While London’s nightlife scene is often associated with glamorous Mayfair clubs and VIP bottle service, the city’s indie scene is still very much alive – if you know where to look. Across Camden, Dalston, Islington and beyond, a network of small venues and alternative club nights continue to serve fans of guitar-led music, from Britpop to modern indie sleaze.
Whether you’re into live gigs or themed DJ sets, here is a breakdown of the best indie clubs and venues across London, ranked by indie credentials, affordability, location, and atmosphere.
Camden:
Camden remains the core of London’s indie nights, and for good reason. It’s walkable, well-connected, and packed with venues that double as both live gig spots and late-night clubs.
Dublin Castle:
One of the most iconic venues on the list, Dublin Castle is still holding its own decades after launching groups like Blur and Madness. These days, it combines live music from up-and-coming bands with weekend club nights that lean heavily into classic indie and Britpop. The atmosphere is unpretentious and reliably packed, especially after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Entry: £4-7
Address: The Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway, London NW1 7AN
The Underworld:
Right below the infamous The World’s End pub, The Underworld is known for its alternative club nights, most notably ‘Camden Rocks Club’ on Saturdays. Expect to hear high-energy indie sets and heavy rock, as they play anything from the likes of The Strokes to System of a Down. Although it is slightly heavier than your average indie playlist, it is one of the most consistent and lively options for fans of alternative music.
Entry: £5-7
Address: 174 Camden High St, London NW1 0NE
The Good Mixer:
More pub than club, The Good Mixer still earns its place on this list due to its history and playlist. Once a haunt of Blur and Amy Winehouse, it now hosts regular DJs playing indie and alternative throwbacks, particularly on weekends. It’s a good option if you are looking for somewhere casual, central, and free to get into.
Entry: Free
Address: 30 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ
Islington and Dalston:
For those based slightly further east or north, venues in Islington and Dalston offer a different, slightly more curated take on the indie night out.
The Lexington:
Located in Islington, The Lexington offers a mix of intimate live gigs and indie DJ nights, most notably ‘White Heat’ on Fridays, a long-running club night with an excellent reputation. It draws a young, music-savvy crowd and plays a mix of classic and modern indie. Drinks are mid-range for London, and the space is compact enough to feel busy even on quieter nights.
Entry: £5-6
Address: 96-98 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JB
The Victoria:
Dalston’s indie scene is smaller but arguably more in-the-know. The Victoria is one of its most trusted venues, hosting niche indie and post punk gigs, as well as regular club nights like ‘Scared to Dance’. Expect a lineup that leans more toward alternative than mainstream indie rock, smaller crowds and darker dance floors.
Entry: £5-8
Address: The Victoria, 451 Queensbridge Rd, London E8 3AS
The Shacklewell Arms:
Though more of a gig venue than a club, The Shacklewell Arms often hosts indie-adjacent club nights and is a favourite among music fans looking to catch early-career bands. The backroom venue is intimate, the garden space is relaxed, and the drinks are fairly priced for East London.
Entry: £5 – £10
Address: 71 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB
Honourable Mentions:
While they may not be strictly indie, these venues deserve a shoutout for hosting occasional alternative nights or offering a more accessible local option. They’re also great backups when the bigger venues are packed or ticketed.
The Abbey Tavern:
Located in Kentish Town, The Abbey Tavern is a solid hybrid of pub and club and is perfect for a no-pressure night out. There is often a DJ spinning indie, funk, or retro sets upstairs on weekends, while the rooftop beer garden makes it a chill spot for pre-drinks. You’re unlikely to find a strictly indie crowd here, but it’s still a good option if you want music that leans alternative without needing a ticket or a plan.
Entry: Often free or £3-5
Address: 124 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 9QB
Brixton Jamm:
Brixton Jamm isn’t an indie venue in the traditional sense, but it regularly hosts nights that pull from 90s/00s indie, pop-punk, and alternative rock – especially on themed nights. The sound system is strong, the venue layout allows for both dancing and chilling, and it tends to attract a fun, diverse crowd.
Entry: Varies by event, £5 – £15
Address: 261 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6LH
The Hope & Anchor:
A historic venue that’s more gig-focused than clubby, The Hope & Anchor has hosted early shows from legends like Joy Division and The Clash. These days, it’s home to local bands, student nights, and the occasional indie or alt-rock club night in its basement. It is intimate and no-frills, but that’s part of the charm.
Entry: Usually free or £3 – £6
Address: 207 Upper St, London N1 1RL
London’s indie scene offers plenty of solid spots. The places in this list aren’t about being cool or exclusive like most flashy London clubs, they’re simply fun, offering good tunes and cheap-ish drinks.
