Live Music — Pubs in London

Blues Kitchen

134 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AR

Converted warehouse, which later served as the Brick Lane Music Hall. Very spacious square interior, dominated by a big square 100% island bar. Distressed plasterboard ceiling, big suspended lights made from gramophone trumpets. A mixture of bare brick and distressed walls with huge clear front windows. Raised area up one step along the front, raised and railed dining area on the left, dance floor on the right, small stage at back. Popular, not easily filled, relaxed atmosphere, a trendyish element but not exclusively, aged 30s and 40s, some ethnic mix, female-friendly. Keg Brooklyn Lager, London Fields Hackney Hopster, Murphy and standard lagers. Bottled beers include Brooklyn Lager, Dixie, Duvel, Fordham Route One IPA, Innis & Gunn, Kona Big Wave and Longboard, Vedett Blonde and White. Eight wines by the glass. Cocktails and spirits, including lots of bourbons. Opened in 2005 as Hell, renamed the same year as Bar Music Hall (the only UK pub owned by Belgian brewer Duvel-Moortgat), closed early 2010s. Reopened May 2014 as the second Blues Kitchen.

Strongroom Bar & Kitchen

120-124 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3SQ

Trendy multi level bar accessed via a courtyard off Curtain road. No real ale.

Refinery CityPoint

CityPoint, 1 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9HT

Formerly serving real ale, now keg only. Renamed in February 2017.

Queen of Hoxton

1-5 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX

From the website:- Bar, club and art gallery, the Queen of Hoxton holds court in the heart of the East End, entertaining her neighbours with a tight programme of music accompanied by a gallery of art installations and murals. The ground floor is an intricate blend of window etchings, graffiti, ivy and a landscape of benches, while the games room holds table-football, vintage pinball and a unique Brighton pier 1960’s gaming rarity. The Queen’s alter ego appears in the basement bar; dark and a little twisted. The space caters for her every whim hosting cutting edge gigs and sweaty raves.

Cargo

83 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY

Located in an urban disused railway yard, Cargo is a live music venue featuring late-night restaurant, lounge bar, live room and amazing sunny outdoor terrace complete with fooseball table, automatic photo booth, BBQ & wall art by some amazing artists like Banksy. Entry fees apply on Fridays after 10pm and on Saturdays after 9pm.

Botanist

5 Broadgate Circle, London EC2M 2QS

New Bar from ETM in the refurbished Broadgate Circle development. Designed by Russell Sage Studios on two levels with a ground floor bar and restaurant and a subterranean Soda Room late night cocktail bar. Beer from tap,tank and bottles.

Lighthouse Bar & Club

68 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY

Set over two floors, the Lighthouse brings the best live music, DJs and club nights.

Trapeze

89 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HX

Style bar in former commercial premises, converted in 1997. Past names for ground floor and/or basement have included Medicine, Villain and East Village. Current incarnation from c.2014, with a circus theme. It does have limited keg beers, and 2008 was the year it was renamed Villain. Medicine Bar had been around for some years prior to that.

Piano

14 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN

Dion

Paternoster House, 65 St Pauls Churchyard, London EC4M 8AB

Opened by 2005. No cask ale - one keg lager.

Oriole

East Poultry Avenue-Central Markets, London EC1A 9LH

Reopened in November 2015 by Speakeasy Entertainment as a bar and performance venue with table service and no draught beer.

Shakespeare

2 Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AA

A large pub with lots of nooks and crannies located where the north gate to the City of London used to be. Part of the ruins are still visible just outside the pub entrance. The menu is Italian with pizza specials.

Argyle

1 Greville Street, London EC1N 8PQ

Located in a modern building just off Leather Lane, this Stonegate establishment is popular with a city clientele on weekdays; it is also open on Saturdays. Traditional pub food is available till nine. The main bar is located on the ground floor; there is also an intimate cellar bar and an upstairs bar that includes a terrace - rugs available in winter!

Three Kings

7 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0DY

A curved fronted house in Clerkenwell Close - for a while called Kings of Clerkenwell but this has now reverted to Three Kings. One bar with 4 handpumps. Superbly polished linoleum floor. Smaller upstairs function rooms. Limited opening hours at weekends. Rare to see a turntable and vinyl being played here. Fine Mann Crossman and Paulin window. Became a managed Ei Group pub in February 2019. Following refurbishment in 2021 the original tiling on the exterior has been removed and the interior substantially altered.

Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings

42 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HU

Opened in September 2014 as a brasserie, bar and cafe.

George & Monkey

68 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UU

Traditional backstreet pub, which has been through various guises over the years - historically the Fountain, for 20 years Filthy MacNasty's, briefly a Simmons cocktail bar, and 2016 the Amwell Arms. Reopend in July 2018 in its current guise. 3 handpumps. Bottles and cans

Harlequin

27 Arlington Way, London EC1R 1UY

Look carefully and note many original features. Try celebrity spotting here. All day cheese board. Quiz night Monday.

Shakespeares Head

1 Arlington Way, London EC1R 1XA

Small immaculate theatre pub just behind Sadler's Wells.

Betsey Trotwood

56 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3BL

Formerly the Butchers Arms and latterly the Betsey after the Dickens character in David Copperfield. Wine bar, and function room which is available for small parties etc.

Slaughtered Lamb

34-35 Gt Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DX

Opened April 2004 in former offices, a typical Clerkenwell pub with a square interior and central bar. Popular after work. Beer is the main attraction: there might only be 1-2 real ales, from the likes of Siren and Tiny Rebel, but there is a changing range of keg taps including several from Camden Town as well as US breweries, and several dozen bottled beers. There's also a US-influenced menu and a regular events in the basement venue room.

Britannia

94 Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QR

Unspoilt working-class local. The building dates from 1939. Ex-Whitbread. Traditional interior, not spacious, roughly square, arranged around 100% island bar. Decent dark wood panelling up to picture rail on the two interior walls, under the windows on two sides, and under the octagonal red lino-topped bar. Red velvet upholstery including banquettes around the room, high stools at the bar. Quiz Wed. Live music or entertainer Fri and Sat. Not always busy in the week, gets lively at weekends during entertainment, working-class clientele, many regulars. TV (normally off or playing radio). Darts. Small rear patio.

Old Red Lion

418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ

Well-known theatre pub on one of the oldest sites in London, a pub here being first recorded in 1415; the present building dates from 1898. An ornate wooden and glass panelled screen partially cuts off what used to be a private saloon at the front. Board games are available. The pub also has a largescreen TV and can get busy on big sports occasions such as rugby matches. At the back is a patio drinking area. Pool is very popular. The long bar is separated by a most unusual engraved glass partition.

Artillery Arms

102 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8ND

Near Wesley’s Chapel and behind the Grade I listed dissenters’ burial ground of Bunhill Fields. Named after the nearby headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company, Small single-room pub with a central bar. Some of the servery has stained glass panels, there are also two screens at the window overlooking Bunhill Row, and the venue has a bare wooden floor throughout. Walls at the rear display military prints and a framed collection of cigarette cards. Upstairs is a dining room with a comprehensive menu. There are occasional guest ales and a mini festival is staged in the autumn.

Old Blue Last

38 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3ES

Large one bar pub. It claims to have been the first pub to sell Porter. Built 1700 rebuilt 1876. Lunchtime snacks.

Horse & Groom

28 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NQ

Ex Charrington pub became Greene King in 1993. In the back yard there is an area that has been excavated (in the past) to expose the foundations of Shakespeare's "Curtain Theatre" where he 1st performed Romeo & Juliet & Henry V, himself as an Actor. The current lessees have tried to purchase this area of land so they could put on mini plays and presentations of Shakespeare's work.

Joiner on Worship Street

2-4 Paul Street, London EC2A 4JH

Modern Shoreditch bar. First opened in 2001 by Davy's as a Heeltap & Bumper. Changed hands and renamed in 2011. Two table tennis tables. Additional info: 2001 was when it opened as Heeltap & Bumper, one of the modern types of Davy's bar. It became Vinum in 2006. Changed hands and renamed in 2011. Now rebranded again with 10 table tennis tables. Refurbished & rebranded during 2020/2 lockdown- now an American themed bar on 3 floors.

Browns Bar & Brasserie Old Jewry

8 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DN

Part of M&B bar and restaurant chain with real ale installed by August 2011.

Windsor

2 New London Street, London EC3R 7NA

Chain pub next to Fenchurch Street Station. Access also on new London Street.

Three Lords

27 Minories, London EC3N 1DD

Built on the site of the old Franciscan nunnery - hence Minories. On dissolution the parish was granted the full privileges of the nunnery, including marriage without banns or licence and licensing their own publicans. The name Three Lords comes from three Jacobite Lords executed after the '45 rebellion. Plain bar on the ground floor; basement dining room. Entirely Italian food.

Crutched Friar

38 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2AE

You walk into a large lobby where openings to the left and right have plenty of seating for drinking and eating, especially at lunchtimes. A couple of steps lead to the bar, lit by a skylight. Beyond is another drinking area leading to a patio garden.

Paternoster

2-4 Queens Head Passage, London EC4M 7DZ

Although modern, the dark wood balustrades, panelling, furniture and floor lends a traditional feel. The central raised seating area and a side room with interesting photo panels also helps the pub's atmosphere. The outside seating has splendid views of St Paul's. Look out for the cat on the way to the toilets! Opened Dec 2003 replacing the Master Gunner demolished c1999.

Magpie & Stump

18 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EP

The present pub is a replacement for a superb replication that was erected in the 1930s and was in the Tudor style. The present pub has been decorated in a quasi art deco style.

Cannick Tapps

109 Cannon Street, London EC4N 5AD

Still badged as an Eerie pub although the chain has long since gone. Basement bar opposite Cannon Street Station. Cask ales are £3.40 (Feb 2016) until 5pm. Opens Saturday evenings for music events. Various walls and doors are disguised as bookcases including the toilets! Following a July 2016 refurbishment, now has a 'craft wall'

Callaghans Sports Bar

Coram Street, London WC1N 1HT

In the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. Hotel bar in the typical fake irish style that is predominantly a sports bar with large TV screens. Off the main hotel lobby but with separate entrance from the street. The handpump is unused.

London Welsh Centre

157-163 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8UE

Public bar in the London Welsh Centre (a charitable organisation whose objective is to promote Welsh culture and language in London) in a marvelous room on the top floor with a stupendous ceiling. The Bar hosts various events such as gigs, comedy nights and quiz nights. See their events page for details of what’s coming up. The bar opens on weekends for special occasions (such as the rugby!). We advise you to phone ahead to check opening times. Occasional beer festivals (Welsh beers naturally!). Pies, pasties and sandwiches available. Please note that not all beers listed are likely to be all on at the same time.

Bloomsbury Lanes

Lower Level, Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 9EU

Previously the basement car park of the Tavistock Hotel, now a bowling complex with a bar that's open to drinkers regardless of bowling. Separate from the Tav bar (previously Tavistock Bar) on the ground floor of the same hotel. As well as the bar and eight bowling lanes, the complex includes karaoke booths, pool, table tennis and table football. Very spacious inside, some retro bowling décor and diner-style horseshoe seating. No real ale, but some decent draught beers e.g. Camden Hells, Ink and Pale Ale, König Lüdwig Pils, Weihenstephan Hefeweizen. Alcoholic milk shakes, if that's your thing, and a US diner menu comprising of burgers, pizzas and hot dogs.

Harrison

28 Harrison Street, London WC1H 8JF

A modern pub internally which still retains some of its old Watney’s frosted windows, décor is a mix of modern and traditional elements, open plan, large tables with sofas and armchairs plus two real open fires. As part of the refurbishment, four modern style, en-suite rooms were added, three doubles and one sleeping three. Outside seating is available but on one side must be vacated by 10pm. The basement features live music. Just off the Gray’s Inn Road and less than 10 minutes walk from King’s Cross/St Pancras. Closes on public holidays, check their website for details.

Rugby Tavern

19 Great James Street, London WC1N 3ES

Formerly a Nicholson's, then a Fuller's house, this large island bar pub is popular with locals and office workers alike. It is so named because it was built around 1850 on land donated by the founder of Rugby School (they still own the freehold). It can get crowded in the early evening. There can be themed nights such as pub quizzes. As well as sandwiches, food is available from a Thai menu and the upstairs room can be booked for parties and functions. During a 2011 refurbishment a splendid mirror appeared over the fireplace. There is a large seating (and smoking) area available outside (not weekends), which, being in a car free zone, is extremely pleasant during the summer months. Tube - Russell Sq. or Holborn.

Enterprise

38 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4PN

A large, extended one-roomed pub but one in which you can still distinguish the previous layout and indeed still retains some very interesting features such as a characterful bay window. The front half of the pub has some fantastic green tiling and mirrors, although the gas lighting has now been replaced by candles. As the pub thins out to the rear it leads to a heated and lighted garden. In 2006, a fine mosaic by local artist Tessa Hunkin, appeared on the pub's side, looking to replicate the pub sign in a marvellous way. Tube - Russell Sq., Chancery Lane or Holborn.

Water Rats

328 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8BZ

After an uncertain time in 2014/2015 opened with a new operator at the back end of 2015 which has seen a nice refurbishment with the once shabby furniture replaced. Originally known as “The Pindar of Wakefield”, built in 1517, on the opposite side of the road, it shared it's name with the Pinder of Wakefield (a person whose job was to impound stray animals), supposedly connected with Robin Hood mythology. It also shares it's name with the historical Pindar's fort, a local site believed to be beneath the Mount Pleasant Post Office. Having been badly damaged in a thunderstorm in 1793, it was rebuilt at its current site. In 1986 the premises were bought by “The Grand Order of Water Rats”, a showbiz charity organisation. They do have 3 handpumps in the back room (Stage Room) but only realistically use 1 for Fuller's London Pride. Opens early, alcohol served from 10am, they serve a broad range of breakfasts from 8.30am - midday-ish. Live music, comedy shows and secret gigs and are on Vintage TV.

Queen's Head

66 Acton Street, London WC1X 9NB

Narrow, late Georgian side-street premises, just off the Gray’s Inn Road, with a single bar, smoking patio at the rear and benches on the pavement. It retains much of its Victorian character such as etched mirrors, a splendid bay window, a fine back gantry, floor tiling, blue wall tiles (listed), lamps, a lovely fireplace, a lantern and a mixture of old, non-matching tables and chairs. Up to three traditional ciders sold from handpump and bag-in-the-box - winner of the CAMRA London Regional Cider Pub of the Year Award 2013 and 2016. Now an accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme and offers a 10% discount to CAMRA members. Have just restarted Sunday openings but be aware they may close early if not busy. Also has interesting beers on keg tap such as Kernel. The pub can stay open beyond the listed closing times depending upon trade. The food menu is designed to complement the beer - Mrs Kings's Melton Mowbray pork pies, cured meats, cheeses and ploughmans. There is always something going on here, live music on the piano every Thursday night from 8 o’clock and every Sunday from 4.30 and the last Thursday of the month features a five piece Jazz band.

Ship Tavern

12 Gate Street, London WC2A 3HP

Hidden in a passage behind Holborn Underground station, a pub has been on this site since 1549. It features in many London ghost books for its association with Catholic priests once caught and executed there in the reign of Henry VIII. It was one of the few William Younger's houses in London and the leaded windows and a brass plaque reflect this previous ownership. Decor is a mix of alcoves and stools, with mahogany-coloured walls and prints of early 20th-century ships. There are six handpumps for regional beers, including two guests and the aptly named house beer. Food is available all day and regular pie promotions are held. The Oakroom restaurant upstairs takes reservations and on Sundays a traditional roast is served with live jazz late Sunday afternoons. Wheelchair accessible double-door but no disabled toilet.

Crown

64 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TP

A popular M&B Nicholson's pub on the site of the Hickford Rooms, which were London's main concert rooms in the 1740s and '50s; there is an interesting notice showing the history of the pub. The main bar, with its banquettes, is a welcome retreat from the bustling street. Two changing and often unusual guest beers are served plus a real cider.

Carpenters Arms

12 Seymour Place, London W1H 7NE

First licensed in 1776 and rebuilt by Meux in 1872, this is a sister hostelry to the Market Porter in Southwark. The pub has benefited from a sensitive refurbishment, preserving the impressive wall tiling and floor mosaics in the main entrance. On the wall by the side entrance is an apposite display of old woodworking tools. The ale comprises a few regulars like Harveys, but also often some interesting local brews from around the country. For visitors, the pub is a haven from the bustle of nearby Oxford Street, whilst the availability of a dartboard (in the rear alcove) and TV sport adds to the appeal for the regulars, one of whom has commented: "Landlord & deputy greet us like old mates – it feels like an old episode of Cheers when we go in. My pint is invariably being pulled as they see me come through the door. Always a good atmosphere and a mix of after-workers, tourists and locals." The food offering is Pieminister pies including a veggie option.

Windmill

6-8 Mill Street, London W1S 2AZ

The creation of this pub in the 1980s from two adjoining buildings, formerly occupied by a nightclub and an escort agency, has produced a spacious 'L'-shaped bar with painted wood panelling, some plain but intensely coloured wall tiling, wooden floors, decorative ceilings and an attractive frieze all dominated by a large chandelier. Whilst there is some room in front of the bar for vertical drinking, much of the place is occupied by comfortable dining tables and chairs. To the rear and a few steps down is one of two Pie Rooms - the other is on the first floor and appears to still have its original wooden flooring and unpainted panelling - where all tables are exclusively for diners. Pies are, as you might imagine, very much the speciality, with changing monthly specials such as beef & stilton. There is also a roof terrace with about eight tables with shelter and blankets provided. The pub operator also runs the nearby Guinea Grill and there is kitchen collaboration between the two venues. A wide range of special events - including occasional live music - is advertised on the pub's website. There are six cask ales on the main bar including some locally sourced ones. Please note that no under-16s are allowed on the premises.

Montagu Pyke

105-107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT

This building was opened in 1911 by the pioneer cinema entrepreneur Montagu Pyke as his 16th and last cinema, the Cambridge Circus Cinematograph Theatre. It was known as the Tatler for many years, and the Jacey Cinema, before becoming the home of the Marquee Club from 1986 to 1996. It was opened by JD Wetherspoon's as a Moon Under Water and is now part of their Lloyds No 1 chain, with piped music, plasma screen TVs and a smaller beer range. There are two bars, on different levels, and an acclaimed biggest big screen in the West End. For those of a nervous disposition there's said to be the ghost of someone who burnt to death in a fire in the cinema in the front cellar. The interior has the appearance of a rather clinical cafe bar, clutter free, pastel coloured seating, light pine parquet flooring and bare painted walls. A foyer area with a scattering of chairs leads down from the Charing Cross Road entrance to the spacious main bar area with a high ceiling and roof lights. Keen eyes will notice the adjacent building bears the name Tam o'Shanter, a pub until 1960. A staircase leads to a balcony and steps to the rear lead to a second bar in a corridor with a rear entrance from Soho in Greek Street. Note that the licence stipulates that alcohol is not available before 10am Monday to Saturday or noon on Sunday.

Spice Of Life

6 Moor Street, London W1D 5NA

A pub and music bar on the perimeter of Cambridge Circus, at the corner of Romilly Street and Moor Street. First licensed in 1686 as the George, the current building dates from 1898 and the current name from 1986. (One of the old names, Cantons, can be seen being held by one of the gargoyles on the top of the building). Famous in the 1960s and 70s for folk music and then punk, latterly it has become a jazz venue and home to SpiceJazz club. Up to 5 real ales from the McMullen range on offer and free admission to the main bar but you may have to pay for some music gigs in the basement. If you are not drinking and want to listen to the music and drive, the public car park in Chinatown is only a short walk away.

Two Brewers

40 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9EP

A nicely wooden panelled bar and back bar, just south of Seven Dials, and said to date from the 1690s as part of Thomas Neale's development of what had been known as Marshland or Marsh Close. At the rear of this one room pub there's some attractive backlit coloured glass, and the walls feature photographs of stars of stage and screen. Monmouth Street is said to have been an inspiration for Hogarth's famous 1751 print "Gin Lane" as it was then a byword for drunkenness and crime.

One Tun

58-60 Goodge Street, London W1T 4ND

Originally dating from the mid 18th century, this is a former Finch house rebuilt in 1829. Once famous for jazz sessions and the early 1960s beatnik scene, it was acquired by Young's in 1991 as part of their purchase of HH Finch. It retains a large central island bar and servery; there is not much space left for seating so customers may spill out onto the street at busy times.

Coach & Horses

2 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TQ

Situated on a prime site on the corner of Charing Cross Rd and Old Compton St, this purports to be the oldest pub in W1, dating from 1734 and Grade II-listed. Previously Molly Moggs, the site reopened after refurbishment in autumn 2017 as the Compton Cross and then again in 2019 as the Coach & Horses under Shepherd Neame ownership. This is now the third pub in Soho with that name! Very small inside, about square with a front-facing bar. Black honeycomb-pattern ceiling, sunken spot lights, black cornice and upper walls, wood panelling clads some walls with brewery mirrors, dark green glazed tiles on the dado, white glazed tiles behind bar, black-painted buttressed wood panelling under counter, bare floorboards, the only seating is high stools & tables, elbow shelf around the room. Quite loud music. Easily filled but not always busy, gay-friendly, female-friendly. Karaoke every Sunday from 4pm.