Top 5: London Music Venues

While the biggest acts regularly sell out cavernous venues such as Wembley Stadium and Earl’s Court Olympia, delve a little deeper into the London music scene at these smaller spaces.

Bush Hall

This West London venue is a favorite with up-and-coming indie bands, who flock to play its sophisticated interior. Beers are reasonably priced.

Union Chapel

Part of the charm of Union Chapel is that its Grade 1-listed building is still used as a working church. This unique setting and the quality of the bookings means the space regularly features in lists of the top venues in London.

Barbican Hall

While the Hall may be best known as the permanent home of the London Symphony Orchestra, it doesn’t only cater to fans of classical music. This year will also see appearances from Jorge Drexler and the Kodo One Earth Tour.

Roundhouse

This converted railway turntable shed shot to fame as a music venue during the 60s and 70s, hosting concerts by Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. It has lost none of its character after a refurbishment in 2006, and is well known for hosting world music performers. Roundhouse has also gained a reputation as a center for alternative circus in London and will host Circusfest from April 4–24.

O2 Brixton Academy

This former cinema seems to come in for some criticism based on its bookings and prices, but if you choose wisely there are few better places to see big bands before they make the leap to the huge, impersonal stadiums. The sloping floor means that even those further back will be able to see their idols on stage.