The best live music bars in London you shouldn’t miss (plus tips to enjoy them!)
Growing up listening to my mom’s lullabies at night, my dad rocking out at karaoke on the weekends, and me playing the violin from school clubs to orchestra halls—hearing music live always feels like coming home. So you can imagine how I’ve always preferred the real thing.
Unlike most people wandering with headphones or clutching a Walkman, you’ll rarely catch me with any kind of listening device in my ear. Sure, some songs hit hard even through a speaker, but I still think nothing compares to witnessing the unfiltered moment in real life.
If you feel the same—whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted concert-goer—these are the best live music bars in London you shouldn’t miss! From jazz to indie and more, pick up tips for savoring each genre with drinks in hand and the atmosphere just right.
Iconic jazz clubs in London
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
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Website: https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/
Address: 47 Frith St
Contact details: +44 20 7439 0747
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 5:30 PM – 11 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 4 PM; 6:30 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: £££
Ronnie Scott’s isn’t just a live music bar—it’s where jazz history lives. Big names like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald, along with local icons such as Tubby Hayes and Stan Tracey, have all graced its stage with the sounds of trumpets, saxophones, or pianos.
You might even spot their faces in the photos lining the venue’s walls, recognizable despite the dim lights and low ceilings that give the space its intimate, moody vibe. Red velvet booths wrap around the room, too, completing the classic jazz-club feel.
The same spirit lives on today in the nightly gigs, jam sessions, and sets from a growing roster of new talents. There are two shows every night, by the way, and booking early is a must, as tickets and seats sell out fast.
According to guests, each performance is made extra special with a Brandy Alexander or any of the bar’s expertly made martinis on the table. It’s also wise not to bring too much with you because of the cloakroom’s limited space.
Scarfes Bar
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Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/london/dining/scarfes-bar
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn
Contact details: +44 20 3747 8670
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: £££
Imagine soft piano jazz drifting from a cozy corner as you settle in for a much-needed night with your partner, friends, or colleagues. Then someone joins the pianist, and you’re nudging each other, wondering where you’ve heard that voice before—that’s Scarfes Bar for you.
You’ll find it on the ground floor of the Rosewood Hotel. Booking isn’t always required, as they welcome walk-ins for 1.5 hours to enjoy their table and the live jazz, which starts at 8 PM from Monday to Saturday and 7 PM on Sundays.
With plush velvet armchairs, rich wood panelling, a roaring fireplace, and over 1,000 antique books, you’d think it’s a modern take on a gentleman’s club. Not to mention the walls adorned with Gerald Scarfe’s satirical caricatures, making the venue feel like a living art gallery.
No wonder jazz lovers and art enthusiasts are drawn to this place—it’s music and design in one! Let’s not forget the cocktail connoisseurs, as people also celebrate Scarfes for its creative, inventive drinks like the Crescent City, Toothless Grin, Knock on Wood, and Zingy Stardust.
Vibrant rock and indie venues
The Shacklewell Arms
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Website: https://www.shacklewellarms.com/
Address: 71 Shacklewell Ln
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM – 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday – 4 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
The Shacklewell Arms is split into three zones: the traditional front pub, a heated courtyard, and a back-room known as the Dancehall. That last space is where almost 200 music lovers squeeze in to catch live sets of indie, rock, and electronica gigs.
If you think you’d fit in with a young, hipster-ish crowd, Shacklewell’s down-at-heels charm might pull you in—with its mouldy smell, faded murals, and broken fountain. Somehow, these quirks have made it a beloved live music institution.
The venue hosts up-and-coming UK and international bands, including Skinner, Elephant Stone, Eggy, and Lighthouse. Fans themselves attest to how every night feels like a giant party, with the vocalists occasionally jumping off the low stage to sing on the dance floor.
Even better, entry is often free or under £10, so most of your money goes toward lagers, real ales, spirits, and snacks from the pop-up vendors. Just arrive early to grab a good spot and check their events page regularly to see who’s playing and secure your ticket.
The Troubadour
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Website: https://www.troubadourlondon.com/
Address: 265-267 Old Brompton Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7341 6333
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM – 12 AM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Thursday – 12 PM – 2 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM – 12 AM
Pricing: £££
Rewatch the 1963 TV special Elizabeth Taylor in London and you’ll spot a Bohemian-filled coffee shop making a brief appearance. That very cafe is the Troubadour, and the man you notice serving coffee at each table was actually its first owner, Michael van Bloemen.
Just like in that scene—guitar tunes, old trumpets on the ceiling, quiet chatter—nothing’s really changed. The energy simply shifts up a notch in the basement music room, where most of the Sunday night jazz and ticketed events across genres take place many times a week.
To grab a bite before the show, reserve a table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Savor the brisket burger with the Rothaus German beer at the Secret Garden, surrounded by decor from the 1950s and under fairy lights at dark.
Here’s the best part—if you’re an aspiring musician, you can play at the Troubadour, too! Simply fill out the form and take inspiration from the fact that Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Paul Simon once stood right where you will.
Intimate acoustic settings
The Piano Works
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Website: https://www.pianoworks.bar/bars/farringdon
Address: 113-117 Farringdon Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7278 1966
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM – 1 AM
- Friday – 5 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday – 12:30 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: £££
Set in a Victorian warehouse in Farringdon, The Piano Works puts you in charge of the playlist. Scribble your favorite songs on the slips of paper at your table, hand them in, and get ready to sing, dance, and party to whatever the piano vocalists and the band hit the keys for next.
Guests love this song-request format almost as much as the music-themed drinks like the Frank Ginatra and Elton Gin. Add to that the Happy Hour from 5 PM to 7 PM, filled with non-stop live music, £4 Madri pints, 2-for-1 cocktails, and more.
Fridays and Saturdays are when the party’s in full swing, while weekdays keep things chill for those who prefer a more relaxed vibe. Either way, it’s best to book events and special offers in advance to snag good dinner seats or a great view of the stage.
Cash tips can go a long way—maybe even help get your song played quicker. And once you’re in with the crowd of 400 standing and 200 seated, you’ll feel the place humming like a concert hall and nightclub rolled into one.
Ain’t Nothin’ But…
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Website: https://www.aintnothinbut.co.uk/
Address: 20 Kingly St, Carnaby,
Contact details: +44 20 7287 0514
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 5 PM – 1 AM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 1 PM – 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 1 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM – 11:30 PM
Pricing: ££
At Ain’t Nothin’ But…, you’ll find live blues pouring out every night, from both locals and visiting Americans. Things start mellow with acoustic sets at 6:30 PM (3:30 PM on weekends), before the headliners bring the house down at 9 PM—check their listings to see who’s playing!
Its intimate, rustic interior—wooden floors, blues memorabilia, and cozy lighting—evokes a true juke-bar ambiance. Throw in the raw, authentic sounds of harmonicas, fierce vocals, and electric guitar burners for that deep blues spirit.
Jam sessions take over Sundays and Mondays, bringing regulars and newcomers together for lively, spontaneous performances. You can even bring your own instrument to join in and show them what you’ve got!
To go with all that are classic whisky cocktails made with Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, and more. Also, they don’t take bookings or run a guest list, so arrive early to secure the best spot and expect a cover charge later in the evening.
Unique live music experiences
Old Street Records
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Website: https://www.oldstreetrecords.com/
Address: 350, 356 Old St
Contact details: +44 20 3006 5911
Operating hours:
- Sunday – closed
- Monday to Wednesday – 5 PM – 1 AM
- Thursday and Friday – 5 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday – 2 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: ££
Stepping into Old Street Records is like entering a nostalgic record shop, with its vinyl-inspired decor, retro tour posters, vintage instruments, and glowing neon signs. Only this one comes with a cocktail lounge and sourdough pizzas.
Shoreditch creatives, after-work groups, music lovers, and weekend partygoers all gather here for the foot-stomping acoustic R’n’B and soulful trios. Just as popular are the indie bands and DJ sets turning the basement into a late-night dance party.
Plan your visit around the genre you’re into by browsing what’s on for the month. Recurring acts like Midnight Train only accept bookings up to 60 days in advance, and when reserving a table, you’ll need to specify your start and end times.
Jumbi
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Website: https://www.jumbipeckham.com/
Address: Unit 4.1, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: £££
Unlike the party vibe at most of the other bars we’ve covered, Jumbi centers on deep listening. One turntable, a vinyl library, and Hi-Fi speakers that make everything sound like you’re in the front row at a live set—you can even choose and play the records yourself!
Rooted in African-Caribbean culture, the music pays tribute to that heritage—expect to hear soul, reggae, and other Afrobeats. It all pairs beautifully with an island-inspired menu featuring rum-centric cocktails, plantain pies, and rum-roasted pineapple desserts.
What makes it more special is that it’s built by and for music lovers. So it only makes sense to call it a community-driven, music-first hangout, where you can make reservations to witness all the live acts, DJ nights, and open decks.
Live music in the West End
The Piano Bar Soho
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Website: https://info.soho.live/pianobarsoho
Address: 16 Carlisle St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – closed
- Thursday to Saturday – 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Pricing: ££
From the outside, it looks like a regular townhouse—but inside is one of Soho’s coziest music venues, The Piano Bar. With dim lighting, plush armchairs, book-lined nooks, and musicians just feet away from the audience, it’s as classy and intimate as it gets.
This bar has been chosen for many date nights, small gatherings, and solo nights out. But to emphasize the music-focused lounge experience, only drinks are served—elegant cocktails such as the Smoked Old Fashioned, Highball, and Soho Negroni often steal the show.
Nights at The Piano Bar come alive with live jazz sessions, piano vocalists, and soulful song sets. Acclaimed performers include Ego Ella May, Nathan Britton, Kitty LaRoar, and Arran Kent—find out who’s next and reserve your tickets starting at £16!
Louie
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Website: https://louie-london.com/
Address: 13-15 West St
Contact details: +44 20 8057 6500
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday – 5 PM – 12 AM
- Wednesday to Friday – 12 PM – 3 PM; 5 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday – closed
Pricing: ££££
Live music lives at Louie’s Alligator Bar every Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 2 AM. We’re talking jazz, soul, funk, disco, and R’n’B genres, curated through weekly themes like Tuesday Jazz Nights, Soulful Wednesdays, and weekend DJ sets.
As music travels throughout the venue, why not snack on oysters, lobster rolls, caviar blinis, and croquettes offered at the bar? Complement those with the Rockefeller Martini, Alligator Boogaloo, or Madame Laveau—inventive cocktails that have won over past customers.
Reserve a table for priority access on live music nights. And if time and budget allow, dine on the first-floor restaurant for a chance to hear resident pianist Robert Stoney as you indulge in the French and New Orleans flavors of your seafood gumbo or steak tartare.
Tips for enjoying live music in London
Plan your visit
London’s live music venues fill up quickly—especially on weekends or during big events like festivals, album launches, or major sports games. It’s best to book ahead, except at places like Scarfes Bar and Ain’t Nothing But…, where it isn’t required or accepted.
Also, take note of performance times—and even if you have a ticket or reserved seating, it’s worth arriving early. Standing reservations might seem tempting, but opting for a seated one usually makes for a more comfortable experience.
Explore different genres
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club might just turn you into a jazz fan. And who knows, a visit to Jumbi with a friend could spark a new love for Afro-Caribbean music or even a hobby of collecting vinyl.
Sometimes, you’ll discover a new favorite sound in the most unexpected places—perhaps upbeat indie at The Shacklewell Arms or Old Street Records. Exploring different genres can tell you a lot about how your taste in music evolves, allowing you to enjoy it more.
Support local artists
Most of the bars in this list host emerging talent and unsigned acts who bring raw energy to the stage. Buy their merch, follow them online, and share your experience—your support helps keep the city’s music culture alive and thriving.
Personally, I find it even better to stick around after the show to chat with the performers or thank the staff, given that many of them are part of the local scene, too. These little moments build community and make the night even more memorable.