London's live music
London is often regarded as the ‘gig capital of the world’. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s independent music scene, or just looking for a cheap way to spend a night out, these are the London music venues that will not break your wallet.
The Lexington
Known for its high-quality sound, the upstairs room of this unassuming Islington pub has become a hallmark venue for London up-and-coming bands. Its Friday White Heat Club is also one of London’s best alternative club nights.
The Shacklewell Arms
This Dalston pub hosts cheap gigs (from free to just under £20) six days a week and is known for its New Wave and post punk club nights. Its courtyard smoking area is spacious, but unashamedly dingy. Also worth a visit is nearby Bagel House, which is open 24/7 and makes for a great post-gig snack.
The Old Blue Last
This small, crowded pub in Shoreditch was the early stomping grounds for artists like Amy Winehouse, IDLES, and Arctic Monkeys, becoming a legendary venue in the London music scene. It continues to host live music every night, including free jazz nights every Sunday.
The George Tavern
After a 20-year-long battle against nearby residential developments, this historic East London pub (dating back some 700 years) managed to secure legal protection against potential noise complaints in 2023. It continues to host some of London’s most emblematic gigs (Geese played two intimate nights here last September, just before the release of their seminal album Getting Killed) and is also known for its free Thursday Karaoke nights.
The Windmill Brixton
Over the past few years, The Windmill has been churning out some of the UK’s most renowned art rock and post-punk bands. Black Midi, Black Country New Road, and The Last Dinner Party all played their first few gigs against the stage’s iconic glittery backdrop, giving rise to the namesake ‘Windmill Scene’. The venue’s New Music Mondays are free and are a great opportunity to catch emerging artists (and Bar Dog, the German Shepherd that is often found roaming the bar).
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Since 1959, the iconic Soho venue has been at the forefront of London’s jazz scene, having hosted the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Sarah Vaughan. It’s an old-school jazz club: dim lighting, velvet seats, the everpresent clicking of dinner plates. Its regular showings can be fairly expensive, but it does host £10 Monday jam sessions which typically go late into the night.
Camden
In its heyday the centre of London alternative culture, Camden has suffered the blow of gentrification. Nonetheless, it continues to be a bustling hub for the metal, punk, and emo scenes through venues like the Underworld, the Black Heart, and Dublin Castle. Also in Camden is The Elephant’s Head, a small pub on Camden High Street that hosts free gigs most nights of the week (although it’s one of the loudest venues I’ve been to, so it’s a good idea to bring some earplugs!)
The Troubadour
Just a 25-minute walk from South Kensington campus, the Earl’s Court venue is a restaurant, pub, coffee house and music venue all-in-one. Known for its cosy back garden and eclectic decor (the walls and ceiling are covered in vintage instruments and kitchenware), the Troubadour has hosted performances by Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Adele, CMAT, and Florence + the Machine.
Ranga Records
Ranga Records isn’t a single venue, but an independent promoter that hosts gigs around London with a focus on showcasing the UK’s youth and grassroots talent. Its gigs featured stacked line-ups of emerging artists and tickets range from free to just under £10.
And, of course... Imperial College London
While London may have one of the world’s best live music scenes, you also don’t have to stray too far from home for great music. From Tribute Night to Battle of the Bands, to Tuesday jazz jams, Live Music Society regularly puts on gigs at Metric and other union venues, showcasing the best that Imperial’s student bands have to offer. And if you wish to explore London’s music scene with fellow Imperial students, Alternative Music Society often organise trips to free gigs around London
