Soho is the life and soul of London nightlife and can be a hotspot for live music. So whether that be jazz and blues, or rock and radio, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to watch live music in Soho to ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Top 10 Live Music Venues in Soho
1. Ronnie Scott’s
Address: 47 Frith St, Soho, W1D 4HT
Ronnie Scott’s is a world-renowned jazz club in Soho, London, established in 1959. Icons Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone have graced its stage and they continue to host top jazz musicians from around the globe. It is also the perfect place to discover up-and-comers. This intimate setting is a legendary spot for live music in Soho! If you head upstairs to “Upstairs @ Ronnie’s” you can also delve into R&B and Cuban music or a DJ set depending on the day of the week you go.
2. The Spice of Life
Address: 6 Moor St, Soho, W1D 5NA
If you’re looking for live music in a more casual setting, opt for “The Spice of Life” a pub in the heart of Soho. They constantly offer a diverse range of live music events. This includes the weekly ‘jazz jam’ every Sunday between 2-5 pm and their resident performer Dove Jones who performs every Monday at 7 pm.
3. The Piano Bar
Address: 16 Carlisle St, Soho, W1D 3BT
‘The Piano Bar’ showcases a private cocktail lounge with breathtaking live music right in the heart of Soho, with new acts performing each night of the week. From soul to jazz, the intimate ambience of the venue truly takes you back in time to over a century ago in New Orleans when this genre was first on the rise. Now, this bar is super exclusive and top-secret, tucked away from the bustle of Oxford Street, so make sure to grab your tickets super early and enjoy the splendour of great music (psst you didn’t hear it from me).
4. Jack Solomons Club
Address: 41 Great Windmill St, Soho, W1D 7NB
Jack Solomons Club is a speakeasy-style venue in Soho, London. It is inspired by the great boxing promoter and the bar pays homage to his iconic boxing gym. It is 1950s-inspired offering a retro vibe. This vibe is enhanced by the live jazz and soul performances and their range of cocktails. They also host live DJ sets regularly so be sure to pop by and enjoy with friends.
5. 100 Wardour Street
Address: 100 Wardour St, Soho, W1F 0TN
100 Wardour Street is an upmarket venue that hosts live music dining as well as musical brunches. Every Friday and Saturday they hold an “After Dark” event which allows visitors to get the full London nightlife experience in Soho. From 10 pm to 12 am, they host a five-piece band but after midnight a DJ takes over to play everyone’s favourite club classics. 100 Wardour Street is the perfect live music venue as it presents weekly live music from a mix of genres, from indie bands and live jazz to R&B DJ sets.
6. Pizza Express Live
Address: 10 Dean St, Soho, W1D 3RW
You may be wondering “Why in the world is Pizza Express on this list?” A little-known fact about the popular pizza restaurant is that they have venues across London that host live music. PizzaExpress Live blends a casual and intimate dining experience with world-class musicians 7 nights a week. The Soho location is an award-winning venue for live jazz music and is the perfect venue for jazz lovers looking for a casual night out.
7. St Moritz Club
Address: 159 Wardour St, W1F 8WJ
St Moritz has been a staple live music venue for the alternative music scene since the ‘70s and ’80s. It is a legendary basement club in Soho that’s been around since the ’60s and hosts live rock, punk, and indie performances. It has a gritty and underground vibe and used to be the hangout spot for iconic musicians such as Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel & U2. It also hosts one of the longest-running club nights “Gaz’s Rocking Blues” which is held every Thursday and promotes live bands every week. Additionally, every Friday and Saturday, they host up-and-coming artists between 8 – 10 pm as well as a nostalgic club night until 3 am
8. Ain’t Nothin’ But – The Blues Bar
Address: 20 Kingly St, W1B 5PZ
Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues Bar prides itself in being an authentic blues bar in Soho. It is famous for nightly live blues performances and is a popular spot for fans of traditional and contemporary blues. Its charm comes from its lively and down-to-earth atmosphere. Live music is constantly being played due to their multiple-act lineup and their doors are open to anyone (that includes both guests and musicians!)
9. Trisha’s
Address: 57 Greek St, W1D 3DX
Trisha’s is a hidden gem of Soho. It is the infamous Italian-owned basement bar that has been around Soho for 78 years. It offers an old-school, secretive vibe as well as drinks from £6. It has become more of an exclusive venue in recent months due to its membership. The membership costs £20 and members have to be approved by the staff (check out their Instagram for more deets.) While not primarily a music venue, it hosts intimate live performances and the dancefloor is always popping off.
10. Louche
Address: 5 Greek Street, W1D 4DD
Louche is a chic venue in Soho that blends live music and cocktails. It is a stunning venue with design elements such as stained glass windows and chandeliers. They typically offer live music events from Wednesday to Sunday and don’t limit themselves to one genre. They host jazz jam sessions, musical theatre bar nights, and live performances from indie artists. Accompany the spectacular live music with a cocktail which you can get 2-4-1 during their happy hour!
So there you have it, something for everyone! Whether you fancy an evening date or a night out with friends listening to some ridiculously good music, make sure you check these spectacular venues out. If you don’t want the night to end continue the night with London’s best secret bars!
Last Updated on September 12, 2024
Published on September 7, 2024
I’m currently a BA Anthropology student so people watching is my favourite thing! I love going to concerts, pop culture and reading. In my free time, I love trying new places to eat.
