Considering that London has birthed the likes of David Bowie and Little Simz, it's no surprise that it's a buzzing hub of live music. And if you don't want to head to huge venues like Brixton Academy or The O2, then there are plenty of fantastic pubs with live music in London that you can check out instead.
From The Fox & Firkin in South London, famed for its lineup of reggae legends, to traditional North London boozer The Macbeth showcasing emerging music acts (and even a Balham hotspot where Ed Sheeran played one of his first-ever gigs), here's where to visit.
The Alexandra's live music listings are as fantastically fusion as its menu. Stop by most weekends and you could find anything from chilled out acoustic and classical guitar to full-on rock bands and big energy DJs.
To keep you refreshed while you watch, there's international beers, wines and handcrafted cocktails. The menu's just as eclectic, packing in South American classics, sushi, pizza and pub grub.
Tucked away under the railway arches of Waterloo, Molly Mc's is a traditional Irish boozer with dedicated spaces for a singsong. A stellar lineup of local and touring talent take the stage from 7pm every Friday and Saturday to crank up the craic.
If you fancy having a go yourself, get into the singing rooms with their dedicated karaoke kits. Whatever you get up to, the bar serves up everything you need to stay refreshed, from lagers, ales, stouts, wines and cocktails to tasty Thai dishes.
When Friday and Saturday roll around, The Regent dials up the volume. This handsome Balham local isn't just about good food and cocktails; it's also one of the area's best spots for live music.
Tuck into burgers or sharing plates, sip a negroni, then stick around as the pub comes alive with bands and DJs into the evening. Pair that with a buzzing bar, three giant sports screens for earlier in the day, and a hidden terrace for pre-gig drinks, and you've got the full weekend package.
Hidden away in Herne Hill, The Cuff London mixes polished cocktails with social games and a proper neighbourhood buzz. Expect premium Bone Idyll drinks, live entertainment, DJs, pool, darts, shuffleboard and retro gaming, all wrapped up in a stylish speakeasy setting.
Whether you're booking a party, planning after-work drinks or lining up a weekend session with mates, this SE24 spot has plenty to keep everyone entertained.
When it comes to live music pubs in London, The Old Frizzle deserves a top spot on your list. This Wimbledon hangout has weekly gigs, perfect sports screenings, and DJs to keep the weekend buzzing.
Pair your night out with a round of cocktails or pints, settle into one of their snugs, and enjoy the warm, character-packed setting. Don't miss the legendary Frizzle Quizzle every Sunday night - the ultimate way to round off your weekend.
@ The Old Frizzle on Every Saturday
The Old Frizzle in Wimbledon comes alive with live music every Saturday night. From 9pm, the latest local talent takes to the stage to belt out brand new material and maybe a tune or two you've heard before. With Chesterfield sofas, a squash court ceiling and warm, mood lighting, a singalong has never been more chic.
To fuel up your dancing shoes, grab a pint from the many pumps or a signature cocktail and take your pick of burgers, beef nachos, beer battered fish and chips, and plenty more.
Hammersmith pub The Hop Poles is a versatile choice for drinking and dining - and they host live music every Friday as well. Starting from 7pm, you can expect a new lineup each week, including performances from The Perfect Numbers, Cassie Matthews and Soul Frequency Trio.
Enjoy a wide range of delicious drinks while you're here, alongside dishes like Texas barbecue pizzas, Buffalo loaded fries and spicy beef burgers.
60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£35PP) and 1 other offer
Attracting a diverse crowd from all over the city, The Slaughtered Lamb is a cool gastropub located in Farringdon. It boasts its very own gig space in the basement, complete with a stage and a regular lineup of events, where you might just see some of the hottest new emerging musical talent in London.
The trendy spot is decorated with plush velvet booths, quirky neon signs and dark decor, and there's a cracking selection of both local and international craft beer at the bar. Feeling hungry? They also serve up a range of tasty burgers and British classics like fish and chips or sausage and mash.
Located right in the heart of London Bridge, St Christopher's Inn is a charming boozer that hosts live music performances seven days a week. They're open until 1 or 2am, so you can dance the night away to talented bands and musicians, while sipping local ales or classic cocktails.
The rustic space is filled with wooden furnishings, comfy leather booths and pretty fairy lights, and they offer a wide selection of food too. We're talking Roman-style pizzas, hearty meat or plant-based burgers and classics like Cumberland sausage and mash.
£4 shots, £5 pints, £7 spritzes & £9 cocktails and 1 other offer
Bethnal Green's best kept secret, the Sebright Arms is one of the best small music venues in the city. They've got a dedicated basement space where they host a lineup of shows almost every single night. Everyone from Charli XCX to Catfish and the Bottlemen and The Vaccines have played here in the past, so you never know who you might see.
The friendly neighbourhood pub has plenty more going for it, from large TVs showing live sports to quiz nights, karaoke and pool competitions. And if you're peckish, they're cooking up the likes of grilled aubergine and halloumi burgers, salt and pepper squid or bacon loaded fries.
Live music is part of the weekly rhythm at The Ship, making it a reliable spot for anyone seeking atmosphere alongside their pint.
Every Thursday and Friday night brings live performances, while Sunday afternoons are reserved for traditional Irish music sessions that draw a loyal crowd.
If you like your pub nights with a side of live music, The Faber Fox is the Crystal Palace spot you've been looking for. Every week, there's a mix of live bands and DJs, plus giant screens showing all the latest sporting action.
Grab a cocktail (two for £16 during their weekday Cocktail Club), hit the terrace before the music starts, then head inside for an evening of great tunes, good food, and buzzing neighbourhood energy.
@ The Regent on Every Saturday
Every Saturday night, a super selection of local Southwest London talent takes to the stage at The Regent in Balham for an evening of raucous live music. Put on your dancing shoes and make a beeline for stylish surrounds of the bar to kick things off with pints or beer flights, signature serves or jugs of more classic cocktails.
When it's time to refuel, you can take your pick of hunger-busting burgers, nacho sharing platters or small plates to see you through the night.
The Tiger is the current talk of the town in Camberwell, providing locals with a slick base to unwind and feel at home while enjoying casual weekly events, cocktails and Neapolitan-style pizzas.
With an eclectic mix of warm tones and wall hangings, the on-trend design speaks to its casual yet lively atmosphere. Their strong rhythm of events throughout the week will always give you a reason to visit, especially when their live music sessions roll around.
For a pub that's buzzing from day to night, The Nel has you covered. With a dedicated space for live sports screenings, a busy bar, and regular live entertainment (including the Sunday night quiz), it's always lively.
Kick back with cocktails, share some small plates, and let the atmosphere carry you into the evening. Whether you're watching the game or catching a set, this one's got Clapham weekends sorted.
