Live Music In London: Unmissable Gigs & Events

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By Scarlett Welch Editor, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events expert with 4 years in editorial and Media & Journalism MA. Last updated on 1st May 2026

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.

Live Music In London: Top Gigs & Events




The Half Moon

  • 93 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1EU

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

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.

Live Music at Sem's of Mayfair

@ Sem's of Mayfair on Fri, 26th Apr 2024 - Fri, 31st Jul 2026

  • 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB

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.

Madison Presents: Ibiza Orchestra

@ Madison on Fri, 12th Jun 2026 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

Make your way to Madison, the stunning rooftop bar overlooking St Paul's, for its popular Ibiza Orchestra event, returning this June. You'll be treated to fantastic live performances, including a DJ, vocalist and an amazing 10-piece orchestra.

You'll be transported straight to the White Isles as you dance the night away - while enjoying amazing views of St Paul's Cathedral and beyond.

The Bulls Head

  • 373 Lonsdale Road, SW13 9PY

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.

Bubba Oasis

  • 57-58 Upper Street, N1 0NY

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.

Munich Cricket Club Canary Wharf

Quiz Night! and 7 other offers

  • West India Quay, 12 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AE

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.

The Slaughtered Lamb

60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£35PP) and 1 other offer

  • 34-35 Great Sutton Street, EC1V 0DX

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.

Jack Solomons Club

If you like your live music with a side of sophistication, pull up a pew in Jack Solomons Club. Its backlit bar, plush seating and speakeasy vibes are the perfect setting for jazz, blues and elegant piano music.

The bands are in full swing on Wednesdays and Thursdays with tickets starting from just £10. Walk-ins are warmly welcomed on the door.

Jam Sandwich

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.

Karma Sanctum Soho

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.

Sebright Arms London

Weekday Happy Hour: £4.40 Pints until 7pm! and 2 other offers

  • 31-35 Coate Street, E2 9AG

Make your way to Bethnal Green to discover the Sebright Arms, a welcoming neighbourhood pub that boasts its own basement stage. They host a nightly lineup of live music, particularly alternative artists, and everyone from Charli XCX to The Vaccines and Catfish and the Bottlemen have played here in the past.

There's plenty more entertainment to get stuck into, from pool competitions to quiz nights and karaoke - as well as live sports on the TV screens. Plus, the kitchen is cooking up the likes of crispy chicken burgers, bacon and cheddar loaded fries or vegan hotdogs.

Downstairs At 180

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.

The Stage At The Londoner

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.

Gigis Hoxton

  • 11 Hoxton Square, Shoreditch, N1 6NU

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.

The Finsbury

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.

Ronnie Scott's live music sessions at Perola

@ Perola bar on Thursday 28th May 2026 and 3 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,

Permission Lounge

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.

Live Band Karaoke

  • Various locations

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.

Leo Green Presents The Secret Sax Party

@ One Ninetyfour, Piccadilly on Friday 15th May 2026 and 12 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.

Live Music & Events at The Arts

  • 50 Frith Street, W1D 4SQ

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.

Hannah

  • 281 Lavender Hill, SW11 1LP

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.

Greg Wilson Rooftop Day Party

@ 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.

New Cross Inn

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.

The O2

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.

The 100 Club

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.