#102 8 Unique London Venues to Support
It may still feel a little way away but hopefully soon we will be able to visit our favourite venues again and watch live music! *squeal* There are so many incredible venues in London but here are a select few that remain quite special. These unique smaller venues are a great place to find independent and emerging artists and are of course great places to go if you are keen to discover some new music. Read on to find out why you should check them out when they re-open…
The Social, Fitzrovia
A super cool underground bar within the heart of Fitzrovia. This venue is situated in quite an unassuming area, surrounded by Pret’s and GBK’s; but as you step into this concrete haven you suddenly feel as though you are about to have a really meaningful experience. This has everything you want in a small and intimate venue; quirky candle lit booths, retro decor, a great bar and of course, incredible nights. The Social has been known to host nights from the likes of Huw Stevens, but is not limited to any specific style.
Servant Jazz Quarters, Dalston
An intimate venue at around 40 capacity nestled in Dalston’s backstreets. Depite the name, this venue hosts a variety of events and nights, from live music on the weekdays to DJs on the weekend. Before becoming fully licensed in 2011 it is said that the warm up scales from a saxophonist could be heard from the bar above, this being named Vortex Jazz club, thus inspiring the name of Servant Jazz Quarters.
http://servantjazzquarters.com
Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney
Possibly one of London’s coolest venues, with a vintage shop on the ground floor and a venue upstairs; pick up a faux fur coat, listen to some new music. It is what it says on the tin. What’s not to like? Paper Dress Vintage was opened by Fine Art and Textiles graduate Hannah Turner Voakes. It is a blend of all things East London fusing together vintage, coffee, live music, and has housed the likes of Adam Ant, Public Service Broadcasting and The Noisettes.
https://paperdressvintage.co.uk
Upstairs at the Ritzy, Brixton
Home to many a Laid Bare night, The Ritzy is a super unique gig spot in the heart of Brixton; what on first glance appears to merely be a cinema, doubles up as a venue ‘upstairs’. It hosts a diverse range of music nights from Reggae and Folk to Afrobeat, Soul, Gypsy Jazz and many more. Alongside gigs it also features comedy nights, workshops, open mics and quizzes!
https://www.facebook.com/UpstairsAtTheRitzy/
Moth Club, Hackney
A glitter bonanza sent from the musical heavens aka Ex Servicemen's Members Club in Hackney aka Moth Club. This club/venue certainly has its edge but boasts fun fulled nights washed down with gold streamers and glitter. This venue has housed some of the best up and coming artists but doesn’t limit itself to gigs; check this place out if you’re in need of a pop night, comedy night or indie punk night.
DIY Space for London, South Bermondsey
A space that’s all about inclusivity and celebrating the best of local talent. DIY is truly a space for everything, offering itself up as a gig spot, record store and cafe. From punk festivals to workshops; tucked into the backstreet estates of South East London, you might not know of its existence unless tipped off. This venue is all about community and amplifying the voices of those that otherwise struggle to be heard. DIY Space operates on the basis needing a membership, however you may also attend an event with a fellow member if you yourself do not yet have one.
Looking Glass, Shoreditch
A cocktail bar come late night venue, this speak-easy is home to the legendary open mic night Sessions 58. Modelled on Alice in Wonderland style decor this East London gem certainly has an intimate atmosphere. For those of you looking for a more sophisticated evening, grab yourself a cocktail and enjoy some candle lit entertainment.
Bermondsey Social Club
Hidden away within the rail way arches of South London, this venue offers an escape from London’s burgeoning streets, despite only being a 10 minute walk from London Bridge. The event line-ups are strong with a repertoire of ‘ones to watch’. For those looking to put on their own nights, Bermondsey Social Club is open for hire if you prefer to orchestrate your own night. With a 120 Capacity inside and 40 outdoors this space is humble yet full of potential.
http://www.bermondseysocialclub.co.uk
This is just a small slice of what we have to look forward to when venues re-open! Make sure you bookmark your favourites and donate where you can to keep live music nights going! If you have any favourite of your own that you don’t see on this list and you would like to share, then reach out to us and keep us informed; sharing the love is what will keep us going through the hard times.
Email us at info@laidbare.com
