15 Great Grassroots Music Venues in London
Table of Contents – 15 Fantastic Grassroots Music Venues in London
As a concert photographer, I’ve been privileged to photograph bands in most of London’s music venues, so come with me on a journey through 15 of London’s best grassroots music venues to find the next big thing. London is one of the great music cities of the world, and the biggest bands put on massive stadium shows. The problem is that these megagigs are hugely expensive, hard to get tickets for, and the stage is so far away you watch the show on the big screens.
I can let you in on a little secret. London is jam packed with small venues hosting hugely talented musicians that you can often see for the price of a few pints and from a few feet away. Remember these bands, you might be able to tell your friends about the time you saw the latest big thing on a tiny pub stage. All these mega bands started somewhere, so get yourself down to one of London’s great grassroot venues and see them before they get too big.
The Lexington
Tucked away in the bustling neighbourhood of Islington, The Lexington is a beloved haunt for indie music lovers. With its rustic decor and laid-back vibe, this intimate venue has hosted rising stars such as Florence & The Machine and Mumford & Sons. Whether you’re sipping on craft beer at the bar or swaying to the sounds of up-and-coming bands, The Lexington offers a quintessentially British experience steeped in musical heritage.
The Roundhouse
Originally built as a railway engine shed in the 19th century, The Roundhouse has transformed into a cutting-edge arts venue renowned for its diverse programming. This Camden institution has seen performances by music icons such as Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. With its distinctive architecture and commitment to innovation, The Roundhouse remains a cultural hub that pushes boundaries and fosters creativity.
The 229
Opening in 2007, The 229 on Great Portland Street is a relative newcomer to the scene. Its main room holds 620 people and has hosted bands like Kings of Leon, Florence and the Machine and Sham 69. Jimmy Page has also graced its (really high) stage.
The Garage, Highbury
The Garage started life as a billiard hall which was frequented by North London gangsters, but it began its current incarnation as one of the best indie rock venues in London in 2007. Since then, its more reputable customers have included EMF, Green Day, Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, and Oasis.
The 100 Club
Situated in the heart of London’s West End, The 100 Club has been a cornerstone of the city’s music scene since 1942. This iconic venue has hosted an impressive array of bands, from the early days of British punk with The Sex Pistols and The Clash, to 90s Brit pop acts like Oasis and Blur. Its intimate setting and legendary status make it a must-visit for music enthusiasts seeking an authentic London experience.
The Hope and Anchor
The Hope and Anchor in Islington became one of THE venues to play in the 70s and 80s, with the likes of The Clash, The Cure, Eurythmics, Dire Straits and The Damned playing it. The Stranglers and Elvis Costello recorded live albums at the Hope and it inspired a top 10 single, Splodgenessabounds’, “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please”, Madness filmed the video for, “Once Step Beyond” here, and U2 once played to a massive audience of 8 people on its stage.
The Half Moon
Steeped in history and nestled by the River Thames in Putney, The Half Moon is a legendary venue that has been a fixture of London’s live music scene since the 1960s. From The Rolling Stones to Kate Bush, numerous iconic artists have graced its stage. Following a refurbishment in 2016, The Half Moon continues to uphold its reputation as a premier destination for unforgettable performances in an intimate setting.
The Dublin Castle
Located in the heart of Camden, The Dublin Castle is a cherished institution renowned for its role in shaping the British music scene. It’s such a legendary venue, it merited virtually an entire episode of the Disney+ Series, “Camden” which documented the importance of Camden to London’s grassroot music scene . As a breeding ground for emerging talent, this iconic pub venue has hosted seminal acts like Madness, Oasis, The Libertines, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys during their formative years. With its gritty charm and commitment to showcasing new music, The Dublin Castle remains a vital part of London’s musical heritage.
Electric Ballroom
The Electric Ballroom is the centrepiece of the vibrant Camden music scene. It’s been a live music venue since it opened its doors as the Buffalo Club in 1938. The musical styles may have changed, but one thing hasn’t, anyone who is anyone in the music business has played here, including Led Zeppelin, Prince, U2 and The Clash
The Underworld
The Underworld is another of the venues which makes up the vibrant Camden music scene. Located in the basement of the World’s End pub, it puts on a steady stream of indie rock shows. Luminaries of one of the darkest venues in London are Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and Sheryl Crow. Motley Crue played a surprise pop-up gig here as The Dogs of War ahead of their 2023 Wembley show.
Search for Tickets at The Underworld
The Old Blue Last
Originally the site for, ‘The Theatre’ where Shakespeare put on plays, The Old Blue Last is now a pub and live music venue. The Old Blue Last hosts an eclectic mix of music styles, with regular jazz and Celtic music nights to sit alongside indie bands. This iconic venue clearly has an eye for talent. It has hosted some of the most exciting acts in contemporary music, including Arctic Monkeys, Florence & The Machine, and Amy Winehouse.
Islington Assembly Hall
When it first opened in 1930, you’d have been more likely to attend a tea dance or a variety show at The Islington Assembly Hall. The Assembly Hall is a beautiful venue which, when refurbished in 2009, kept many of the original art deco features. It reopened as a 600 capacity, live music venue in 2020 and has seen the likes of Ed Sheeran, The Foo Fighters and Sam Smith play on its stage.
Slim Jim’s Liquor Store
Tucked away on Islington High Street, Slim Jim’s Liquor Store regularly puts on shows from emerging local talent. It has also featured some surprise stars, with Billie Joe from Green Day, and The Struts having graced its tiny pop-up stage. Wednesday nights see a Blues Jam, and on the weekends, Slim Jim’s features a mix of live bands of various rock genres. The best bit of all is that the stage is in the bar and entry is free!
Omeara
Owned by Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons, Omeara is a 350 capacity venue carved from the arches of a railway tunnel. Specialising in breaking bands, it still manages to attract higher profile acts looking for an intimate space. Since it opened in 2016, the likes of Sam Fender, The Black Crowes and Wet Leg have all played here. The tunnel configuration means the venue is long and thin, so if you want to get close to the narrow stage, get there early.
Oslo, Hackney
Housed in the historic Hackney Central train Station, Oslo is a two headed monster. Downstairs is a cool, spacious bar, while upstairs a 350 capacity music venue showcases emerging talent and international bands looking for a UK break. Jessie J put on a birthday show here, while Sam Smith, Eurovision Song Contest winners Maneskin, and The Last Dinner Party have all headlined.
Conclusion
London’s grassroots music venues are the lifeblood of its vibrant music scene, nurturing talent and fostering creativity across genres. From historic institutions to hidden gems, these 15 fantastic grassroots music venues embody the spirit of the city’s musical heritage, offering unforgettable experiences for music lovers of all tastes. Whether you’re seeking iconic performances by legendary artists or discovering the best new bands, London’s grassroots music venues promise an immersive journey through the heart and soul of the city’s cultural landscape.
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