Let's be honest, London’s not exactly known for its peace and quiet; finding somewhere to properly unwind can often feel like a small miracle among a city that's well on its way to never sleeping. That's where the listening bar comes in. Borrowing from Japan’s audiophile culture, these intimate spaces pair refined interiors and expert sound systems with carefully curated playlists, inviting you to actually listen.
Soak in the tickle of a crackling vinyl, bask in candlelit corners, and sip on cocktails that taste as smooth as the music in the background. From Peckham to Hackney, discover our guide to the best listening bars London has to offer; take a seat and let the speakers do the rest.
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Listening Bars: London's Best For Audiophiles
1. Chiave
- Location: 36 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DP
- Best for: drinks with a customised playlist
- What to order: Limbo (£14)
- Why we recommend: while the venue's dinky in size, Chiave's drinks pack a punch
Tucked along Shoreditch’s effortlessly cool Redchurch Street, Chiave is the kind of bar that feels instantly in tune with its surroundings. Translating to 'key' in Italian, this intimate cocktail den unlocks something special for London’s music lovers and mixology fans alike. The brainchild of Istanbul-born duo Selin and Cem - who also run the independent record label Fake Society - Chiave embodies an underground spirit.
Inside, it’s all about dim lighting, exposed brick and the soft crackle of vinyl echoing from below, where DJs spin late into the night in a glowing red basement. Upstairs, you’ll find an elegant bar stocked with spirits and a menu where every cocktail takes its cue from a song. Scan the QR code beside your drink and you’ll be treated to its accompanying playlist - a playful, personal touch. From the smoky mezcal-based Limbo to the whisky and tonka bean Nightcall, every tipple is delicious.
Chiave's low-lighting and DJ nights make it a hit.
2. Spiritland King's Cross
- Location: 9-10 Stable Street, King's Cross, N1C 4AB
- Best for: a brilliant sound system and recording podcasts
- What to order: Raspberry Cream (clarified) negroni (£15)
- Why we recommend: it's home to radio shows, podcasts, album launches and more
Spiritland King’s Cross is a sleek café-bar-radio hybrid and a love letter to sound in all its forms, built for those who want to experience music the way artists intended. Founded on the belief that listening should be immersive, not incidental, Spiritland combines world-class acoustics with creative cocktails, a relaxed dining menu, and a touch of audiophile magic.
At its core is a bespoke Living Voice sound system, handcrafted in Nottinghamshire and tuned to perfection, that fills the space with warm, crystal-clear audio from morning to late night. We suggest catching a live DJ set, tuning into a radio broadcast, or just sipping on a Raspberry Cream negroni or a jalapeño and coconut cocktail.
Spiritland in King's Cross (pictured).
3. Seed Library
- Location: One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
- Best for: funk, soul and Mr Lyan cocktails
- What to order: Lada Lada (£15)
- Why we recommend: this subterranean den makes the best date night spot
Hidden beneath One Hundred Shoreditch, Seed Library comes from award-winning bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, better known as Mr Lyan. True to his inventive spirit, this East London hideaway swaps showy theatrics for stripped-back sophistication, celebrating all things lo-fi and analogue. It’s a space where craftsmanship reigns, cocktails are reimagined with a maker’s touch, and the music (courtesy of Diggers Dozen spinning vinyl on weekends) sets a mellow, soulful tone.
The drinks are anything but ordinary. Expect clever twists on classics like the creamy C.R.E.A.M. Margarita with jasmine and Champagne, or the Beeswax Old Fashioned that’s smooth enough to melt time. With its warm lighting, tactile design and easy intimacy, Seed Library feels less like a cocktail destination and more like your coolest friend’s basement - if that friend happened to be one of the best bartenders in the world.
You'll find Seed Library below One Hundred Shoreditch.
4. Equal Parts
- Location: 245 Hackney Road, Hackney, E2 8NA
- Best for: selector nights on Thursdays, with guest DJs playing vinyl-only from 8pm
- What to order: Raw Chilli Paloma (£14)
- Why we recommend: while boasting a string of accolades, the bar remains welcoming, warm and affordable
As far as London listening bars go, Equal Parts is a standout. Since opening in late 2023, it’s become a quiet force in the city’s cocktail scene. Founders Michael and Karolina have created something rare: a bar that feels intimate and local, yet delivers the kind of precision and care you’d expect from the world’s finest drinking destinations.
Music plays an equally vital role here, with vinyl-only selector nights every Thursday drawing you into a warm, groove-filled atmosphere of funk, jazz, disco and soul. Our favourite drinks here include the Raw Chilli Paloma, made using red pepper tequila and Scotch bonnet, and the Presidenta, with rum, sherry and coffee crème de noyaux.
Visit on Thursdays for Equal Parts' vinyl nights.
5. Goodbye Horses
- Location: 21 Halliford Street, Islington, N1 3HB
- Best for: walk-ins and
- What to order: a glass of natural wine
- Why we recommend: it's a gorgeous spot to mull over the day in the leafy Islington borough
Just off Essex Road, Goodbye Horses is Islington’s reason to hover over a glass of wine. Part of a playful trio that includes Day Trip café and the Dreamery ice cream shop, this stylish wine bar and restaurant feels both local and quietly avant-garde. With George de Vos of Brilliant Corners fame running front of house and Jack Coggins (formerly of Papi) leading the kitchen, it’s a meeting of minds that pairs creativity with charm.
The result? A space where natural wines meet seasonal small plates. Designed by Leopold Banchini, the stripped-back interiors lean minimalist and communal, setting the tone for evenings of conversation, curiosity, and clinking glasses. The wine list, curated by Nathalie Nelles, formerly of the Noble Fine Liquor Group, is a biodynamic dream, best explored by the glass with guidance from the knowledgeable team.
Vinyl and a glass of biodynamic wine go down a treat at Goodbye Horses.
6. Jazu
- Location: 2 Deptford High Street, Deptford, SE8 4AF
- Best for: audiophiles and late-night locals (it's open 'til 3am on Fridays and Saturdays)
- What to order: Agave Martini (£15)
- Why we recommend: Jazu has both style and substance as a respected listening bar fronting Hi-Fi audio and guest DJ nights, as well as exciting kitchen residencies
If you're on the hunt for listening bars in London, venture South East to Deptford for this beauty. Jazu brings together high-fidelity sound, a rotating DJ line-up, and a solid cocktail list, creating a space that hums with energy. With its bespoke sound system, disco ball, and benches spilling onto the pavement on busy nights, it effortlessly feels like a Tokyo-inspired hi-fi bar.
Sip on a Rye-Tai, a smoky-sweet mix of Rittenhouse Rye and crème de noyaux, or the perfectly balanced Agave Martini while the DJ spins a vinyl-only set from the booth. The bar’s kitchen residencies keep things fresh, drawing in a mix of regulars and first-timers who come for the tunes and stay for the food.
There's a lot to love about Jazu (pictured).
7. Bambi
- Location: Netil House, 1 Westgate Street, London Fields, E8 3RL
- Best for: small plates and natural wine
- What to order: Bambi Margarita (£12)
- Why we recommend: Bambi offers the best of both worlds - a cool restaurant with a buzzy kitchen you can sneak a peek at through a hatch, and a fun, late-night DJ bar spinning exclusively vinyl
When it comes to a vinyl listening bar, London's Bambi is a beloved restaurant and wine den that wins over your heart immediately upon entry. Founded by James Dye (of Frank’s in Peckham and The Camberwell Arms fame), it’s a music-led restaurant and bar with a hi-fidelity sound system courtesy of Friendly Pressure and a record collection that spans everything from soul to techno.
Dinner is relaxed and buzzy, but come Friday and Saturday nights, the vibe shifts seamlessly into party mode, with DJs spinning until 1am. The drinks list is superb too, featuring the likes of a signature Bambi margarita and a lip-smackingly good pickle martini, plus an impressive sparkling-heavy wine selection that champions small European producers.
Bambi is a favourite among East Londoners.
8. Hausu
- Location: 11A Station Way, Peckham Rye Station, SE15 4RX
- Best for: large groups, thanks to its feasting menu, and a vintage hi-fidelity sound system
- What to order: Whiskey Syrah Sour (£14)
- Why we recommend: we feel like Hausu fuses the flair of South East London with the sensory magic of a hi-fi listening bar brilliantly
Set inside the grand, Grade II-listed ticket office of Peckham Rye Station, Hausu is named after the cult 1970s Japanese horror film, and is committed to audio and good food and drink. Here you'll find a vintage hi-fidelity sound system and a playfully inventive menu by head chef Holly Middleton-Joseph (whose CV boasts Frank’s, Camberwell Arms, and Mountain).
The space unfolds across three rooms: a lively walk-in-only bar, a sunken open kitchen surrounded by counter seating, and an intimate dining room tucked away at the back. The soundtrack, like the food, is eclectic, spanning ambient grooves to disco and downtempo jazz. The cocktails are a particular draw: the sour apple mezcal margarita packs a tart punch, while the buttered rum espresso martini and bergamot negroni are instant crowd-pleasers.
Hausu took over Peckham institution, the Coal Rooms.
9. Birlliant Corners
- Location: 470 Kingsland Road, Dalston, E8 4AE
- Best for: Japanese eats and first dates
- What to order: Highball (£14)
- Why we recommend: Brilliant Corners is arguably the original spot that put London’s hi-fi bar scene on the map, pairing pitch-perfect sound with soulful Japanese cooking
Opened in 2013 by brothers Amit and Aneesh Patel, Brilliant Corners has spent over a decade defining the London audiophile experience. The Dalston institution fuses audiophile-grade sound with a Japanese izakaya-inspired menu and an ever-evolving roster of vinyl DJs and live jazz, all set within its warm, wood-accented space. What began as a bold experiment from two music-loving brothers has grown into one of the world’s most respected hi-fi bars, inspiring a new generation of London listening spots.
On any given night, you’ll find a crowd swaying between the dining tables and the decks. The kitchen serves delicate sashimi, maki and tartare, alongside crispy chicken kara-age, beef teppanyaki, and tempura tofu. Drinks are just as refined: from the white negroni or highball with plum sake and scotch, to the mezcal margarita laced with pomegranate and lime.
Tuck into sushi, sip sake and listen to good music at Birlliant Corners.
10. Jumbi
- Location: Unit 4.1, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, Peckham, SE15 3SN
- Best for: rum lovers, vinyl heads, and soulful nights
- What to order: any rum-based drink
- Why we recommend: Jumbi brings the warmth, rhythm, and flavour of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora to Peckham
A labour of love from Bradley Zero and Nathanael Colours (founder of Colour Factory), Jumbi is a community hub built around sound, taste, and culture. Inside, a bespoke hi-fi booth and single turntable sit at the heart of the room, surrounded by shelves lined with Bradley’s personal vinyl collection. You're invited to dig in, pull a record, and let the music unfold.
Drinks behind the bar nod to the founders’ Dominican and Kittitian roots, with a rum-focused cocktail list that evolves with the seasons, with plenty of tropical notes, island spices, and plenty of soul. It’s this blend of Afro-Caribbean flavour and vinyl culture that makes Jumbi one of Peckham’s most distinctive listening bars.
Jumbi is all about rum and rhythm.
11. Space Talk
- Location: 18-20 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4AY
- Best for: 70s vibes and an intimate atmosphere
- What to order: Chile (£15)
- Why we recommend: there's an exclusive feel to Space Talk thanks to its no pictures policy, which allows you to truly get lost in the moment and converse over a great cocktail
Hidden in Clerkenwell, Space Talk is a Japanese listening bar in London devoted to sonic connection and mindful listening. It comes with a bespoke sound system and curated music programming that spans genres, cultures, and eras. Here, the ethos is simple: no phones, no posturing, just great sound and shared experience.
The weekly rhythm is set by its community events every Tuesday - from poetry readings and explorations of forgotten sounds to traditional live performances - each designed to foster inclusion and curiosity. By the weekend, Space Talk morphs into a moodier, late-night bar that attracts a thoughtful, music-loving crowd. The drinks list includes Fig, made with Tuscan bitters and gin, Pepper, made up of a mix of mezcal and red bell pepper, or the fragrant Mandarin with saffron, ginger, and bergamot soda. Pair your drink with Japanese-inspired small plates like seabream ponzu or tuna tartare.
Space Talk is elusive and sleek.
12. Mad Cats
- Location: 107 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DL
- Best for: East London lo-fi lovers and vinyl romantics
- What to order: The ZaZa (£15)
- Why we recommend: we think that Mad Cats is a love letter to London’s hi-fi culture, and we're obsessed with the mix of sake and jasmine in its Golden Negroni
On the prowl for listening bars in East London? Mad Cats is a hi-fi bar where funk hums and cocktails purr. You can look forward to a mahogany subwoofer and moody lighting, as well as crate-digging DJs, and low-lit chats that stretch deep into the night. The cocktail list is stunning: we love the ZaZa, washed in olive oil and za’atar liqueur; the Golden Negroni, blending sake, jasmine and vermouth; and the smoky, spicy Midnight Pounce with mezcal and agave.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Sake Spritz or Citrus Spritz keep things fresh and fizzy. Food leans Japanese-inspired, with small plates made for nibbling between tracks, like tender beef short rib, crisp cauliflower salad, and bites best shared over a cocktail and a little Miles Davis.
Mad Cats is for the cool cats.
13. Little Fires
- Location: 125-127 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E2 7DG
- Best for: mezcal, Latin American cooking
- What to order: Chimichurri Martini (£14)
- Why we recommend: as well as live DJ sessions, we can't get enough of the Latin cocktail menu here
A two-storey venue in Shoreditch, Little Fires is a restaurant and listening bar all in one. Head downstairs for the cool speakeasy space, promising a DJ booth and hi-fi lounge, where they hoist regular live sessions. Expect sleek, dark decor, with warm lighting and comfy velvet seats.
They've got a huge range of mezcal-based cocktails to try out, with plenty of spice-infused concoctions on offer too. Hungry? Try out the upstirs restaurant for plates like mushroom quesadillas and duck tacos dorados.
Find chilled DJ sessions at at Little Fires.
14. All My Friends
- Location: Unit 1, Hamlet Estate, 96 White Post Lane, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN
- Best for: happy hour deals, buying records, and partying
- What to order: Hot Melon (£11.30)
- Why we recommend: All My Friends is full of life, operating as a hangout, a hi-fi haven, and a creative community
From the DIY party crew behind The Cause, All My Friends is Hackney Wick’s favourite hangout, a hybrid space where music, natural wine, craft beer, cocktails and street food come together. There are vinyl-lined walls, a custom hi-fi sound system, and a rotating cast of selectors soundtracking your night with everything from rare groove to world disco.
Behind the bar, expect seasonal cocktails, local brews, and a natural wine list. Midweek you'll find £5 pints, pizzas and margaritas every Wednesday, and 2-4-1 cocktails on Thursdays featuring signatures like the Big Smoke (mezcal, Aperol, cherry and lime) and the Hot Melon (tequila, watermelon and a Tabasco kick). There’s also an in-house record shop stocked with everything from electronic gems to jazz deep cuts, a vinyl cleaning service, and even a video series diving into the casual banter and music musings that happen between spins.
Get your own vinyl cleaned at All My Friends.
15. Nine Lives
- Location: 8 Holyrood Street, London Bridge, SE1 2EL
- Best for: agave-based drinks
- What to order: Smoke Signal (£14)
- Why we recommend: early 2000s tracks, deep cuts, and sun-soaked Southern California vibes from the kitchen all blend into one seamless experience
Tucked into a Victorian basement just off Bermondsey Street, Nine Lives is a low-lit, intimate bar with high-concept cocktails and a menu of seriously good tacos from legendary Mexican chef ‘El Tigre’. Drinks-wise, get your lips around the Señor Burbujas (a lively Mexi-Cola inspired by a Batanga), the Cobfather (pandan, corn liqueur, cornflake milk), or the tropical, rum-forward Piña Noir built around homemade Tepache.
Music is just as central as the drinks. The Nine Lives Sound System, custom-built by Wave Research, delivers quadraphonic hi-fi audio that transforms the basement into the perfect venue for after-dark listening, drinking, and dancing.
Tacos and tunes? That's exactly what you'll find at Nine Lives.
For more, check out our guide to restaurants with live music.
