South Bank
Queen Elizabeth Hall has a full programme of gigs, chamber orchestras, dance performances and opera throughout the year, on a smaller scale than the…
Must-see entertainment in London
Greenwich
One of the world's busiest arenas, the O2 has the second-largest indoor seating capacity in the country and, unsurprisingly, hosts all the big names that…
North London
For cricket devotees a trip to Lord’s is often as much a pilgrimage as anything else. As well as being home to Marylebone Cricket Club, the ground hosts…
North London
One of Camden’s historic venues, the Electric Ballroom has been entertaining North Londoners since 1938. Many great bands and musicians have played here,…
Notting Hill & West London
Reopened after a five-year refit, the new Riverside has two theatres, two cinema screens, a state-of-the-art TV studio, brasserie, cafe and bar. The…
The West End
A beautifully designed, multi-screen cinema in the buzzing heart of Piccadilly Circus, Picturehouse Central is pure style from the moment you walk in and…
East London
Dedicating itself to promoting experimental and alternative musicians, this is Dalston's premier venue for music nerds to stroke their proverbial beards…
Greenwich
Home of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the Laban Theatre is the largest and best-equipped contemporary dance school in Europe and…
North London
The Blues Kitchen's recipe for success is simple: select brilliant blues bands, host them in a fabulous bar, make it (mostly) free and offer some…
The West End
This heritage London venue at the same address since 1942 started off as a jazz club but now leans towards rock. Back in the day it showcased Chris Barber…
Notting Hill & West London
This famous midsized venue (standing capacity is 2000) attracts all manner of top acts and back-catalogue giants. Built as a music hall in 1903, the floor…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
This post-industrial space was once the largest printing factory in western Europe, and much of the machinery, exposed metal- and brickwork, and even a…
North London
One of London’s most atmospheric and individual music venues, the Union Chapel is an 1877 design by James Cubitt that still holds services as well as…
South Bank
This groundbreaking theatre is as much about showcasing and discovering new talent as it is about people discovering theatre. The Young Vic features…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Founded in 2006 in a converted garment factory, this nonprofit cultural centre has a three-screen cinema, a bar and a theatre. Films shown run the gamut…
The West End
This is one of the first (and some say one of the best) comedy clubs in London. The Comedy Store Players take the stage on Wednesday and Sunday nights,…
The West End
It might seem odd to pair a mediocre chain pizza place with smooth sax, but this spot has been one of the best jazz venues in London since opening in 1976…
Kensington & Hyde Park
Attached to South Kensington’s French Institute, Ciné Lumière's large 300-seat art-deco salle (cinema) screens absorbing international seasons (including…
The West End
The birthplace of modern British dance is one of London's most exciting cultural venues, still concentrating on challenging and experimental choreography…
Notting Hill & West London
Sit under the 1000-seat canopy, temporarily erected every summer for a nine-week season in the middle of Holland Park, for a mix of crowd-pleasers and…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
Housed in a grand former town hall, the Battersea Arts Centre puts on experimental, thought-provoking stage performances and even runs 'Scratch' sessions,…
Greenwich
Bizarrely enough, the hecklers can be funnier than the acts at this great club. Mischief, rowdiness and excellent comedy are the norm, with the Blackout…
East London
A gloriously atmospheric example of a Victorian music hall, Wilton’s hosts a variety of shows, from comedy and classical music to theatre and opera. The…
The West End
The Curzon Soho is one of London’s best cinemas with a broad programme of the best of British, European, US and world indie films, regular Q&As with…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
Originally opening in 1911, this classic cinema is a cornerstone of Brixton cultural life, attracting both film-goers and drinkers (to its bars and fine…
South Bank
The 2700-capacity Royal Festival Hall is one of the best places in London to hear modern and classical music, poetry and spoken-word performances. The…
North London
There's free comedy every night at this great little club upstairs at the Camden Head pub. Monday is improv night, and on other evenings you might get…
Notting Hill & West London
Hosting such musical titans as Sting, Kate Bush and Paul Weller as well as comedians, celebrity scientists such as Professor Brian Cox and travelling…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
A glittering modern venue that was first established in 1683, Sadler's Wells is the most eclectic modern-dance and ballet venue in town, with experimental…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
A magnificent old Victorian building facing Little Green (next to Richmond Green), Richmond Theatre opened in 1899. Designed by architect Frank Matcham,…
East London
One of London's most beautiful theatres, this renovated Edwardian music hall (1901) offers an extremely diverse range of performances, from hard-edged…
Greenwich
This 1960s-style basement jazz bar has been a Greenwich institution for years, hidden away on a backstreet near the entrance to Greenwich Park. There's…
East London
With a fantastically varied menu of jazz, the Vortex hosts an outstanding line-up of musicians, singers and songwriters from the UK, the US, Europe,…
The West End
Covent Garden’s renovated Poetry Café is a favourite for lovers of verse. It has almost daily readings and performances by established poets, open-mic…
Notting Hill & West London
Extended with a new wing several years back and refurbishing its Frank Matcham–designed Victorian auditorium in 2018, the Lyric turns classics on their…
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
North London
A popular and very atmospheric summertime fixture in London, this 1250-seat outdoor auditorium plays host to four productions a year: famous plays, new…
North London
Live punk or alternative bands play most nights from 7.15pm in this comfortingly grungy pub's back room (cover charges are usually £5 to £8). DJs take…
North London
Tucked away in what used to be the horse hospital in Camden Stables Market, this space now hosts a diverse range of events, from cinema nights to club…
South Bank
This 1000-seater nonprofit theatre celebrated its 200th season in 2018 and continues to bring eclectic programming occasionally bolstered by big-name…
The West End
The Soho Theatre has developed a superb reputation for showcasing new comedy-writing talent and comedians. It also hosts top stand-up and sketch-based…
