Light, flexible, and comfortable enough to spend a whole day creating in
The Old Black Bar is a beautiful, air-conditioned space with original bay windows and a raised stage — the kind of room that actually inspires the work you make in it. Hire it exclusively to develop new ideas, rehearse performances, and bring creative projects to life.
- Raised stage with high-fidelity PA and mic inputs
- Bay windows bringing in natural light throughout the day
- Air conditioning — comfortable for full-day sessions
- Exclusive hire — no other groups in the building
- Unlimited free tea and coffee included
- Super-fast WiFi throughout
Everything you need for a full creative day
The space has breakout areas and a welcoming waiting area for your cast or collaborators to settle into between sessions. When you need lunch, Brixton Village is directly below — with brilliant independent restaurants at a discounted rate for our guests.
- Breakout areas and waiting area for the full group
- Kitchen access for longer sessions
- Discounted lunch at Brixton Village restaurants downstairs
- Open floor space for movement, blocking, and choreography
Whatever you’re making
Images are AI-generated visualisations based on photographs of the actual space.
Every booking funds free programmes for local people
Impact Brixton is a community-led social enterprise. Every hire helps fund free programmes supporting local entrepreneurs, freelancers, and young people facing barriers to employment.
Planning a longer rehearsal period or booking multiple days? We’re always happy to discuss discounted rates for community organisations, charities, and longer residencies. Just get in touch.
Talk to Us About DiscountsEverything in the room — nothing to bring
Stage & PA
Raised performance stage with high-fidelity PA and mic inputs.
Natural Light
Original bay windows — bright without being harsh. Good for a full creative day.
Air Conditioning
Climate controlled — comfortable whether you’re moving or sitting.
Tea & Coffee
Unlimited free tea and coffee for your whole group, all day.
Super-fast WiFi
Reliable internet throughout — for playbacks, research, and keeping in touch.
Exclusive Hire
The whole building is yours. No other groups, no interruptions.
Tell us what you’re working on.
WhatsApp us your date, session length, and a brief description of your project — we’ll confirm availability and a quote the same day. Community organisations and charities: ask about our discounted rates.
Or email host@impactbrixton.com — WhatsApp is faster.
Common questions about rehearsal hire
What kind of creative work can I rehearse here?
The space works for theatre rehearsals, devising, auditions, table reads, R&D projects, spoken word, choir rehearsals, movement workshops, community arts sessions, band rehearsals, vocal coaching, and dance. The stage, PA, and open floor space make it flexible across formats. WhatsApp us with your project and we’ll advise.
Is the space soundproofed?
The Old Black Bar is hired exclusively, so there are no neighbours sharing a wall while you work. Full volume on the PA is fine. It is not a purpose-built soundproofed recording studio.
Do you offer discounts for community organisations or longer residencies?
Yes. We’re a community-led social enterprise and we’re always happy to discuss discounted rates for community organisations, charities, and longer rehearsal residencies. WhatsApp us to discuss.
How long can I book for?
We offer half-day and full-day hire, and can discuss multi-day residencies. For shorter sessions, WhatsApp us and we’ll see what’s available.
Is lunch available nearby?
Brixton Village is directly below Impact Brixton — a range of independent restaurants and cafés with discounted rates for our guests. You can also use the kitchen for your own catering.
Where is The Old Black Bar?
Inside Impact Brixton at 17a Electric Lane, Brixton Village, London SW9 8LA — five minutes from Brixton Underground station (Victoria line). Independent cafés and restaurants are directly below for breaks between sessions.
Performances
Host an intimate live night, showcase, or cultural event for an audience of up to 30.
Learn More →Events & Workshops
Theatre seating for up to 30 — panels, workshops, and presentations.
Learn More →BCC Bar
Private bar and distillery in the same building — ideal for after the session.
Learn More →