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The United Kingdom, which has a rich and varied
musical heritage, remains a major force in shaping contemporary music around the world. And, as
you'd expect, the English capital is also home to a number of important music venues - attracting
not only established acts but the best up-and-coming talent too. So, whatever your taste in music,
it's more than likely one of your favourite acts will be in town!
Below, we've listed some of London's more prominent music venues with a brief
summary to accompany each one. Also listed are a number of ticket agency websites which can be used
if you're not planning to book in person at the venue's box office. In such circumstances, bear in
mind that a handling fee (which may vary according to agency) will also be charged.
Ticket Agencies:
www.marshall-arts.co.uk
www.harveygoldsmith.com
www.lastminute.com
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
www.gigsandtours.com
Venue Listings
Select type: major venues, rock
venues, jazz venues, world music and roots
Major London Venues
Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, SW5 9TA, Tel: 020 7385 1200, Website: www.eco.co.uk,
Tube: Earl's Court,
Show Map
Although the last time anyone from Talking Cities set foot in Earl's Court was during Peter
Gabriel's 1994 Secret World Tour, the venue continues to play host to some of the world's biggest
pop and rock acts, including home-grown talent such as David Gray and Razorlight.
Reasonable ticket prices and
easy access by Tube are plus points.
Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, W6 9QH, Tel: 020 7416 6083,
Website: www.carlinglive.com,
Tube: Hammersmith,
Show Map
All-seater 'theatre style' venue which not only boasts decent sound, but generally agreeable views
(unless you're stuck right at the back). Also boasts good Tube connections via the Piccadilly,
District and Hammersmith & City Lines.
Kensington Gore, Kensington, SW7 2AP, Tel: 020 7589 8212, Website: www.royalalberthall.com,
Tube: South Kensington,
Show Map
Funded, in part, by profits from the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Royal Albert Hall has long
served as one of London's most prominent (and prestigious) music venues. Although most famously
known for the 'Proms', pop and rock events are also held here regularly. Indeed, at one time, Phil
Collins, Eric Clapton and Bryan Adams practically had the place to themselves...
Wembley Arena (Wembley Arena Pavilion)
Arena Square, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0D, Tel: 0870 060 870, Website:
www.livenation.co.uk/wembley,
Tube: Wembley Park/Wembley Central,
Show Map
Following an ambitious 15 month, £35 million refurbishment programme, the once ailing Wembley Arena
has now been transformed into one of the city's best music venues. Reopened in April 2006
to the sounds of Depeche Mode, the Arena now overlooks a brand new public square, with improvements
that include better acoustic sound proofing, new seating, a revamped foyer, restaurants and toilets.
Rock/Pop Venues in London
157 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2 8EN, Tel: 020 7434 9592, Website: www.festivalrepublic.com,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
Staging everything from alternative US bands (such as the Bloodhound Gang) to Kylie inspired gay
nights, the Astoria may appear dark and dingy on the outside, but it still cuts the mustard come
showtime. Acoustics are generally good, with a decent sound and lighting set up. And, from a
transport point of view, its central location is also a boon. Most recently played host to
sell out shows from the likes of Amy Winehouse and Jarvis Cocker.
Astoria 2
157 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2 8EN, Tel: 020 7434 9592, Website: www.festivalrepublic.com,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
Previously known as the Mean Fidller, the Astoria 2 sits underneath The Astoria
(contact details as above). With a capacity of 1000, it has seen it's fair share of great
artists over the years including Iggy Pop, Primal Scream, Moby and Metallica.
211 Stockwell Road, Brixton, SW9 9SL, Tel: 020 7771 3000, Website: www.brixton-academy.co.uk,
Tube: Brixton,
Show Map
An ever-present on the gig circuit, Brixton Academy attracts not only up-and-coming bands, but big
name acts looking for a 'nice little warm up venue'. A (relatively) small capacity of 4000 gives
the right ingredients for a decent show, although the Academy's acoustics are variable to say the
least.
22-24 Highbury Corner, Highbury, N5 1RD, Tel: 7607 1818, Website: www.meanfiddler.com, Highbury &
Islington,
Show Map
Principally an indie venue, although well-known US and British acts do also appear. Smaller acts
play 'Upstairs at the Garage' which, unless completely full, is devoid of all known atmosphere.
The Gardening Club (Formerly Rock Garden Venue)
6-7 The Piazza Covent Garden, WC2E 8HA, Tel: 020 7240 6001, Website: www.rockgarden.co.uk,
Tube: Covent Garden,
Show Map
Occasionally woeful acts, with mainstream rock dominating. By no means the last word in concert
venues (or even exciting for that matter), although a Covent Garden location ensures the venue is
always full. Foreign tourists in the hunt for live music often make up the bulk of The
Gardening Club's
clientele.
The Grand
21-25 St Johns Hill, Battersea Rise, Clapham Junction, SW11 1TT, Tel: 020 7385
0834, Website: www.leopardclubs.com,
Nearest railway station: Clapham Junction,
Show Map
Club/concert venue which has built a solid reputation for staging good up-and-coming acts. With a
lively (if not always savoury) pub scene in Clapham, The Grand usually makes for a rewarding night
out.
Half Moon Putney
93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1EU, Tel: 020 8780 9383, Website: www.halfmoon.co.uk,
Tube: Putney Bridge,
Show Map
If you're lucky, a virtuoso performer such as Wilko Johnson will appear at this Putney pub venue.
If not, then don't worry as the Half Moon also doubles up as a damn fine sauna when full.
Atmospheric it can be, sophisticated it's not.
157 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2 8EN, Tel: 7434 9592,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
Now known as Astoria 2 (see above).
Underworld
14 Camden High Street, Camden Town, NW1 0NE, Tel: 020 7978 1932,
Website: www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk,
Tube: Camden Town,
Show Map
Definitely one for those with a penchant for orienteering thanks to Underworld's maze of corridors.
Club nights and indie music situated below the likeable World's End pub in Camden.
Shepherd's Bush Empire
Shepherds Bush Green, Shepherds Bush, W12 8TT, Tel: 020 8740 7474, Website: www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk,
Tube: Shepherd's Bush,
Show Map
Arguably London's best small venue, the Empire plays host to all manner of rock, pop and indie
acts, including televised MTV shows and gigs from artists such as Alanis Morrisette, Anastacia and
Suede. While views from the 'pit' downstairs are only average, the venue's two balconies enjoy
excellent stage views. With great sound and a lovely interior, the Empire gets a big thumbs up.
Jazz Venues in London
90 Lots Road, Chelsea, SW10 0QD, Tel: 020 7352 5953, Website: www.606club.co.uk,
Tube: Earl's Court/Fulham Broadway,
Show Map
Dedicated jazz venue, which also serves up decent food in an upmarket Chelsea location. No entry
fee, just a charge for the evening's music added to your bill.
Jazz Café
5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG, Tel: 020 7344 0044, Website: www.meanfiddler.com,
Tube: Camden Town,
Show Map
An extremely likeable venue owned and operated by the Mean Fiddler Group. Mainly jazz-funk, soul
and world music.
Pizza Express Jazz Club
10 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3RD, Tel: 020 7439 8722,
Website: www.pizzaexpresslive.com,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
As well as dishing up tasty pizzas, this centrally located jazz club also occasionally attracts
world-class jazz talent. Late night sessions, with contemporary jazz dominating.
47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT, Tel: 020 7439 0747, Website: www.ronniescotts.co.uk,
Tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
London's most famous jazz venue which still, unsurprisingly, draws the biggest and best name acts from
around the world. Smoky, atmospheric and a good place to get a top quality jazz fix.
World Music and Roots in London
38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT, Tel: 0207 836 1973, Website: www.africacentre.org.uk,
Tube: Covent Garden,
Show Map
Venue for popular African bands, melded with a café and bookshop. Covent Garden location is
a bonus. Note: as of 17 April 2008, programming is largely limited to temporary art
exhibitions owing to the physical state of the building (for which a refurbishment is
planned).
Barbican Centre
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS, Tel: 020 7638 8891, Website: www.barbican.org.uk,
Tube: Barbican,
Show Map
While known principally as an art and classical music venue, the Barbican is fast becoming a
first-class world music centre too. Shows often tie in with cultural exhibitions, so visits are
likely to impress both eyes and ears.
12 Bar Club
22-23 Denmark Place (off Denmark Street), WC2H 8NL, Tel:
020 7240 2120 (Office) or 020 7240 2622 (Advanced ticket sales),
Website: www.12barclub.com,
Tube: Tottenham Court Road,
Show Map
By and large acoustically driven pop/new folk and new country with a splash of thought-provoking rock every once in a while. Tiny venue means
you're likely to make a new friend or two as well.
Union Chapel
Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, Islington, N1 2UN, Tel: 020 7226 1686, Website:
www.unionchapel.org.uk,
Tube: Highbury & Islington,
Show Map
Eclectic mix of world music, indie, rock and folk. A surprise that anything so lively can be found
in a small Islington church.
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