Live Music in London
London’s live music scene 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. Read on for our hand-picked guide to the best live music venues in London.
Last updated on 12th October 2017
When it comes to some of the wildest performers in the business, The Cuban Brothers are pretty much up there. Join them this November in London as they take to The Prince of Wales for a raucous night in Brixton.
If you like your live music full of swing and fun and your music venues intimate, then the Lucky Pig is the spot for you. Located in Fitzrovia, this sexy spots hosts regular music nights; grab a cocktail and some bar snacks and settle in for a raucous evening.
Angel's playground for raucous nights out and live music in London, The Old Queen's Head is something of an institution with the city's revellers. Far from your usual stylish haven, this place is rough around the edges and overflowing with edgy attitude. The dance floor gets sweaty, the music loud and it's a place for a cool gig or two.
If you’ve found yourself with a particularly potent hangover to shake off, you’ll need to head round to this excellent Battersea gastropub. It’s one of the finest places to catch live vintage jazz music in London come Sunday lunchtime, when guests enjoy traditional roasts with all the trimmings supported by a live band playing those easy, chilled out tunes. Bliss.
With the help of full 16-piece orchestras, live choirs and epic live performers, the Reimagine collective retell the stories of some of music's biggest and most-loved names including Daft Punk and Dr Dre!
Amy Winehouse, D’Angelo, Bobby Womack; they’re all superstars that have played at Camden’s iconic Jazz Cafe. Recently taken over by London’s Columbo Group, the Cafe hosts live shows throughout the week with hip hop and soul club nights kicking off at the weekends. Come for live performers, food and drinks in one of Camden Town’s best loved musical joints.
One of the best alternative nights out in Clapham, Venn Street Records is a vinyl-clad, rock ‘n’ roll drinkers den covered with NME posters and other iconic music memorabilia. The venue hosts regular live music and DJ nights, with happy hour running from 5 to 8pm every day and #CheapDate offering 2 drinks and 2 pizzas for £15 between Sunday and Wednesday evenings.
Blues Kitchen is one of Camden's most popular live music bars. Inspired by the dive bars of the Deep South, live music performances at Blues Kitchen Camden consist of soul, jazz and rock and roll played by some world famous musicians, including Seasick Steve, Mystery Jets and Dirty Pretty Things.
This March and April, fans of 90s hip hop and RnB are in for a real treat, thanks to the team behind the legendary Supa Dupa Fly events. Taking over some of London's biggest clubs, the venue's DJs will be spinning all your favourite tracks long into the early hours. Having drawn in artists like Disclosure and Professor Green, the upcoming events will see live music performances from DJ Pied Piper, CJ Beatz and Emily Rawson.
Head high above London to the stunning Roof Gardens to watch intimate and underground live acts and magical gigs. Be entertained by some of the best new and established talent every Friday and Saturday in The Roof Gardens Live lounge. They've seen the likes of Ella Eyre and the Atlantic Soul Orchestra play at this fabulous rooftop venue in London.
The Vic in Dalston is nothing short of an East London live music institution. It’s been the home of buoyant gig-goers for years on end, welcoming crowds from right around the capital for intimate yet raucous nights out. With a host of cracking drinks and a regularly rotating kitchen residencies, there’s no shortage of reasons to get yourself along before the music starts.
The Hackney hideout named after its very own house band, Kansas Smitty's will take you back to the hazy jazz age of America's Deep South.It's an intimate place to see live music in London where killer juleps are the verse of the bar and the soundtrack is of the live jazz and blues persuasion. Enjoy their weekly concert every Wednesday.
Old Street Records has positioned itself right at the forefront of Shoreditch’s live music scene thanks to its cutting-edge mix of EP launches, new bands and established acts. Take in a constantly top-drawer mix of live acts or make for the basement, where there’s more of an intimate vibe thanks to the jazz evenings and low-key DJ sessions.
Head to the Islington Metal Works for a night that is bringing the rumping pumping fun of America's deep south to North London. Renowned band Holloway Road will be headlining, along with a BBQ, bourbon cocktails and a bucking bronco.
The London African Gospel Choir are performing their own rendition of Paul Simon’s Graceland album is an uplifting and amazing show that has received rave reviews.
Having made a reputation for itself by delivering amazing American-themed dishes and stunning whisky-based cocktails, the team at Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch now turn to focus on their live music. Across April and May, the venue will be showcasing live music performances from the likes of Ephemerals, The Blues Brothers and Soul Exchange.
Inspired by the Parisian jazz clubs of old, the Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club in South London is quickly rising up London's live music ladder. Hosting a handful of jazz and funk & soul bands throughout the months of April and March, the venue hopes to recreate the same electric energy that flowed through the vintage live music spots of the 1920s. Grab a drink, enjoy some delicious food and watch as the stage comes to life at this live music venue in London.
This sweet, traditional pub regularly hosts some very jazzy jazz London nights indeed! Sunday swing sessions and a mix of jazz musicians bopity bop bop away to create an electric atmosphere. If you fancy a craft beer, real ale or spot of food while you're jiggling around, try their delicious menu of pub grub.
McQueen in Shoreditch are playing host to a hot line-up of tribute acts, from U2 through to Amy Winehouse.
As one of the most popular operas during the 1800s, Il Matrimonio Segreto has been delighting audiences for decades. Head to a beautiful London location to hear a new take on this old classic as it is brought to life in the Brunel Transport Museum, an old rectory and several other completely unique locations.
The Blues Kitchen brings mouth-watering Texan BBQ, bourbon cocktails and brass band tunes to Brixton’s thriving late-night scene. A dark cavern of old fashioned interiors and deep south style, this London blues music venue goes off at the weekends when live bands and DJs have the crowd dancing to vintage funk & soul, tooting horns and trumpets until 2am.
Brixton Rooftop are welcoming this 9-piece, twisted mix of funk, soul, hip hop and aggressive jazz to a night of spectacular live music in London.
The Prince of Wales are welcoming you in for an autumn series of live music, from up-and-coming acts to internet celebrities – all at affordable prices.
Mixing music with comedy, Irish Hip Hop duo Abandoman and Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer are coming off YouTube and into the Prince of Wales for a hilarious live performance.
The group behind Night Tales have teamed up with Morty and Bob's toastie specialist to create a fun-loving bar in Hackney. The venue serves as a laid back cafe by day, but completely transforms itself after dark, when the DJs, live music and master mixologists behind the bar dial things up a bit.
From Amy Winehouse through to D'Angelo, the Jazz Cafe has hosted some of the biggest names in music. They continue their quest of bringing amazing live music to Camden as they commemorate Curtis Mayfield via an orchestral band.
The team at Powder Keg Diplomacy are pulling out all the stops, hosting live jazz and soul music every Sunday night for Londoners to enjoy. Guests will be able to relax and watch some of the capital's best live music performers show off their many musical talents, all the while drinking a stunning, hand-crafted cocktail.
Omeara is a unique and exciting gig space for everyone from labelled acts to up-and-coming stars. Their main Omeara room is a 320 capacity live space in Flat Iron Square, with some of the top talent flooding there. But that’s not all – there’s a Mexican Cantina inside to get your pre-gig drink on and a terrace to get some air giving amazing views of Southwark Cathedral and the Shard.
From swing bands, folk troupes and high octane blues groups, Blues Kitchen Camden has a rollicking line-up of live music. Get there early and feast on their meaty Southern plates and bourbon-filled cocktails before dancing until the early hours.
Singing sensation Natalie Duncan will be bringing her soulful vocals to The Prince of Wales in South London.
Shaker and Company is one London's finest cocktail bars but also hosts acoustic sessions on Wednesdays and on Thursday, live blues sessions. Shaker and Company in Euston has New Orleans soul décor and feel, imagine listening to blues and drinking the mouthwatering cocktails in the lovely soulful environment. Perfect for having a calm live music night out in London with a couple of friends or impressing a date.
Adding some electric swing to your already lively Friday nights, the team at the Arcola Theatre serve Londoners a truly stunning night out in town. Guests will first take part in a dance class before watching a talented jazz band fill the air with quavering notes and trembling tunes. Grab that special someone, pull on your best pair of dancing shoes and head to Dalston.
Benoit Viellefon is bringing their huge gypsy-swing sounds to Soho as they take over legendary Ronnie Scott's. The band is inspired by 1920s Paris, as well as American greats, and will be playing their lively sounds for a night of fast-paced fun.
With regular lively appearances from the likes of The Wastemen, Keith Harkin and Nigel Thomas, The Candlemaker proves to be a wonderful and wacky rock and soul music venue in London. Priding itself on its community atmosphere, expect friendly and energetic evenings in a psychedelic setting. Inspired by a nearby candle factory, this place has some serious style.
Join Quaglino’s for a unique night of music from soul singer Heather Small with a full band, singing her most famous songs as well as other classics.
Forget those crowded bars and rowdy clubs, The Experience @ Black Opium is a new live music bar in East London that showcases jazz performances and served expertly-crafted cocktails. Armed with an impressive arsenal of fruit, liqueurs and fiery spirits, the bartenders are capable of making every drink under the sun and promise to cater for every mood or taste you might have.
If there's one South London spot that always knows how to have a good time, it's Blues Kitchen Brixton. Join them any night of the week for live music from local blues bands, swing singers and DJs, guaranteed to keep you dancing the night away.
Looking for something fun to do this November in London? Then why not head on down to Shoreditch's most interesting clothing/music hybrid as Paper Dress Vintage are putting on the ultimate party with live music, and 10th birthday celebrations.
Head down to Dirty Bones in Kensington every Thursday to be blown away by live performers singing everything from hip hop to old school classics. While listening to the brilliant music, order from their menu of New York comfort food which includes dishes such as a Mac n' Cheese burger topped with pulled pork or go for a boozy shake.
Brixton Beach returns for summer 2017 and is bringing some of London's best DJ talent and live music with it. Head to South London to hang out on a beach complete with real sand, listen to some amazing music and work your way through their summery cocktails and street food.
The Piano Works, located in the heart of Farringdon, is an all singing all dancing house of song and London’s only non-stop live music venue. This 400 capacity Victorian listed basement will have you singing your favourite tunes from the top of your lungs, as all the songs played by the musicians are requested by you, the audience. Eat, drink, sing and dance the night away in a place like no other.
Apples & Pears have carved out a stellar reputation for their acoustic sessions in London. This charming neighbourhood cocktail bar on Brick Lane welcomes a cracking array of local talent to the stage at their open mic nights, where guests head over to top up on Vietnamese street food, signature cocktails and a handful of intimate live tunes.
Welcoming a collection of the capital’s sweetest drag queens, the Cellar Door is the place to be for live music on a Monday Night in London. Tickets include a guaranteed seat and your first drink on the house, as a rota of top performers bring you the best in live music and alternative entertainment from a top West End cocktail bar.
Recently crowned the third best bar in the world, Nightjar’s dazzling speakeasy atmosphere owes much to its live music schedule. Settle in for a night of highly innovative, multi-sensory cocktails on the side of a line-up of top vintage performers. Expect a discerning playlist of swing, jazz and acoustic blues with a New Orleans edge from this bar with live music in London.
With a live piano player and plenty of cocktails, Saturday Grooves at L'Etranger Piano Lounge is a cracking spot to party on the weekend. The Kensington restaurant serves up a fancy French fare, an excellent cocktail menu and plenty of fun vibes.
With 7 albums under their belt already, the talented Naturally Seven music group will be performing at 100 Wardour this October as part of their European-wide Both Sides Now Tour. Now performing without a band, the group plan on amazing the crowds using their acapella skills, using only their voices to create the iconic sounds of various instruments.
Every Saturday night, this gem of a Wimbledon gastropub welcomes a different live music act to the stage. Entry is free, the bar is stocked full of everything from well-kept ales to the finest spirits and some of the most sought after wines from across the globe, while revellers ease themselves into the weekend against a backdrop of classic hits and today’s chart-toppers.
For live jazz music in London and to feel like you've stepped back into the bygone days of the 1920s, discover London's most elusive party collective, The Candlelight Club. Prohibition is back, bootleggin is rife, flappers are wild and the parties go long and loud with these guys so don't mess about.
The Miller is a hub of activity, nestled among the backstreets of Borough and London Bridge. Regularly playing host to improvised comedy troupes and live music acts from across the city, this London pub is one of the best venues for live music in London. Book yourself a table now.
Take a seat in the luxurious Salvatore's Bar in Mayfair and enjoy an afternoon tea alongside a background of London's best live music. Choose from a wonderful selection of home made, unique savouries, sandwiches and pastries accompanied by your choice of Te’Freddo Teapot Cocktails whilst bunnies hop to it with table service and ambient music is played on the piano.
L'Etranger Piano Lounge in West London is a late night venue that's been turning heads with its elegant cocktail list and brilliant live entertainment. The venue's resident musicians, Ashley Kingsley and Marco Losi, play smooth, elegant tunes all night on the glass piano, while the bartenders mix, flair and blend up a storm behind the bar.
The Cat and Mutton more than earns its stripes at all things pub-like; and the fact it regularly hosts some great jams is just another added plus. The enticing babble and buzz of chat and music wafts out from its prime position on Broadway Market; inviting folk in for a pint and a listen. Creating a warm atmosphere night after night, this charming East End local is one of the best music pubs in London.
What’s Oktoberfest with Oompah bands? Celebrate six weeks of the Bavarian celebration with Oompah bands, steins and lots of competitions to win fun prizes.
Head to 1920s speakeasy-style supperclub Proud Cabaret City to witness one of the best London burlesque shows set to a backdrop of stunning live jazz music and a vintage-inspired three course meal. DJs then take over centre stage as the night heats up and the party lingers on into the early hours.
Blues Kitchen boasts a live music programme that makes it the envy of Shoreditch. Talented live Rock & Roll bands and DJs take to the stage most evenings to showcase their skills long into the night (3am at weekends). The atmosphere is fantastic, the BBQ'd treats are delightful and the drinks flow all night so head here for a stomping night out with live music in London.
Join OKIEM - and a unique acoustic session from Kristin at Quaglino’s - delivering his contemporary take on classical music that’s let him work with the likes of Leona Lewis, Craig David and John Legend.
The legendary Jazz Cafe is putting on a soul-fest to see your weekends out. Head to the Camden venue as Atlantic Soul Orchestra put on a show-stopping concert complete with all the big hits. Throw in a side of cocktails and Southern-style food and you've got a delicious night.
Under The Bridge nestled beneath Stamford Bridge Football Stadium in Fulham is a hip-as hidey-hole accommodating all manner of entertainment. Stylish with a sick state-of-the-art sound system and lighting to match, this nightclub knows how to host live music in London. Showcasing a centre stage and a super-wide space to mosh, head-bop, fist-pump and swing you'll get your musical fix here alright.
Granted, Oriole’s exquisite cocktails and sharing plates are well worth the visit alone, but it’s the live music programme that really completes the picture. Tying in with the bar’s global theme, enjoy a soothing roster of jazz, swing and blues tunes at one of London’s finest cocktail bars.
A King's Cross favourite for after work drinks and nights out with entertainment in London, The Star of Kings is quite the social hangout. A bit rough around the edges but boasting quite the legacy of live music sets in London, this pub has a Funktion One sound system for DJs and a decent stage set up for bands to rock out on.
As one of the few remaining ballrooms with its original decor still intact, it's only fitting that London's biggest Jive party takes place at the Rivoli Ballroom. Rolling back the clock and filling the historic London venue with a lively buzz, the evening will start with a fun jive lesson, before the reins are handed over to one of the great swing bands performing on the night.
Inject a bit of punk rock into your life with Factory de Joie, with live music, burlesque, go-go dancers, spoken word, DJs and rock n roll all day and night long.
Bird of Smithfield is a premier private hire venue in London, where private functions with live music are held in a stunning, 5-floored Georgian townhouse. The Birdcage cocktail bar is a particular favourite; it’s an ideal spot for birthday parties, engagement celebrations and the like, with room for live music entertainment and further optional extras.
Looking for something luxurious to do? How does live music in a high-end East London bar sound? We thought so. Join McQueen in Shoreditch for just that as every Wednesday night plays host to a roster of live musicians and bands.
With an exposed-brick interior, cool Camden crowd and a great range of bands and singers, Camden Assembly is a perfect place for live music in London. Sundays are the night to listen to some of North London's newest talent as well as regulars on the scene. Lucky Chip are in residencies, snack on one of their delicious burgers as you bop along.
Come Thursday nights, Eaton Square Cocktail Bar becomes a hive of live music events in London with bands bringing the evenings entertainment to an opulent crowd. Sit back and relax in this plush lounge bar where you can tuck into divine Mediterranean style foods and drink specially crafted cocktails courtesy of some of London's top mixologists.
Live music in London means plenty of booming gig venues, hardy concerts and big name acts, but what if you fancy some casual sounds on a night out in the city? Boasting their own music roster, The Half Moon in Putney is prime for indie acts and humble sounds all week long.
Quite the 80s name, head on over to Quaglino's this month in London as they're joined by the one and only Paul Young for a plush night of live entertainment and some of the finest food in the business.
Hoxton Square has long been a huge hit with the Shoreditch crowd, and there’s a true gem of a live music venue right at the heart of it. Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen serves food and drinks to its outdoor terrace, but really it’s best known for live music - with a regular line up of the best emerging bands on the scene right now. Don’t believe us? Florence + the Machine, Foals and Mumford & Sons have all graced the stage here before...
This extravagant bar in Mayfair is a high end experience for those wanting a lavish night out in the West End. With its vintage Hollywood style decor, special Cristal Champagne Towers and cool live band, Baroque is the bar to visit when you want to treat yourself to good live music in beautiful surroundings. Make sure you check out the luxurious Baroque for an atmospheric night out.
Folked Up unites three great live music acts, three poets and one exhibition of art to create one great folk art event.
Get whisked away NYC style with jazz crooners serenading you as you wine and dine at this buzzy London bar and restaurant which is great for live music.
Looking for a unique bar for live music in London? Then it's time to tread in Shoreditch and discover this hidden gem in the rafters of Bedroom bar. One of the most charming bars in town thanks to their vintage nod to 1930s New Orleans, tuck into a regular roster of live music with jazz and soul acts a-plenty. Heck, gather round the piano if you must and sling back some heavy liquors too.
Every Wednesday, the exclusive nightclub in Chelsea, Ju Ju, is putting on a night of live music featuring some of Chelsea's best performers. Grab yourself a delicious cocktail and tapas board and enjoy a relaxed evening at this Chelsea hotspot.
Sink on Paul Street is a lively party venue that prides itself on treating every moment as if it's a Friday night. With a fully stocked bar, ping pong tables, games of beer pong and even great live music from some of London's best up-and-coming artist, the venue has easily established itself as a fun-loving spot to watch live music in London.
A 60s style lounge inspired by the vintage decadence of Parisian drinking dens, Ruby's Bar & Lounge is a darling live music venue in London where you enjoy an intimate experience at a table for two like the good old days. Having taken over the space next door, Ruby's has extended her charm to bring you a full packed entertainment roster all week long.
Join the UK's number one Michael Buble tribute act as he croons you sweet melodies this Christmas. David Bradley is bringing the power ballads to The Director's Lounge.
Ray's Bar in East London celebrates its love of jazz every Wednesday with a night of stunning live music, courtesy of famous saxophonist Rachael Cohen. Having played in some of London's biggest venues and performed alongside the best jazz players in town, Miss Cohen will be performing two sets every Wednesday and will unquestionably leave you smiling thanks to it's carefree, laid-back vibes.
Hailed as one of East London's clubbing Mecca's, XOYO is a sought after destination for live gigs in London. Bringing in talent from not only across the UK but also internationally, you'll find legendary DJs taking you through to the early hours here as well as live sets from the like of Crazy P, Katy B, Mike Skinner and Ms Dynamite.
The Larder is hosting series of live music events in London this Spring. Featuring performances from the likes of Tori Freestone, Naadia Sheriff, pianist Eriko Ishihara and jazz group 'Putting the swing into Gypsy Jazz', the brand's two venues - Wandsworth and Bethnal Green - are certain to leave all music fans with a huge smile.
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