Category Live Music
Places to see music being played in London.
Aint Nothing But (A Blues Bar)
A small and very lively Blues bar on the edge of Soho. Live music every night. Can get very crammed later on, especially on Thurs, Fri & Sat, or when a more well-known act is playing. If you want a seat, let alone a table, get in early! Eating there is not recommended, much better to go to one of the many excellent restaurants in Soho first. If you like your blues bars small, smokey and loud you'll have a ball, if not then not so much.
The Borderline
This little basement venue is located just off the Charing Cross Road. They have something on most nights. Ticket prices are very reasonable, usually around �8-�12.
Atmosphere is intimate, dark and dingy (but in a good way!) The venue is very small, but never (IME) too packed. It is no problem to go from in front of the stage to the bar or toilet, and back again, even at sold-out gigs. Sound quality may be a bit better standing towards the back of the dance area, or by the wall in front of the stage. If you want a table make sure you get there early.
There is no set music style, but IME they tend towards American Roots, modern punk, folk, hillbilly rock and country blues (sometimes all on the same night).
Jazz Cafe
A well-respected venue, very close to Camden tube. Performances most nights. Ticket prices are usually just under �20.
The Jazz Cafe has an upstairs restaurant section with tables overlooking the stage, and a reasonable sized downstairs dance floor. If you want a table upstairs you must be dining at the decent but somewhat pricy restaurant. As you come in there is a small lounge area where you can relax and have a drink while waiting for the band to start. The place usually fills up quite late, so don't stress too much about getting a good spot by the stage. If you are buying tickets at the door they usually require you to go in immediately and don't allow pass-outs, so if you plan to eat or drink elsewhere and then go in either book ahead or pick a night which won't sell out.
Aside from the many and various jazz acts, the Jazz Cafe also frequently features funk, hip-hop and fusion, as well as some harder to categorise acts.