London : live music scenes
Live music lovers unite. This is our list of the best live music nights in London (in our opinion), tried and tested by us many times. These are the haunts that we can’t get enough of and return back to frequently.
The creme de la creme of the jazz scene - head here for the ultimate musical soiree. Ronnie’s is the most iconic jazz club in London, located in the heart of Soho where you can catch established artists and up-and-coming talents every night of the week. The walls are adorned with photographs and memorabilia, showcasing the club's rich history and the many iconic musicians who have graced its stage over the years including Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse - we love a bit of history so that makes this our go to and number one spot.
We recently saw Braxton Cook here live and it was everything; the intimate venue places you in close proximity to the performers on stage which always makes the vibe extra special.
Ronnie Scott’s | 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT
New to the scene but ranked high on our roster of live music nights in London to get our funk on. Hidden underneath Covent Garden market, this bar is Parisian chic meets New York inspired so there’s no surprise that the interiors are equally stylish - the exposed industrial ceilings and leather booths are stunning. Each night kicks off with live music on stage until the later hours where DJs take over so you can dance on until the early hours.
Stereo | 35 The Piazza, London WC2E 8BE
Japanese with a side of jazz, catch live music here from Wednesday to Sunday at this unassuming Dalston based experiential Japanese restaurant. The cool interiors feature exposed brick, a skylight and planet like pendants hang from the ceiling, yet the decor still feels effortless compared to some other Dalton haunts. A unique setting, with an under-lit horse-shoe bar that splits the room into three parts. You can turn up for a meal or you can simply enjoy a few cocktails as you check out some live jazz. Enjoy quiet conversation whilst still soaking in the sounds of a slice sax, whatever the occasion.
Mu | 432-434 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AA
This iconic music venue located in Camden Town is an old theatre from the 1900’s turned dance hall and it always hits. The lineups here are always spot on, the interiors are really cool and the crowd is always fun and lively. There’s also cool views from the balcony here if you’re looking to switch up the perspective.
Koko | 1a Camden High St, London NW1 7RE
For cool cats only. This Intimate, small penthouse-esque setting always draws in a cool creative crowd (us lol), with live music and sensational decor. The bands and artists are always very cool, (usually featuring a live sax - our favourite) with upcoming artists making a regular appearance. Make sure to get some fresh air or socialise on the roof terrace to get the full Parisian chic experience of this joint.
Louie London | 13-15 West St, London WC2H 9NE
Another iconic music haunt, renowned for hosting iconic artists like our hero Amy Winehouse and our recent love, Olivia Dean. This space allows for an up-close and personal experience with the artists, creating a sense of connection and intimacy that sets it apart from larger concert venues.
Jazz Cafe, Camden | 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG
This not to secret speakeasy is found in Shoreditch - our favourite London stomping ground. Take a seat and soak up the vibes in a 1920's scene of candlelit tables whilst jazz and swing bands will soundtrack your evening. It’s seating only and they take bookings in advance so it’s never over crowded and they serve the coolest cocktails and innovative drinks - a really cool place.
Night Jar | 129 City Rd., London, England EC1V 1JB
If you’ve not heard of The Ned by now, then let us fill you in. Located in an old bank, the interiors and architecture are both divine. Old word furnishings, marble everything and high ceilings - and of course, laden with bankers and men in suits (if that’s your kind of thing). If you’re looking for live music then here, music is the main event. The whole room is worked around the bandstand (The Nickel Stage) in the centre of the room where bands play all week long. You can sit up close and personal with seats surrounding the band or there’s lots of tucked away spots if you want a more private rendezvous. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, head downstairs to The Parlour for an intimate Jazz and Cabaret Bar and Restaurant, with decor inspired by the 1930’s Jazz clubs, complete with velvet covered armchairs and dark glossy walls.
27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Tucked away on a side street in North London, this treasure has a really unique ambience combining a minimal setting with a lively jazz band in the background. This is more of a restaurant but still provides the entertainment - think dancing on the tables, live sax and loads of fun.
4 Bradbury St, London N16 8JN
This Chelsea joint is open every night of the week, presenting jazz, soul, groove, latin, R&B, gospel and blues in an intimate basement club that has a speakeasy atmosphere. At weekends you also need to eat here to get a seat, but no worries because their New York Italian style dishes are delicious. Inside you’ll find a diverse but sometimes slightly older crowd as there’s some regulars that have clearly been coming here since its opening in the 70’s - what a vibe.
90 Lots Rd, London SW10 0QD
Bringing a touch of southern soul to East London, groove to live blues performances across two floors and soak in the soulful atmosphere of vintage posters, ceiling lights up-cycled from gramophones and a 1950's airstream caravan which really sets the tone the night. On weekends the tables turn to a dance floor and every Saturday the house band hit the stage for three blistering live sets followed by DJs playing soulful bangers from 9pm until 3am. It’s always a good time in here.
134-146 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AR
This old engine house always delivers - usually featuring a cool production and sound system (pretty good but can be a bit echoey) but no surprise considering the venue space. Grab a drink from one of the many bars at the Roundhouse – two big ones inside the main room, and one each outside each of the two levels, plus a members’ bar if you’re a regular and just enjoy the night.
Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH
A party in the sky baby. This Brazilian inspired disco has a pulsating dance floor filled with infectious energy. Find DJ's spinning house beats, immersive performances and samba dancers set against the backdrop of breath-taking city views. The moves on the dance floor here are wild.
Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Another Shoreditch venue located on the iconic brick lane. A spacious industrial chic indoor space and outdoor terrace complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, Ninety-Three Feet East offers an immersive and unforgettable vibe to dance the night away to cutting-edge beats and there’s always such a groovy crowd here as well. The open air vibes in the summer months are the best in our opinion.
150 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
A cool Hi-Fi Music Bar & Restaurant. The venue is contemporary and cosy, complete with a turntable in a cool booth, an extensive vinyl library and a top-tier sound system. Grab a drink and some Afro-Caribbean inspired small bites and catch a DJ set amongst a lively crowd. We love it here.
Moko | 39b Markfield Rd, London N15 4QA
A record store turned vinyl only music hub at night. During the day you can chill on the battered leather sofas and cool egg-shaped chairs that give the chic space a 1970s feel or search through racks of pristinely selected records favouring the deeper and edgier side of club music. At night, see the vinyls played live where DJs-about-town spin hard-to-find releases all night long.
Phonica Records | 51 Poland St, London W1F 7ND