Standing proud at the junction of two low-rise streets in Lambeth is an ornate Edwardian corner building whose origins as a tavern is writ large in the large pub-style windows and arched, stuccoed entrance on the ground floor.
More surprising is the 120-year-old building's interlude as an acrobat arena, which it served as before becoming the legendary Mambo Inn, an African and Latin clubland institution (where DJs such as Gerry Lyseight, Max Reinhardt and Rita Ray cultivated the eclectic sound that attracted 100s of people every night).
Finally, the upstairs ballroom was converted into apartments in 2008 and current downstairs tenants include a café and gallery.
Now, a 3,600sq ft live-work space across the ground floor, basement and a mezzanine level is up for sale for £1.1 million, offering a buyer with vision the opportunity to get creative.
Beyond the red-brick façade with stuccoed cornices and square columns so typical of the era, you step into a bright and airy reception area with huge windows that flood the space with light, double-height ceilings that afford a sense of grandeur and oak floorboards that add warmth.
The undisputed jewel in the crown is the cast-iron Edwardian and Art Nouveau fireplace complete with original floral tiles.
There’s also a loo, bathroom and commercial space with an adjoining kitchen, which is where the café operates.
Up the stairs and behind a glass balustrade is a tiny double loft bedroom while down a separate flight from the ground floor is the basement studio with a sky-lit kitchenette, office and music room.
Dual store rooms could also prove useful for a potential buyer with professional kit.
“The building has had such an eclectic history as it’s been used for various interesting events run for the community,” explains Rae McCarthy-Yardley, sales team manager at Inigo, the estate agent the property is listed with.
“There were jazz nights during the war when the licence was relaxed to accommodate music for the public, not just private parties.
"In the 1970s, it was adapted to be a discotheque with fibreglass palm trees and running water. And, in more recent years, it’s been used as a gallery and event space to continue its long history of being a community hub for the arts.”
Fluid, open-plan spaces and crisp, white walls throughout make this a literal blank canvas for creative types.
There are even gallery-grade lighting tracks left over from when the property served as an art space.
Musician, photographer, artist… or acrobat? This one’s got your name written all over it.
© The Standard Ltd