THE BEST ROCK MUSIC VENUES IN LONDON
London is home to so many pubs, bars and venues which look rock’n’roll that it might seem a Mecca for anybody into all things, metal, hardcore, old school or plain mosh-worthy. And it is.
That said, ending up sat beside a jukebox bursting with authentic rock classics or finding some real life punks to skank with and not just ending up drinking in a pub full of strangers at what looks like a Halloween party, can prove tricky.
So, for anyone serious about their rock music and wondering where to look for it in London, here are six of the best places to look, and to stop for a pint if not the evening!
The Electric Ballroom (Camden) 184 Camden High Street
A sprawling indoor market by day and rock venue by night, The Electric Ballroom is a truly unique rock nightclub. What is more, The Electric Ballroom is a hub not just for rock and roll lovers living in and around London, but a home for many of the musicians and rock music lovers in and around Camden.
One of Camden’s longest surviving and most famous live music venues, The Electric Ballroom has been around for some 40 years and bands to have taken to its stage hail from just about every country and rock genre and subgenre going, from Sid Vicious to the Smiths and Blink 182 to The Dandy Warhols. As such, events and gigs booked at The Electric Ballroom are worth checking out before heading out and booking in advance when possible, as the calibre of its performers often mean tickets sell out weeks in advance.
To find out more visit electricballroom.co.uk
The Shacklewell Arms (Dalston) 71 Shacklewell Lane
In true rock’n’roll fashion, The Shacklewell Arms is away from the mainstream party area of Camden. The bar can be found at Dalston, a lively and multicultural area of East London, northeast of Charing Cross.
The Shacklewell Arms can be called the heartbeat of East London's indie scene. Its unique ambiance and commitment to showcasing rising talent make it a must-visit. While the stage setup can be unconventional, the raw energy and atmosphere more than make up for it. If you're passionate about indie music and are seeking an authentic experience, this is the place to be!
For more information visit shacklewellarms.com
The Dev (Camden) 33 Kentish Town Rd
The Dev, formally The Devonshire Arms, lays claim to the accolade of being ‘London’s longest standing goth pub’. As such, over the years it has been a favourite of many a goth and well known rock’n’roller, including The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan and Spider Stacy, who first happened upon Hobgoblin back in the days when the pub still enforced a ‘strictly alternative only’ dress code.
These days, The Dev is best known for attracting a variety of DJs and bands and putting on some of Camden’s best cyber, punk and death metal themed nights and events.
For more information visit facebook.com/thedevnw1
Gaz's Rockin' Blues (Soho) St Moritz Club, 159 Wardour St
Open every Thursday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the St Moritz Club, Gaz's Rockin' Blues is one of the most legendary rock venues in London and a fantastic place to discover incredible bands. A staple in the London rock scene since 1980, this classic venue was established by Gaz Mayall, the son of British blues legend John Mayall. Gaz himself has earned a reputation as one of the most flamboyant characters in the UK’s music scene.
Known for its vibrant rock 'n' roll atmosphere, Gaz's Rockin' Blues hosts live bands that play deep into the night. The club has been a launching pad for numerous bands and musicians over the decades, and the St Moritz Club itself is an iconic venue, known for its cozy, underground vibe and rich musical history.
For more information visit gazrockin.com
The Underworld (Camden) 174 Camden High Street
Occupying the darkest depths beneath The World’s End, there lies The Underworld. The World’s End, for those unfamiliar with London’s pubs and bars, is famous for being Europe’s largest pub as well as one of Camden’s best priced and best located – facing Camden tube Station, this is a pub you cannot miss, literally.
Not just conveniently placed though, The World’s End makes a great choice to head to for true rock’n’roll jukebox tunes and a cheap pint or short. Meanwhile, descend down into The Underworld for live music and chance to thrash it out on the dance floor. The Underworld is best known for its punk and metal, but also puts on nights and DJs whose set lists often include indie, pop-punk, classic rock and electronica.
For more information visit theunderworldcamden.co.uk
The Fighting Cocks (Kingston Upon Thames) 56 Old London Road
Every now and then it is well worth venturing beyond zone 3, at least it is when doing so means ending up discovering venues such as The Fighting Cocks. Located in Kingston Upon Thames, The Fighting Cocks is an American looking ‘bar’ featuring a leopard print pool table, and what is said to be the best jukebox in London’s South West.
It is the personality that oozes from The Fighting Cocks that tempts so many Londoners to pilgrimage south of the Thames and to the very fringe of London to drink and take to its backroom to mosh and, get more drunk. ‘[T]he home of modern punk rock in the capital’ according to the Guardian Newspaper, the Fighting Cocks is a rock bar and venue that is as rock’n’roll in its approach to alcohol and partying as it is to music, and as such definitely one for those who don’t just love listening rock’n’roll, but live it.
To find out more visit the-fighting-cocks.co.uk
Do you want to explore the best of London's nightlife? Consider joining a Pub Crawl in Camden, or take a look at the many free tours in London departing daily.
