With summer being a complete wash-out so far, picnics in the park and drinks on the Thames are off the menu. Fortunately, London is such a fantastic place to enjoy live music you’ll probably even forget about the terrible British summer.
From a live music restaurant in Canary Wharf and an old Victorian piano club to a former WWII soup kitchen and a speakeasy-style bar, below we share some of the finest venues London has to offer.
The Piano Works, Farringdon
This bar and restaurant is situated in an old Victorian warehouse and it’s the place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to drink, sing, eat and dance.
Guests can enjoy and even request their favourite songs which will then be performed by the finest pianists. The Piano Works also has another venue in the West End (Whitcomb Street).
Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush
Now an independent music venue, Bush Hall certainly has a colourful past. Originally a soup kitchen during WWII, it has since been a bingo hall, a rehearsal space for the likes of The Who and Cliff Richard, a snooker and social club and now, one of London’s finest live music establishments.
Bush Hall plays host to everything from up-and-coming musicians, comedy and cabaret so there really is something for everyone.
Boisdale, Canary Wharf
Set on the second floor of an Art Deco building overlooking the fountains in Cabot Square, The Boisdale is one of the most majestic premises to have opened in London in recent years.
Its views of the London skyline make this live music restaurant in Canary Wharf truly spectacular. It’s not just the setting that’s so fabulous however, the great food, drinks and entertainment will ensure that a visit to The Boisdale is a night to remember.
The unique supper club experience sees fine dining matched with the very best in live entertainment. The highly acclaimed restaurant serves great British food while a wide range of jazz, blues and soul music is played for your entertainment. Jools Holland is the Boisdale’s Patron of Music so you’ll only find world-class musicians playing at this venue.
The Brixton Windmill, Blenheim Gardens
At first glance, The Brixton Windmill looks like nothing more than a little backstreet venue. Don’t let looks fool you however because it gets a glowing ‘Ace Place’ review by Time Out magazine, was voted ‘new favourite venue’ by drowninsound.com and even secured a place in The Independent’s top ten venues in the UK.
It’s not just the cheap entry, pub prices and friendly staff that draws in the crowds however – it’s the quality of the music. They only book bands that have gone down a storm in the past so you can guarantee that whoever’s playing on the night you visit will be a real crowd-pleaser.
Green Note, Camden
Green Note is an intimate venue which was founded by two friends who being passionate music lovers themselves, wanted to create the ideal place to hang out in London. The dream was to open up a laid-back, friendly venue where everyone could share and enjoy music and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Now one of the best places in London for roots, world and acoustic music, you’ll always be able to find a wealth of incredible musicians gracing the stage.
Jamboree, Poplar
If you’re looking for a truly unique night out, Jamboree is the place to go. This speakeasy-style music venue with mismatched furniture and a small stage hosts live jazz and folk music sessions.
Featured in The Guardian’s top five quirky restaurants and bars in London, visitors can expect to enjoy European bohemia, eccentric characters, mad dancing and raucous evenings.
For more great live music venues in London, head to Time Out’s website where you will be able to find plenty of recommendations.
This is a collaborative post.
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
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