15 Best Small Music Venues in London (by a Concert Photographer)

As a concert photographer, I’ve been privileged to photograph bands in most of the best small music venues in London. So, come with me on a journey through 15 of the best small music venues in London to find the next big thing. London is one of the great music cities of the world. The biggest bands put on massive stadium shows here. The problem is, these megagigs are hugely expensive. Tickets for these shows are impossible to get and the stage is so far away you watch the show on the big screens. I can let you into a little secret, there are loads of fantastic small music venues in London.

The city is jam-packed with small music venues hosting hugely talented musicians you can often see for the price of a few pints and from a few feet away. Remember these bands, you might see the next big thing on a tiny pub stage. The Stones, Adele, Ed Sheeran, all started at venues like this. So, get yourself down to one of London’s great grassroot venues and see bands before they get too big.

Public Service Announcement – Protect your Hearing at Gigs

I’ve spent a lot of my life on the barrier at insanely loud gigs and have the tinnitus and hearing aids to prove it. Do yourself a favour and wear ear protection. “But I want to hear the music.” Yes, me too, and that’s not an issue now, thanks to earplug technology.

It’s no longer a case of stuffing cotton wool in your ears, so the band sounds like they’re playing underwater.

Do yourself a favour and invest in a pair of pro earplugs. These don’t muffle the sound, but reduce the volume to a less ear damaging level. Make sure you can continue to hear the music when you’re as old as I am. There are loads of good ones, but the best value I’ve found are these from Senner.

The Lexington – Islington

TsuShiMaMiRe Japanese Punk Band performing at the Lexington – music venues in London, England

One of the best small music venues in London can be fount 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 Underworld – Camden – Small Music Venues in London England

Welsh Glam Rockers - Tigertailz at the Underworld - Small Music Venues in london England — Welsh Glam Rockers – Tigertailz at the Underworld – 15 Great Small Music Venues in London

The Underworld is one 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 their alter egos, The Dogs of War, ahead of their 2023 Wembley show.

The Roundhouse – Chalk Farm

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 – Great Portland Street – Small Music Venues in London England

Robin Guy drumming for Sham 69 at The 229 in Great Portland Street — The Late Great Robin Guy with Sham 69 at the 229 – music venues in London England

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.

Slim Jim’s Liquor Store – Islington

Ryan Thundersmith of The Outlaw Orchestra playing Slim Jim's Liquor Store - Small music venues in London, England — Ryan Thundersmith of The Outlaw Orchestra playing Slim Jim’s Liquor Store – 15 Great Grass Roots Music Venues in London

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!

The Garage – Highbury – Small Music Venues in London

EMF playing at The Garage, Highbury - — 90s Superstars EMF playing at The Garage, Highbury – 15 Great Grass Roots Venues in London

The Garage in Highbury 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 – Oxford Street

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 – Islington – Small Music Venues in London England

The Hope and Anchor Islington - 15 Great Grass Roots Music Venues — Gender fluid punks, T-Bitch performing at the Hope and Anchor – one of the 15 Great Music Venues in London

The Hope and Anchor in Islington is the archetypal small music venue in London, punching far above its weight in terms of bands who have played here. The Hope 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, “One Step Beyond” here, and U2 once played to a massive audience of 8 people on its stage.

The Half Moon – Putney

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 – Camden – Small Music Venues London England

The Dublin Castle - 15 Great Grass Roots Venues in London — The Dublin Castle – 15 Great Grassroots Venues in London

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 grassroots music scene.

As a breeding ground for emerging talent, this iconic pub venue has broken future headliners. Seminal acts like Madness, Oasis, The Libertines, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys cut their teeth here. With its gritty charm and commitment to showcasing new music, The Dublin Castle remains a vital part of London’s musical heritage.

Omeara – London Bridge

TJ of Americana Band, Morganway at Ben Lovett's Omeara, one of the 15 Fantastic Grassroots Music Venues in London — TJ of Americana Band, Morganway at Ben Lovett’s Omeara, one of the 15 Fantastic Grassroots Music Venues in London

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 also attracts higher profile acts looking for an intimate space. Since opening in 2016, Sam Fender, The Black Crowes and Wet Leg have 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.

The Electric Ballroom – Camden – Small Music Venues in London

Lisa Colby of Brass Against Performing at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, one of the 15 Fantastic Grassroot Music Venues in London

The Electric Ballroom is the centrepiece of the vibrant Camden music scene. It’s been a live music venue since it opened 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. Highlights include legends like Led Zeppelin, Prince, U2 and The Clash.

The Old Blue Last – Shoreditch – Small Music Venues in London

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. Jazz and Celtic music nights sit alongside gigs by 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 – Islington

Islington Assembly Hall - 15 Great Grass Roots Venues in London — German Pagan Folk band Faun at Islington Assembly Hall – 15 Great Grass Roots Venues in London

In 1930, you’d have been more likely to attend a tea dance or a variety show at The Islington Assembly Hall. The IAH is a beautiful venue which, when refurbished in 2009, kept many of the original art déco 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.

Oslo – Hackney – Small Music Venues London England

American Rap/Bluegrass band Gangstagrass at Oslo - Great Grass Root Music Venues in London — American Rap/Bluegrass band Gangstagrass at Oslo – Great Grass Root Music Venues in London

Housed in the historic Hackney Central train Station, Oslo is a two-headed monster. Downstairs is a cool, spacious bar, while upstairs sits a 350 capacity music venue. This showcases emerging talent and international bands looking for a UK break. Jessie J put on a birthday show here. Sam Smith, Eurovision Song Contest winners Maneskin, and The Last Dinner Party have all headlined.

Conclusion

The small music venues in London, England, are the lifeblood of its vibrant music scene. This is where new talent is nurtured and creativity fostered across genres. From historic institutions to hidden gems, these music venues embody London’s musical heritage. They offer 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 are where you’ll find it.