Best Small Indie Music Venues In London: The Ultimate List
Ever wondered about the best small indie music venues in London? I have always loved indie music, and seeing live bands in small venues.
When I was younger, I never really new where to look to find cool venues where I would fit in, as well as how to find new bands to listen to in genres I actually liked.
It’s all been made a lot easier now – thank to the likes of Spotify. But never fear! If you want to do thing a bit old school and get into the live music scene in London then I’m here to help.
I’ve made a handy guide to my absolute top recommendations for small indie music venues in London.
Every single one books great bands, and has a capacity of 150-200 people. Quite literally standing room only.
This is the only list you’ll ever need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to the London music scene in the world of indie music venues London. This London music venues list will break down the top London indie venues for independent music and up-and-coming artists.
Table of Contents
- The Sebright Arms
- Moth Club
- Shacklewell Arms
- The Lexington
- The George Tavern
- Old Blue Last
- The Windmill
- Conclusion
The List: Best Indie Music Venues London
The Sebright Arms
Capacity: 150
Location: Hackney
Genre: Mostly indie but can vary
We’ll start off with my personal favourite – The Sebright Arms in Hackney.
This is a great place to see any up-and-comers playing new music, as well as amazing indie secret headliners. There’s a real insider culture about this pub-venue combo.
It’s especially popular with artsy sorts, including other musicians and actors, so keep your eyes peeled for any recognisable faces while you’re here.
This is one of the best small live music venues London, and definitely worth keeping an eye on if you’re into anything from alternative rock to electronic music.
Check out this video of The Lumineers playing a secret show at The Sebright Arms. You really never know who you might see there.
Moth Club
Capacity: 150
Location: Hackney
Genre: Indie
This new club has a real old-school charm to it. With glittering decor and an old fashioned layout, these interiors will take you back to music’s retro-ey heyday.
No reflection on the music though – they book real up-and-comers so you can be the first to know about new bands on the scene, as well as some old familiar names too.
This places them firmly on the list of the top London indie music venues for discovering new music and attending amazing London gigs.
They also host comedy nights, films, and quiz nights, creating a real community feel around this great little club.
Shacklewell Arms
Capacity: 200
Location: Dalston
Genre: Indie
This is a great venue to go to for unknown bands – especially up and coming American bands.
This is the place to go to be ahead of the curve for imports from across the pond, whilst also staying ahead of the London music scene.
This venue is well known for its cheap ticket prices – including many free gig nights, which make it great for students and young people.
It’s attached pub is also great, so make sure to grab a burger before your gig.
http://www.shacklewellarms.com/
The Lexington
Capacity: 200
Location: Islington
Genre: Indie
This is renowned for being an absolute favourite amongst indie music fans. It is known as an absolute must-play for indie bands playing the circuit and might be the top place to find your new favourite band.
They also host warm-up gigs for well-known musicians before they play well known London concert venues, so keep an eye out for those special events too.
Known for having an amazing quality of sound, this venue is a treasure in terms of the best small indie music venues in London.
https://www.thelexington.co.uk
The George Tavern
Capacity: 150
Location: Stepney
Genre: Indie, Rock, Punk – currently the top spot for the Post-Punk wave
This one is a bit of an outsider and often missed off these kinds of lists, but it is absolutely one that should be included when it comes to the best places for London gigs.
An iconic venue, The George Tavern has tons of integrity, an artistic feel to it, and seems to be a real home for misfits and outsiders.
It’s currently one of the best places to go in London to see new post-punk bands and is a great spot for those looking for something a little bit more unique.
https://thegeorgetavern.london
Old Blue Last
Capacity: 150
Location: Shoreditch
Genre: Various, but plenty of indie rock and pop
Old Blue Last is found in a historic, legendary Shoreditch pub and is one of the most iconic London indie music venues.
Built on the site of a Roman theatre, it was also a predecessor to The Globe, a brothel, and now a classic East End boozer.
With a commitment to showcasing forward-thinking bands, they have someone interesting playing most nights of the week and try to book a variety of genres in independent music.
If you’re looking to branch out and see something new and exciting, then definitely make sure to get tickets for a gig here.
https://www.theoldbluelast.com
The Windmill
Capacity: 150
Location: Brixton
Genre: Indie (especially Indie Rock)
The Windmill Brixton is a favourite amongst gig-goers and has historically been referred to as one of the best venues in the entire UK, let alone the best concert venues London.
It has a real focus on the underground music scene, and seeks to book anything that’s new, exciting, and a bit different.
If you fit in with the underground crowd then this is a great venue to head to see new bands before they make it big.
Check out this amazing video of Black Midi playing at The Windmill, Brixton to see the kind of shows they put on there.
https://www.windmillbrixton.co.uk
Conclusion
That sums up my London music venues list of the absolute best small indie music venues in London so you can discover up-and-coming artists and independent music.
I’m confident that anyone will find something to suit them at one of these London indie venues.
They are hotspots for emerging talent and alternative culture, promoting local talent alongside secret shows.
Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
