Converted churches, ska nights and break beats; a night out in Brixton is certainly eclectic. David Woode checks out the best places for a night out.

While boasting a music policy covering bassline, D&B, Latin, garage and house, the most devout of clubbers flock to Mass for a truly religious experience. The ground-breaking dupstep night, DMZ, takes place at this Brixton Hill venue every other month and sees the creative force behind DMZ records showcasing the best talent from the genre.

And alongside Mass, a number of smart hang suites, relaxing pubs and rocking venues create the pulsating party vein which runs through the area. Brixton’s night life is stealing the thunder from its fashionable east London cousin and is becoming a noted nocturnal destination for the most party-hungry punter.

South London resident, Seth Singh Jennings likes Brixton for its neighbourly atmosphere and cites the White Horse on Brixton Hill as a noted drinking den. He said: “Brixton’s got a real community feel. Maybe it’s because I know the area quite well, but it’s really unpretentious. It’s like everyone’s on the same page.”

The SW9 postcode used to be a well-kept secret among clubbers; but its unique selling point is that behind its gritty urban glamour, it offers an alternative to the commerciality of the east London super clubs. The original club-in-a-pub, The Dogstar, boasts an impressive musical prowess over its three floors. Live bands and DJs rock this sophisticated space seven days a week and what’s more, it’s open until 4am on the weekends. Perfect.

Jamm on Brixton Road regularly hosts after-parties for the big-name acts who play at the o2 Academy Brixton, and the perennially-popular Fridge Bar still packs a punch with banging beats and a cosmopolitan crowd.

The Hootenanny on Effra Road has a varied music policy, and despite the odd name, this pub regularly hosts live ska and revival bands, as well as folk and world music acts. Up-coming events include sets by R&B mainstay Geno Washington and dancehall reggae legend, Frankie Paul, dubbed ‘the Jamaican Stevie Wonder’. Roots and reggae weaved its way into Brixton’s rich tapestry when many of the first waves of West Indian immigrants arrived on these shores in the 1950s and settled in the area. And now the area’s musical diversity spans from dancehall to disco, break beat to bashment and hip-hop to hardcore.

So charge up your oyster card, take note from Eddy Grant and rock down to Electric Avenue because if God is a DJ, he’s going to be behind some decks around here.