From pubs to concert halls, you can’t go far without stumbling across one of the music venues in West London.
West London has strong connections and ties with popular music; The Rolling Stones being formed locally and playing their first gigs in the pubs, clubs and live music venues in West London, Pete Townshend of The Who was born in Chiswick and of course Freddie Mercury of Queen attended Ealing Technical College.
Today, West London continues to be well known for its music venues and in this blog, we highlight just some of the places where you’ll find live music being played regularly.
Header image credit: Jamie MacMillan
Chiswick
Predominantly settings in pubs, Chiswick is home to several music venues that have become popular staples of the local scene.
The George IV
The George IV is a historic pub that has been a fixture of Chiswick’s music scene for decades. It’s hosted some of the biggest names in British music, including Jamie T and the Mystery Jets. With live music every night of the week, the George IV is a must-visit destination for music lovers in West London.
Bull’s Head
The Bull’s Head is another iconic Chiswick venue with a rich musical heritage. It’s been around since the 17th century and has played host to everyone from Louis Armstrong to Jeff Beck. Today, the Bulls Head is still going strong, with a packed schedule of live music and events.
The Old Pack Horse
The Old Pack Horse, located at the western end of Chiswick High Road is a lively pub with a great selection of craft beers and ales. The pub has a regular schedule of live performances and whether you’re into folk, rock, or indie its likely there’ll be something to your taste on the calendar.
Irish Cultural Centre
The Irish Cultural Centre hosts a wide range of events and activities, from traditional music sessions to dance classes. But it is also a particularly great spot for live music, with regular performances from some of the best Irish musicians in London. It’s well worth checking out their calendar to see whats coming up.
The Crown
The Crown, which was previously a local police station, is a cosy pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Refurbished by chef Henry Harris and reopened in 2019, it has fast become a favourite among locals, particularly well known for its regularly updated Mediterranean menu. It’s also a great spot for live music, with regular performances from up-and-coming artists usually held in their wonderful courtyard.
Hammersmith
Ranging from intimate jazz bars to larger concert halls there are several top music venues in Hammersmith.
The Distillers
The Distillers has a long reputation for great live music and continues to be a great spot to catch up-and-coming artists. On their Instagram you’ll find updates as to who is playing when. Serving craft beers and food that’s said to be very good, it’s a popular local music venue in West London.
Eventim Apollo
One of the largest music venues in the capital, previously called the Hammersmith Apollo, the Eventim Apollo attracts big-name artists. With a capacity of 3,500 and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems past shows include some world-class acts such as David Bowie, Prince, and Adele.
The Stonemasons Arms
The Stonemasons Arms is located in the heart of Brackenbury Village, serving craft beer, sourdough pizzas and Sunday Roasts. Hosting live music every Thursday, The Stonemasons Arms is a popular music venue in West London to hear original and cover songs and enjoy a pint or meal.
Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush boasts several excellent music venues, with a range of places catering to a variety of musical tastes. From mainstream to up and coming artists, acoustic live music to rock concerts, Shepherd’s Bush has an impressive roster of venues to watch and listen to good music.
Bush Hall
Originally built in 1904, Bush Hall is a live music venue located in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush that was previously a dance hall and has now been converted into a 400-capacity music venue. Musicians who have previously played at Bush Hall include Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, and My Chemical Romance.
With its stunning art deco interior and excellent acoustics, Bush Hall is a must-visit for music lovers in West London.
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire is a historic concert hall located on Shepherd’s Bush Green. The venue has a capacity of 2,000 and has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years. With the line-up for the rest of this year including the likes of Haim and Gavin DeGraw, it continues to be a top draw venue.
Next Door Records
Next Door Records is a record store and live music venue in Shepherd’s Bush. The venue has a capacity of 100 and hosts a range of live music events, from acoustic sets to soul and rock gigs.
When it’s not hosting live events, the store operates as record and wine shop, and has a bar too. Next Door Records stocks a wide range of vinyl records, CDs, and merchandise, making it a popular destination for music lovers in West London.
Sindercombe Social
Located in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush, Sindercome Social is a pub and live music venue in West London. It has a capacity of 200 and hosts a range of live music events, from emerging talent to established acts. Its vintage décor and exposed brickwork give the pub a traditional feel, there are craft brews on offer and with live music four nights a week; the Sindercome Social is a great place to enjoy live music.
West Kensington
W14 is dotted with cafes and eateries, and several pubs too, along with one very popular hangout for jazz enthusiasts.
Swing Jazz Bar
Positioned where West Kensington meets Fulham, Swing Jazz Bar is a popular jazz music venue in West London. The bar has a retro vibe and features live jazz music every night of the week. It also serves a variety of cocktails and small plates, making it a perfect spot for a night out.
Nell’s
An intimate live music venue based in heart of West Kensinton, Nell’s is a popular music destination hosting a variety of music events from jazz and blues to soul, funk and reggae. The venue has previously hosted well known artists, including Van Morrison, Ronnie Wood, New Power Generation and more .
Notting Hill
Acklam Village
Acklam Village is a family and dog-friendly live music venue in the heart of Portobello Road, hosting free live music every Saturday with musicians ranging from singer-songwriters, electronic duos, folk and soulful genres and more.
Within the walls of Acklam Village, you will also find the International Street Food Market, which hosts a fantastic selection of international traders and chefs.
Moving to West London
West London is a wonderful place to live, not least for being a music hotspot. From local markets to excellent sports facilities and lots for all the family to do, it’s of little wonder that the area continues to be one of the most popular places in the capital to call home.
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