Updated on 18 December 2019
There is something about a meal with live music that makes it just that extra bit more special than your average everyday dinner out. Whether it be background music to accompany food and chatter or it is the main portion of the evening, where chatter is definitely not encouraged (and even frowned upon), a meal or drinks with live music is definitely a treat.
For most restaurants and bars, especially the ones featured on this list, jazz and blues tends to be the most popular choice of music to have playing while you eat your meal or enjoy a couple of cocktails. This soulful genre is a favourite in areas like Soho and Camden but in places like Shoreditch rock tends to take centre stage.
When it comes to the types of artists you can expect to see performing while you sip on a glass of something cold we wouldn’t bank on any A-listers, but as an indicator of the kinds of talent on show, the Artic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse were known to frequent a few of these spots in the past (pre massive amounts of fame of course). Instead of headline acts expect to see all the new up and coming talent from all over the city and who knows, maybe one of them will end up being the next big thing.
Picking the right bar or pub with live music to go to is tricky given the sheer volume of them in the city. We’ve put together a list of the best music and food venues to go to depending on the type of thing you want to enjoy. Each pub or bar on this list clicks through to a review as well as everything you need to know about the food and drinks on offer.
90 Lots Road, London, SW10 0QD
111-113 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7JN
47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT
35 Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AJ
77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9HD
Screaming 1930s art-deco, this music venue has played host to Ed Sheeran and Jorja Smith. From Tuesday to Thursday expect up and coming artists performances, and from Friday to Saturday the DJs take over.
The Village Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 7GE
64 Lant Street, London, SE1 1QN
96-98 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JB
9 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DQ
17 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8EA
93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 1EU
6 Moor Street, London, W1D 5NA
2 Empire Mews, London, SW16 2ED
38 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3ES
30 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 4UR
11 Gillett Square, Dalston, London, N16 8AZ
106 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN
20 Kingly Street, Soho, London, W1B 5PZ
70 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6LP
If you care more about the history of the place you’re eating in, check out our list of the oldest pubs in London
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