London’s live music scene (from Camden to Shoreditch and back again) comes brimming with characterful pubs, swinging jazz joints and exotic basement clubs in their dozens. Leave your typical clubbing blueprint at home this weekend and let a live band soundtrack your night out; there are plenty of music pubs and gig venues in London well worth checking out.
Offering one of the best spots for London live music, this gorgeous Canary Wharf venue is a one-stop-shop for jazz, soul and blues. Hosting a stunning range of events here and in Belgravia, Boisdale is one for the musos.
Check out their Sunday blues brunch of you fancy great food and drink alongside the performance, or they're also offering Saturday soul lunches, tribute acts and live bands.
Located in Putney, close to the river, The Half Moon is one of the city's most iconic music venues. Everyone from The Rolling Stones to Kate Bush and Ed Sheeran has played here before going on to become global sensations, so you may be able to catch the next big star performing on your next visit.
There's a dedicated stage area for shows, as well as a fully stocked bar in the main pub space. If you fancy some food while you're at it, expect the likes of slow-cooked beef striploin, Louisiana-style sharing boards or beer-battered fish and chips.
Netil 360 is a live music destination in Hackney as well as a fabulous rooftop bar. With weekly DJ sets and themed nights, Fridays pulse with soul, hip-hop, and global beats, while Saturdays bring house, disco, and Balearic energy to the rooftop.
You can enjoy craft beers, natural wines, or hot cocktails while sharing stone-baked Neapolitan pizzas with friends. The venue transforms with the seasons: open-air rooftops in summer, cosy candlelit winter cabins in colder months, making it one of the most versatile spots for live music, great food, and panoramic views in London.
@ The Spice of Life on Every Sunday
To enjoy live music in London, head on over to Spice of Life in Soho. They're serving up nights of jazz every Sunday, where you can either join the trio with an instrument or vocals, or simply sit back and enjoy the show.
You can also enjoy one of their scrumptious Sunday roasts while you listen, while sipping on pints or fine wines.
@ Sem's of Mayfair on Fri, 26th Apr 2024 - Fri, 31st Jul 2026
Sem's of Mayfair hosts musical performances every single night, from resident pianist John Hudson, four-piece bands and live singers. These take place from Monday right through to Sunday, though the Wednesday jazz night is a particular highlight.
Grab a theatrical cocktail while you're at it, with a great selection of bar snacks on offer too - think toasties, burgers and small plates.
Sunday swing sessions and a mix of jazz musicians make up an electric atmosphere at The Bull's Head. This lively pub can be found in Barnes, famed for having been hosting live music for over 60 years, and they still do seven days a week in their iconic Jazz Room.
There's a wide selection of craft beer to sip while you watch, alongside a scrumptious food menu. Think garlic-baked camembert sharers, sausage and mash, juicy beef burgers and much more.
If you're after live music in North London, Bubba Oasis in Islington hosts performances every week. While you enjoy the fantastic tunes, you can dig into healthy wraps, delicious salads and even a cheeky cocktail or two.
These house parties take place on Fridays, and they also offer brilliant DJ sets in the evenings so you can have a bit of a boogie. and if you're not in the area then they've got a venue in Clapham too.
After live music restaurants in London? Munich Cricket Club Canary Wharf is a top choice. Touting entertainment three times a week, alongside competitions and plenty of prizes, this venue really knows how to pull out all the stops.
On top of that? There's also a Bavarian-inspired menu to keep you fuelled - we're talking chicken schnitzel, bratwurst, hearty salads and much more.
60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£35PP) and 1 other offer
Head to Clerkenwell to discover The Slaughtered Lamb, a trendy gastropub that hosts a regular lineup of live music and other entertainment. Their downstairs room promises a dedicated performance area, decorated with quirky neon signs and cool, dark decor.
This space can fit up to 120 people, perfect for an intimate gig. Expect to see new, up-and-coming talent here, while sipping on local and international craft beers. Feeling peckish? They've got beef rump steak frites, crispy chicken burgers, halloumi wraps and so much more.
Located close to Clapham Junction station, Hannah is a cool bar and restaurant that's decked out in exposed brickwork and plush velvet furnishings. They also host live music from 8pm to 1am, every single Friday and Saturday.
Expect to hear all your favourite sing-along tunes, from cheesy hits to ultimate throwbacks. While you're here, sip classic cocktails or tuck into a juicy burger.
@ Megan's Old Town (Clapham) on Various dates from Friday 26th June 2026
Megan's After Dark is about the mood as much as it is the music. Expect DJs, live performers and all kinds of show-stopping sets.
Want to fuel up your dancing feet? Book into the botanical decor of the restaurant for dinner before busting out your best moves into the wee hours.
London's live-music lovers have a new address to add to their list: Downstairs at 180. This snug basement bar hits its stride on Mondays and Fridays, when jazz musicians from across the city drop in to perform everything from silky standards to improvisational sets.
The vibe is intimate, and the drinks list leans toward refined classics with a modern edge. On non-gig nights, curated playlists keep the musical spirit alive.
New Cross Inn serves up live shows seven days a week. With a stage graced by up-and-comers and touring legends across all kinds of genres, the only condition is that it sounds awesome.
With an epic sound and lighting rig and plenty of room for your moves, the main bar is where it's at for gigs. To recoup between sets, the Stocks Bar gives you touches of the traditional pub, with exposed beams and plush booths.
@ One Ninetyfour, Piccadilly on Friday 3rd July 2026 and 9 other Fridays
Leo Green Presents is bringing you The Secret Sax Party throughout November and December, taking place at One Ninetyfour in Piccadilly. This is a word-class saxophone experience that features a talented live band, made up of fantastic vocalists and musicians.
You'll hear some iconic songs, with some soulful improvisation along the way. The night will be packed full of passion, humour and talent.
@ London Stadium, on Friday 24th July 2026 and 2 other dates
At London Wing Fest 2026, the beats are just as bold as the wings. This festival combines street food with a summer-long soundtrack, featuring live DJs, bands, street buskers, and roaming entertainers all weekend long.
With tickets starting from £25, it's your chance to soak up the sound while enjoying smoky BBQ wings, bourbon cocktails and plenty of outdoor party energy.
Located in East London, Gigi's Hoxton is an uber-cool live music venue that doubles as a late-night bar. Decked out with retro furniture, bold murals and neon lights, it's the ultimate spot to catch a live DJ set or chilled out jazz session.
A wide variety of bands and artists have graced their stage over the years, so you never know who you might see here. And while you're at it, check out their varied menu of signature cocktails.
@ Emerald Theatre on Various dates from Wednesday 1st July 2026
Hux Bar is quickly becoming one of London's premier live music venues, perfectly blending a chic bar experience with an intimate concert vibe.
Every Thursday to Saturday from 9pm to midnight, the stage comes alive with some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists, creating an immersive atmosphere where music lovers can discover new sounds while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. The acoustics and lighting create a captivating setting, whether you're up close with friends or unwinding at the bar. It's a perfect way to combine your love for music and cocktails in one unforgettable evening.
One of the best live music nights in London is Live Band Karaoke. Giving you the chance to tear up the stage, this incredible event brings together a whole backing band to make sure you can live your best rock star life.
This takes place at different locations across the city on a monthly basis, with over 400 songs to choose from across all genres. Whether you're heading up on stage yourself or just watching your mates, you can nab tickets for as little as £7.
At venues across London, Jam Sandwich are bringing you lots of unique live music events. This month, you can attend a Community Sound Bath in Nunhead, complete with instruments designed to relax and restore your body and mind.
They're also hosting a live music night in Peckham, where a fantastic lineup of performers will bring you a set of original music.
A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of London's West End, Karma Sanctum Soho hosts all kinds of spectacular soiree. We're talking epic 'roast & raves', afternoon teas and live music.
At its regular Cameo Sessions, you can groove to the sounds of some of the UK's most exciting independent artists. In the plush comfort of the Cinema Lounge, you'll watch rising talents who could soon be household names perform live on stage.
For laidback, live music in the heart of the city, it's got to be The Stage. Whether you're here to indulge in afternoon tea, drink and dance or take your time over a leisurely dinner, lounge-style piano and stellar vocalists are the icing on the cake.
With performances across Friday to Sunday, there's sure to be a groove you can move to whenever you arrive. There's plenty behind the bar to keep you in the swing of things too, from signature cocktails to the finest champagne and English sparkling wines.
Tucked away in The Hippodrome Casino, Permission Lounge puts on live music every night it opens its doors. That means acoustic and instrumental acts from 6pm Thursday through to Sunday.
As the evening draws in, the softly lit, velvet-draped cocktail bar transitions elegantly from lounge to late night. DJs get behind the decks to take you into the early hours with refined playlists and sophisticated mixes.
@ Perola bar on Thursday 10th September 2026 and 2 other Thursdays
Perched on the 15th floor of Battersea Power Station, Pérola brings together skyline views, elevated drinks and a curated programme of live music in partnership with the legendary Ronnie Scott's. Across a four-part Thursday night series, the venue transforms into an intimate live performance space, hosting Ronnie Scott's resident artists for a 7pm to 10pm session.
The launch features Sarabanda, led by award-winning musician Sara McGuinness, delivering a high-energy mix of Cuban son, salsa, mambo and Latin jazz. Expect brass sections, layered percussion and rhythm-driven arrangements that draw on the golden era of Afro-Latin music, reworked through contemporary performance. Each ticket also includes a welcome drink from Woodford Reserve,
Looking for unforgettable live music in Soho? The Arts Theatre Club brings global musicians right to the heart of London, offering soulful melodies and bluesy rhythms every Thursday and Friday.
But the music doesn't stop there - stay late for a night of retro tunes with their DJs every evening. Whether you're into acoustic performances or just love a good dance, The Arts Theatre Club has something for every live music fan. And with free entry on select nights, it's the perfect spot for an evening out in London.
One of London's best-loved live music pubs, The Finsbury brings an eclectic mix of bands and live performers to its stage. A quick scan of previous gigs throws up everything from funk and jazz to rock and country.
This is not a gig night in the corner of a pub. With a dedicated space, stage and epic AV setup, performances here are live, loud and live long in the memory.
@ 83 Rivington Street on Sat, 17th Oct 2026 @ 13:00 - 23:00
Sofar Fringe Festival: Shoreditch Takeover packs in over 50 grassroots artists over 10 local venues. In celebration of the very best UK talent, this incredible one day event packs in everything from music, comedy and dance to spoken word and thought leadership.
Your wristband gets you access to all the action, all day long. Grab yours from just £27.50.
@ Freight Brixton on Sat, 11th Jul 2026 @ 14:00 - 22:00
Watch a master at work this June at Freight Brixton. Legendary DJ Greg Wilson is behind the decks for an extra special day party.
As well as shaping the UK's club culture in the late '70s and early '80s, Greg made history as the first DJ to demonstrate live mixing on British TV, and taught a young Fatboy Slim to scratch. Grab your tickets to this masterclass in groove for just £5.50.
A legend beneath Oxford Street, The 100 Club has seen many a rock and roll great grace its stage. A low‑ceilinged basement beneath Oxford Street, with ruby‑red, gig-poster-covered walls, it's lo-fi and high energy.
As London's oldest independent venue, its past performers form a timeline of modern music, from Glenn Miller and Ronnie Scott to The Rolling Stones, Queens of the Stone Age and Wet Leg. If you're looking for something live, loud and unfiltered in the capital, this is the place to head.
One of the UK's most iconic venues, the 20,000-capacity O2 has seen some of the biggest names in music take to the stage. We're talking Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna and many, many more.
Its pre- and post-show refreshment game is just as legendary. Whether you're here to watch a gig in the main arena or the smaller Indigo venue, you can fuel up or recharge at your choice of over 30 bars and restaurants.
