London has an amazing music scene with genres that range from soulful jazz to electrifying indie rock. For those seeking live performances without straining their wallets, the city offers many venues where quality meets affordability. Here’s a curated list of spots where you can immerse yourself in live music, many of which are free or budget-friendly.
1. Ain’t Nothin’ But… – Soho’s Blues Sanctuary
Tucked away in the heart of Soho, Ain’t Nothin’ But… is London’s premier blues bar, offering live music seven nights a week. With free entry from Sunday to Thursday, it’s a haven for blues enthusiasts. The intimate setting ensures an up-close experience with talented musicians, making every visit memorable.
2. The Union Bar Chiswick – West London’s Live Music Spot
The Union Bar Chiswick is a lively neighbourhood spot offering some of the best live music in West London. Head over to the Chiswick venue for the chance to catch budding musicians with a lengthy drinks list and a menu of delicious seasonal dishes.
📍Address: 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5YA
📞 Phone: +44 20 8995 0310
🌐 Website: union-bar.co.uk
🚇 Nearest Tube: Gunnersbury (District Line)
3. The Piano Bar Soho – Intimate Jazz Evenings
For an intimate jazz experience, The Piano Bar Soho is a hidden gem. This members-only bar opens its doors to non-members for a £10 entry fee, offering live jazz performances in a cozy setting. With a selection of classic cocktails starting from £12, it’s a delightful spot for music aficionados.
📍Address: 16 Carlisle Street, Soho, London W1D 3BT
📞 Phone: +44 20 7042 5730
🌐 Website: pianobarsoho.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern Lines)
4. The Troubadour – Earl’s Court’s Historic Music Café
Established in 1954, The Troubadour has hosted legends like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Today, it continues to showcase emerging talent with live music sessions. While some events have a modest cover charge, many performances in the café are free, making it an accessible venue for quality music.
📍Address: 263-267 Old Brompton Road, Earl’s Court, London SW5 9JA
📞 Phone: +44 20 7370 1434
🌐 Website: troubadourlondon.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Earl’s Court (District and Piccadilly Lines)
5. The Old Queen’s Head – Islington’s Eclectic Music Pub
The Old Queen’s Head is renowned for its diverse live music lineup, ranging from indie bands to acoustic sets. With free entry on weekdays and events typically under £10 on weekends, it offers an affordable night out. The pub’s Victorian décor adds to its unique charm, providing a cozy backdrop for live performances.
📍Address: 44 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 8LN
📞 Phone: +44 20 7354 9993
🌐 Website: theoldqueenshead.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Angel (Northern Line)
6. The Lexington – King’s Cross’s Indie Music Venue
The Lexington combines a bar and live music venue, specializing in indie, rock, and Americana acts. With entry fees often under £10, it’s a budget-friendly option for live music enthusiasts. The venue also boasts an impressive selection of bourbons and craft beers, enhancing the overall experience.
📍Address: 96-98 Pentonville Road, London N1 9JB
📞 Phone: +44 20 7837 5371
🌐 Website: thelexington.co.uk
🚇 Nearest Tube: Angel (Northern Line)
7. The Green Note – Camden’s Acoustic Haven
The Green Note is an award-winning acoustic music venue and café-bar, hosting live music six nights a week.Specializing in folk, blues, and roots music, it offers an intimate atmosphere with entry fees typically around £10. The venue’s vegetarian menu and cozy setting make it a favorite among music lovers.
📍Address: 106 Parkway, Camden, London NW1 7AN
📞 Phone: +44 20 7485 9899
🌐 Website: greennote.co.uk
🚇 Nearest Tube: Camden Town (Northern Line)
8. The Monarch – Camden’s Lively Indie & Rock Pub
A Camden staple, The Monarch is the place to go for free or cheap live music, with a mix of indie, rock, and DJ nights. It’s a laid-back but lively venue that attracts a cool crowd and often plays host to up-and-coming bands. Many gigs are free entry on weekdays, while weekend events typically cost under £10. There’s also a great selection of craft beers and burgers from £9.
📍 Address: 40-42 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, London NW1 8BG
📞 Phone: +44 20 7482 2054
🌐 Website: monarchbar.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm (Northern Line)
9. Piano Smithfield – Late-Night Jazz & Live Piano Bar (West End)
For something a little more sophisticated but still affordable, Piano Smithfield is a hidden gem near Farringdonoffering live jazz, soul, and acoustic performances most nights of the week. Entry is often free, with some ticketed events ranging from £5-£15. The venue has a classic New York jazz bar feel, serving cocktails from £10 and wine by the glass from £6.
📍 Address: 14 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN
📞 Phone: +44 20 7600 7500
🌐 Website: pianosmithfield.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Barbican (Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Circle Lines)
8. The Monarch – Camden’s Lively Indie & Rock Pub
A Camden staple, The Monarch is the place to go for free or cheap live music, with a mix of indie, rock, and DJ nights. It’s a laid-back but lively venue that attracts a cool crowd and often plays host to up-and-coming bands. Many gigs are free entry on weekdays, while weekend events typically cost under £10. There’s also a great selection of craft beers and burgers from £9.
📍 Address: 40-42 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, London NW1 8BG
📞 Phone: +44 20 7482 2054
🌐 Website: monarchbar.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm (Northern Line)
9. Piano Smithfield – Late-Night Jazz & Live Piano Bar (West End)
For something a little more sophisticated but still affordable, Piano Smithfield is a hidden gem near Farringdonoffering live jazz, soul, and acoustic performances most nights of the week. Entry is often free, with some ticketed events ranging from £5-£15. The venue has a classic New York jazz bar feel, serving cocktails from £10 and wine by the glass from £6.
📍 Address: 14 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN
📞 Phone: +44 20 7600 7500
🌐 Website: pianosmithfield.com
🚇 Nearest Tube: Barbican (Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Circle Lines)
10. The Half Moon – Putney’s Legendary Music Pub (West London)
A true institution, The Half Moon in Putney has been hosting live music since the 1960s, with past performances from The Rolling Stones, U2, and Kate Bush. It’s one of the best West London venues for indie, folk, and acoustic gigs, with affordable ticket prices (typically £5-£12). The pub also serves classic British food and local ales from £4.50 a pint.
📍 Address: 93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 1EU
📞 Phone: +44 20 8780 9383
🌐 Website: halfmoon.co.uk
🚇 Nearest Tube: Putney Bridge (District Line)
Where to Find Free Live Music in London
If you’re looking for even more free live music, here are some top spots:
- Southbank Centre – Regular free concerts and performances in the public spaces.
- The Green Note (Camden) – Free early evening acoustic sessions most nights.
- Ain’t Nothin’ But… (Soho) – Free live blues music Sunday to Thursday.
- The Old Blue Last (Shoreditch) – Almost always free indie and rock gigs.
- Boxpark Croydon & Shoreditch – Free live music & DJ sets most weekends.
- The Social (Fitzrovia) – Free entry for many indie and alternative gigs.
Which Live Music Venue Will You Choose?
London’s live music scene is as diverse as it is accessible—you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy world-class performances. Whether you’re into indie, jazz, blues, or acoustic, there’s a venue (or pub) offering cheap or free live music every night of the week.
💡 Now it’s your turn—have you discovered an amazing free music venue? Join our Facebook Community and let us know.
