London is, quite simply, the city of legends. From the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Queen to the queen of pop, Adele, and everyone in between, this amazing city is awash with great musical talents. The impressive capital of the United Kingdom has been the home of many renowned musicians, and live music is still an indelible part of the city’s culture today. With so many world-class venues, historic dive bars, and up-and-coming evening clubs, it’s no wonder the city is still a hub of entertainment and music. Just about every genre imaginable streams through the vibrant neighborhoods, and along London’s fabled streets. From ska and reggae to classic rock, capricious jazz to acoustic pop, you can always find something that aligns with your musical taste. Whether you’ve purchased tickets in advance or are looking for a spontaneous night on the town, these 10 music venues are a memorable way to spend an evening in wonderful London. Explore London’s live music scene, and read more about these amazing venues below!
1. The Royal Albert Hall
Any discussion of live music in London has to include this world-class venue. The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most renowned attraction, and has been an iconic landmark since it was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Over the many decades, countless musicians have performed at this venue, and the venue still maintains a busy calendar filled with classical music, jazz, world music, circus, rock, pop, opera, dance, comedy, and tennis events. The Royal Albert has live performances scheduled for nearly every day of the week, and each summer, the venue hosts “The Proms,” an eight-week summer session of daily classical music concerts. Visiting the Royal Albert Hall is sure to be a highlight of any trip to London.
The Royal Albert Hall
Address: Kensington Gore, Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK
Website: The Royal Albert Hall
2. Union Chapel
The Union Chapel is one of the most unique buildings in London. This stunning architectural entity is a working church, a community center for the Margins Project who serve people facing homelessness and crisis, and a renowned live music venue. The Union Chapel has been hosting performances since 1992, and performers such as Elton John, Lady Antebellum, and Ellie Goulding have graced the stage here. Live performances are held daily, and casual, mini-concerts are held for free every Saturday as part of the Daylight Music program.
Union Chapel
Address: Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN, United Kingdom
Website: Union Chapel
3. KOKO
This historic building has gone through many iterations since it opened in 1900, but today, both legendary acts and on-the-rise talent fill the calendar to bursting at this premier nightclub in the Camden District of London. Many world-renowned musicians have performed on KOKO’s stages, including Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Prince, and Kanye West. This spacious, multi-genre venue is open seven days a week, and live performances are held nearly every day each month.
KOKO
Address: 1A Camden High St, London NW1 7JE, UK
Website: KOKO
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4. The 100 Club
One of the oldest independent venues world-wide, the 100 Club has been hosting legendary performances since 1942. After decades filled with jazz, swing, punk, and rock music, this venue on 100 Oxford Street continues to create buzz for its astounding lineup of eclectic new music acts. The 100 Club is open every night, and the programming is filled with performers from many genres of music.
The 100 Club
Address: 100 Oxford St, Fitzrovia, London W1D 1LL, UK
Website: The 100 Club
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !
Tours by Robert
5. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is a sophisticated, elegant, and historic venue where impressive performers like Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Nina Simone once graced the stages. This venue has been open since 1959, and it continues to excite with its fantastic modern jazz and jazz fusion programming. Live performances happen nightly, and guests can relax in the classy lounge with drinks from the bar. Food is also available to order. Tickets must be booked in advance, but the club is open seven days a week.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Address: 47 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4HT, UK
Website: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
6. Bush Hall
You can always expect fantastic, eclectic programming for a night at Bush Hall. Situated in an historic building from 1904, Bush Hall is a brilliant indoor venue in West London, and the calendar has multiple live performances every week. This former dance hall has hosted guests from Adele to Bastille, and there isn’t a bad seat in the very ornate house. This wonderfully intimate venue has terrific acoustics, and offers wonderful meals from the adjoining Bush Hall Dining Rooms.
Bush Hall
Address: 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 7LJ, UK
Website: Bush Hall
7. Roundhouse
Roundhouse is an energetic, eclectic, and dynamic venue that has quickly become one of London’s most popular creative spaces. Programming includes live music, circus and cabaret events, spoken-word recitals, theater performances, and art installations. The live music lineup is constantly changing, which means there’s always the chance to hear various genres and artists perform. With a large, indoor stage and 3,300-guest capacity, the Roundhouse is a favorite venue for festivals in North London.
Roundhouse
Address: Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH
Website: Roundhouse
8. The Green Note
Laid-back and cozy, the Green Note is a local gem that boasts brilliant live music in Camden Town. This superb lounge is open seven days a week, and it is dedicated to hosting a lineup of amazing roots, world, jazz, and acoustic artists. With its intimate stage, and a vegetarian café-bar, there’s never a bad time to stop by this unique venue.
The Green Note
Address: 106 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7AN, UK
Website: The Green Note
9. Jazz Café
This iconic venue is a sophisticated jazz lounge located in the vibrant Camden District. The Jazz Café is a fabulous venue with an impressive live music calendar of jazz, soul, and reggae performances. Founded in 1990, the venue has a 420-person capacity, as well as a bar and a restaurant on the first floor of the building.
The Jazz Café
Address: 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG, UK
Website: The Jazz Café
10. O2 Brixton Academy
The Brixton Academy has been a highlight of London’s nightlife scene for decades, and it is still a premier venue for metal, indie, alt-rock, and pop music. Some of the biggest names in music have played at this venue, and the venue has won many awards over the years for its continued popularity as a venue. The club retains its ornate, art-deco design while also offering modern amenities and features, like 4,921-person capacity. This tourist and local favorite has a calendar that is always packed with an exciting line-up of rising stars and well-known talents like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and the Foo Fighters.
O2 Brixton Academy
Address: 211 Stockwell Rd, Brixton, London SW9 9SL, UK
Website: O2 Brixton Academy
Fall in love with London’s live music scene
With some of the world’s oldest entertainment venues, London is a city of unceasing enchantment. Whatever your music preference, you’re sure to find something you like in London. These 10 venues always have great programming. Check them out today, and plan an eventful night next time you’re in London!
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