Live music is thriving in London. All across the city, musicians of all types thrill and entertain every nyght. There are so many great venues, that it can be hard to choose so here is a brief guide to some of the best.
Boisdale, Canary Wharf
Well known for its great cocktails and excellent dining, Boisdale in Canary Wharf has rapidly made a name for being one of the best live music venues in London. Boisdale has evolved into a first class jazz venue but also boasts regular appearances by leading performers in other music genres – Jools Holland, Acker Bilk and Nina Ferro are just some of the great names that have featured at Boisdale.
Betsey Trotwood, Clerkenwell, London
Betsey Trotwood, Clerkenwell
The character-filled Betsey Trotwood pub in the heart of Clerkenwell oozes Victorian tradition. It boasts homemade food and a fantastic drinks collection and, if you want some great live music to get your evening into gear, then the Betsey is just the place to go. Pop downstairs to the cellar for an eclectic selection of music and comedy. Or go upstairs where you’ll find the acoustic room. The programme at the Betsey is varied so choose your night, or just pop in and be surprised. Either way you’ll have great night out.
Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush
You wouldn’t normally think of Shepherd’s Bush as a likely part of town for a great night out, but Bush Hall on Uxbridge Road will prove you wrong. The one-time dance hall doesn’t look much from the outside, but inside the restored Georgian plasterwork and the two-tier Austrian lead crystal chandeliers are pretty impressive. And as for the music – that is just great, and ranges from blues to country to alternative rock. If you are lucky enough to be one of the 350 patrons who get to enjoy a night out at Bush Hall, you will definitely come away knowing that you have been to on of the best live music venues in London.
The Green Note, Camden Town
Camden Town’s Green Note is a unique and intimate independent renowned live music venue that is one of London’s best places to find folk and roots music. The small restaurant, which serves vegetarian snacks from the well-stocked bar, is the perfect place to sit and relax. Portraits of music legends adorn the walls and the list of live acts that have been attracted to Green Note attests to its status as one of London’s best live music venues – you can’t argue with names like the late Amy Winehouse, Leonard Cohen and Martin Carthy. With these credentials, it does get crowded, so check the events programme and book early to avoid disappointment.
Ronnie’s Bar, Soho
With big brother Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club downstairs, Ronnie’s Bar plays host to live music acts every night of the week. It caters for all musical tastes ranging from acoustic jazz to Cuban to soul and rhythm and blues. It has a capacity of 140 and boasts a good bar, award-winning cocktails and superb food served to your table. This great live music venue in London is open most nights from 6.00pm to 3.00am.
Tamesis Dock
For a live music venue in London with a difference, you just have to try Tamesis Dock, a converted Dutch barge now permanently moored between Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridge almost opposite the Houses of Parliament. Open daily, it is predominantly a walk-in venue that has hosted a veritable who’s who of bands like Local Natives, Alessi’s Ark and Tankus the Henge to name a few. Great music, great music and a great atmosphere make Tamesis Dock another of the best venues for live music in London.
