.
Where is The Old Black Bar?
Inside Impact Brixton at 17a Electric Lane, Brixton Village, London SW9 8LA — two minutes from Brixton Underground station (Victoria line). Walking distance from the venue your audience will already know and love in the heart of Brixton.
Can I visit the space before booking?
Yes. WhatsApp us to arrange a visit — we’ll show you the stage, the room layout, and the bar so you can picture your night in the space.
BCC Bar
Private bar with on-site distillery — add it for drinks at your performance night.
Learn More →Events & Workshops
Theatre seating for presentations, panels, and workshops up to 30 people.
Learn More →Team Away Days
Exclusive workspace for up to 16 — then drinks at the bar to end the day.
Learn More →