Live music venues in London (part 2): Brixton

In this series about live music venues in London we offer an insider’s guide to some of the many live music venues across the city.

In part one, we chose a few venues in Camden (see Part 1: Camden). This time we head south of the river to explore Brixton.

This guide is for you if you are fairly new to London, or just visiting / on holiday, or perhaps you have lived here for a long time and want to explore some new music venues.

BRIXTON

Brixton has seen a great deal of change over the past few years. Check out the thriving music scene in this part of South London. Many of the music venues are long-established but are benefitting from an increase in popularity in Brixton as more people realise what a cool place it is.

The list is in no particular order…

The Windmill (22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton)

This back street bar is run by music enthusiasts, so it’s fair to say that only the best are allowed to play here and with affordable entry and beer prices, you will be one satisfied customer. Keep up to date with who made it on to their awesome line up by hooking up with The Windmill on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/windmillbrixton

The Blues Kitchen (40 Acre Lane, Brixton)

Filling the room with classic funk, soul & rock n roll – from Aretha to Stevie Wonder & Fleetwood Mac to The Rolling Stones. The Blues Kitchen is a short walk from Brixton tube and comprises a very modern and spacious bar area. Indulge in cocktails, craft beers & bourbon, a dose of great live music, and a welcoming Brixton crowd. So what are you waiting for – get down there, get a round in and enjoy the music The Blues Kitchen has to offer.
www.instagram.com/theblueskitchen

Dogstar (389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton)

Dogstar continues to push its legendary reputation for hosting the finest DJs and live music in the main bar every week. It has been described as a ‘Surrealist Boudoir’ and is one of the most exciting venues in South London. Upstairs, the 200 capacity ballroom hosts more events, music, DJs and comedy nights.
www.facebook.com/DogstarBrixton

Upstairs at the Ritzy (Coldharbour Lane, Brixton)

This bar certainly can provide something for everyone. Their live music nights create a cultural hub with genres of music such as folk and blues to reggae, afro-beat and world-jazz! Not only do they provide music to our ears but they also host a wide range of performances, workshops, and all sorts of fun activities. Check upstairs events for more details.
www.facebook.com/UpstairsAtTheRitzy

Jamm (261 Brixton Road, Brixton)

This unique venue actually started out as a coaching house on the road to Brighton. However as times have moved on so has the venue and it is now one of the venues in the heart of London’s live music scene. They offer nights from top acts such as MGMT and Hot Chip to getting up and having a go yourself! A night out here is one to remember… or not so much in the morning!
www.facebook.com/brixtonjamm

O2 Academy Brixton (211 Stockwell Road, Brixton)

This is part of the National O2 Academy group, which also features in Islington and Shepherds Bush. These venues hold a huge range of gigs at prices from as little as £12 a ticket. With plenty of space for moshing, it’s always a great night out, but keep an eye on their Facebook page as tickets fly out fast.
www.facebook.com/o2academybrixton

Hootananny (95 Effra Road, Brixton)

Spotlit stage, candle-lit tables, open fire, 3 pool tables and takes 500 inside, and a further 200 outside in one of the biggest beer gardens in the capital… Just a few advantages of going here for live music. Better still it’s FREE admission on Fridays and Saturdays and you get what Time Out calls “The best night out South of the river”. Friday night is Ska night. Saturdays it’s HipHop, Jazz, Soul, Electro Swing, Drum n Bass, upbeat Indie, Gypsie, Celtic Rock, top DJ till 3am. And if you want to let your hair down after work Thursday night is Reggae night.
www.facebook.com/hootanannybrix

Map

Here’s a handy map with the locations of the venues mentioned above:

View Live music venues in London (part 2: BRIXTON) in a larger map

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