LONDON VENUES GUIDE
FROM OPERA HOUSES TO PUNK PUBS, HERE'S WHERE THE ACTION IS!
Once upon a time The Marquee in Soho was where bands proved themselves.
Doing the monthly Gig Guide means, on occasion, I’m alerted to a concert in a venue I’ve never previously heard of. I make a note of where this space is, nearest tube/BR station and, sometimes, think “sounds good - must check it out.”
Predictably, I started making a list.
Then, chatting with a pal about going to gigs, he mentioned how fortunate we are to live in London, a city with myriad venues. Indeed. How many places, he asked, did I think hosted live music regularly?
Hmmmmm…. unsure. And since Time Out magazine was euthanised (its online ghost is a sad spectre), there’s not been any kind of venue listing available. So I’ve now gone and done one. Yes, agreed, I should get gonged for my services etc.
From plush concert halls to crusty punk pubs, intimate acoustic spaces through funky jazz bars, churches hosting refugee musicians and clubs offering jazz cats space to strut their stuff, there are a great smorgasbord of places to experience live music.
Spoilt? Maybe so. But don’t get complacent: if we don’t make use of these spaces then don’t complain when they vanish.
Even in an epoch when small venues report a struggle to survive, the Smoke remains home to dive bars and recalibrated working men’s clubs hosting all manner of musicians. And some – notably Brixton’s Effra Tavern and Croydon’s Oval Tavern – host free concerts by jazz + blues + rockin’ + reggae musicians of the highest calibre.
Thing is, travelling across London for gigs has opened up the city for me, taking me to neighbourhoods I might never have otherwise set foot in. Thus I’ve listed venues by postcode (I think Time Out used to do them by genre?).
Being an opinionated little cuss I’ve expressed myself on the good-bad-ugly of venues.
Obviously, venues open and close with sometimes disarming speed – while compiling this list I heard of a Gypsy jazz club that had recently begun operating in the basement of a Stoke Newington kebab shop.
Sounds great, ay?
Days later I was told the owner had decided to discontinue gigs. Oh well… Not every venue can emulate Ronnie’s and the 100 Club.
When I landed in London in 91, Soho, the epicentre of London, had The Borderline, Astoria, 12 Bar and a host of other great spots for catching all kinds of music.
While Peckham had nothing.
Today Soho remains a hub, but no longer where you go for new music.
Peckham now has clubs and some live music venues.
Hackney, once a place for squat parties and West Indian events, is now closing in on Camden as the neighbourhood where the musicians play.
Changing times reflect that where once going to see live music was a priority for many youths, club culture has reshaped this.
As I’ve surely overlooked certain venues – and new ones will open – then do message me with info’ on what should be added where to this epic listing.
Anyway, here’s where the action is.
CENTRAL LONDON
The Barbican Centre
The main concert hall is a magnificent place to experience live music. Free concerts in the foyer when themed festivals take place.
The Smithfield Piano Bar
Nice basement room next to Barbican Elizabeth Line.
Slaughtered Lamb – Clerkenwell
Pub with a basement space that puts on music and comedy – standing only and very low stage so best suited for the tall.
South Bank Centre - Waterloo
3 seated venues (Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Rooms) all offering excellent sight and sound. In summer free live concerts outside (and sometimes in the RFH’s Clore ballroom).
26 Leake Street – Waterloo
A new venue beneath Waterloo Station.
The Emerald Theatre – Victoria Embankment (beneath Waterloo Bridge)
This historic space started life as a music hall in 1898 and has served many different purposes since. It now hosts cabaret and live music events.
Royal Opera House – Covent Garden
I’ve never set food inside but those who have say its magnificent.
The Coliseum – Covent Garden
Home to the English National Opera and a lush theatre that occasionally hosts music beyond opera.
Pizza Express - Holborn
Live jazz, blues, soul several nights a week. Pizza every night of the week.
SOAS – Russell Square
The university campus hosts monthly performances in lecture theatres by musicians from across the world; Central Asian and Persian musicians often perform here.
That’s your lot if you’re a free subscriber - tip me a fiver to see dozens more venues below.
And read on if you’re already one of the hella awesome people who help me do this.
Wigmore Hall – Mayfair
Beautiful concert hall, mostly featuring classical musicians but sometimes hosting
