Food & Drink

Where to find live music bars in Central London (beyond the big venues)

live music bars in Central London
live music bars in Fitzrovia Quarter

Central London isn’t just about the huge concert halls and sold-out arenas. Tucked away in side streets and basements, you’ll find smaller venues where the music feels close, the crowd is relaxed, and the drinks don’t break the bank. 

Fitzrovia Quarter is right in the middle of it all, with bars and clubs that keep live music alive every week. Whether you’re after indie gigs, late-night DJs, live jazz bars in central London, or laid-back pubs with music, here’s where to start exploring.

Live music nights in Fitzrovia Quarter

The Social

Address: 5 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JD
Opening hours:
Wed: 5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Thurs – Fri: 5:30 pm – 1:00 am
Sat: 6:00 pm – 1:00 am
Mon, Tue, Sun: Closed

Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 4 mins by car, 0.8 miles

Since 1999, The Social has hosted everything from indie bands to DJ nights. The upstairs bar runs soul, house, and jazz fusion sets, while the basement is known for intimate gigs. Tickets are required for live shows, but entry to the bar on non-gig nights is free.

 

 

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BEAT London

Address: 48 Margaret St, London W1W 8SE
Opening hours:
Fri – Sun: 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Mon – Thu: Closed

First opened in the 1960s as The Speakeasy Club, BEAT London has a strong music legacy with past guests like Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie. Today, it focuses on house music and late-night DJ sets with a cutting-edge sound system. Entry is for members or through a reserved table, making it one of Fitzrovia’s most exclusive nightlife spots.

 

 

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Just minutes away: live music gems within 15 minutes of Fitzrovia

The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar

Address: 5 Clipstone St, London W1W 6BB
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 3 mins by car, 0.6 miles
Opening hours:
Tue – Wed: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri – Sat: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun – Mon: Closed
Happy hours: Tue – Fri, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This Fitzrovia bar is known for its vintage interior and regular live music nights. Small bands and acoustic sets give the space an intimate feel, especially on weekends. Entry is free, and happy hour runs early evening before the music starts later on.

 

100 Club

Address: Century House, 100 Oxford St, London W1D 1LL
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 4 mins by car, 0.7 miles
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Running since the 1940s, 100 Club is one of the most historic live music pubs in central London. The basement stage has seen punk, jazz, ska, and indie acts, with new artists still added to the line-up today. Tickets are required for gigs, and the venue is known for its close-up atmosphere and strong sound.

 

 

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Ain’t Nothin But The Blues Bar

Address: 20 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PZ
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 4 mins by car, 0.8 miles
Opening hours:

Mon – Tue: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed – Thu: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri – Sat: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM

This Soho spot has been London’s original blues bar since the 1990s, with live sets every night. Jam sessions, guest musicians, and headline acts bring two to three performances most evenings. Entry is free, but seating is limited, so it’s best to arrive early. The bar is known for its strong sound and steady rotation of both local and international blues artists, making it a long-standing favourite in Soho live music bars.

 

Below Stone Nest

Address: 136 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 5EZ
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 5 mins by car, 0.9 miles
Opening hours:
Tue – Sat: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun – Mon: Closed

Set in a converted Victorian church, this basement venue has a raw underground feel with moody lighting and strong cocktails. Live jazz and eclectic performances keep the energy high, often played at full volume. It’s a hidden Soho spot best for music lovers who want atmosphere over conversation.

 

 

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Basement Sate

Address: 8 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 8HN
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 6 mins by car, 1.2 miles
Opening hours:
Tue – Sat: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Sun: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Mon: Closed

Basement Sate is an underground Soho bar pairing creative cocktails with desserts. The soundtrack leans on downtempo and mix sets, shaping a relaxed late-night vibe without drowning conversation. Entry is free, though booking is recommended on weekends as seating can be limited.

 

 

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