3 weeks ago
One of Brixton’s most beloved spots, the Dogstar pub on Coldharbour Lane, has officially closed after decades of serving locals and visitors alike.
Despite efforts to find a buyer, the closure comes after Antic London, the pub’s operator, went into administration in July 2024, putting the future of 13 popular pubs in South London at risk.
Dogstar has been an icon of Brixton’s nightlife, often buzzing with live music, themed events, and the lively atmosphere that defined the area. Originally known as the Atlantic, the pub was reborn as the Dogstar in the mid-1990s under Antic’s ownership. Unfortunately, while other Antic venues were saved by Urban Pubs & Bars – including well-known spots like the Balham Bowls Club and East Dulwich Tavern – Dogstar wasn’t part of the deal.
In recent months, Dogstar had been operating with reduced hours, opening only on Fridays and Saturdays while administrators worked to find a buyer. Despite these efforts, no suitable offer came through, leaving Brixton without one of its cultural cornerstones. Dogstar joins the ranks of other pubs left out of the Urban Pubs & Bars deal, including the Tooting Tram and Social and Coopers in Crystal Palace.
While Antic’s remaining venues continue to trade, the future of the Dogstar remains uncertain. For Brixton residents, it’s a bittersweet moment, as a piece of local history fades from Coldharbour Lane’s ever-evolving landscape.
