Drinking in Brixton: Dogstar, Albert, Windmill and the Grosvenor -

Weds: The week started early: as I popped out for “quiet” beers at the Albert followed by “just the one” at the Dogstar.

That ‘one’ somehow multiplied into ‘many’ and it proved to be a very late night indeed. Eeek!

Thursday we went up to the Windmill to see our mates in the fabulous No Frills Band supporting old time American folk music purveyors, the Black Twig Pickers.

The Twiggers in action.

They did this curious stage huddle thing, where the guy with the sweaty back banged the strings of the violin with what looked like knitting needles, while his other mate cuddled up to play harmonica. It was quite sweet.

On Friday, we managed to venture north of the river (gasp!) for an urban75 drink at the Bree Louise,69, Cobourg St, NW1, a lively bar veritably stuffed with quality real ales.

Here’s the winner of the Design Museum ‘best dressed’ award, resplendent in her jammy dodger-festooned mask.

That had a vast selection of ales on offer, but for some reason I elected to try out the Apples & Pears cider, which – in retrospect – possibly wasn’t the greatest idea I’ve had in a pub.

Suitably loosened up, we made it down to Brixton for Club Integral at the Grosvenor.More beers and table football followed (we won!).

Unwisely, my girlfriend decided to have a go on the new kids adventure playground in Max Roach park on the way home.

Ignoring my warnings that she would almost certainly fall off and hurt herself, seconds later calamity struck. I actually have photographic evidence of her fall from grace, but I’m not allowed to post it up!

Saturday at the Albert saw “poet, community worker and former criminal” Michael Groce host a hard hitting night commemorating the Brixton Riots.

Sunday was Acoustic Insurgency at the Grosvenor, a benefit night in aid of Ian Tomlinson who was attacked by police at the G20 protests last year, and later died.

Me and Nicola were DJing and old chum Vic Lambrusco hosted the evening.

Shit Theatre onstage at the Grosvenor.

Note to clubs: if you book me as a DJ don’t tempt me with wonderful effects like this. I mean, what song doesn’t sound better with a cheesy ‘animal sound’ effect over the top?