Londons Music Venue's

London's Large Music Venues Earl's Court Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, SW5 9TA, Tel: 020 7385 1200, Website: www.eco.co.uk, Tube: Earl's Court Although the last time anyone from Talking Cities set foot in Earl's Court was during Peter Gabriel's 1994 Secret World Tour, the venue continues to play host to some of the world's biggest pop and rock acts, including home-grown talent such as David Gray and Razorlight. Reasonable ticket prices and easy access by Tube are plus points. Hammersmith Apollo Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, W6 9QH, Tel: 020 7416 6083, Website: www.carlinglive.com, Tube: Hammersmith All-seater 'theatre style' venue which not only boasts decent sound, but generally agreeable views (unless you're stuck right at the back). Also boasts good Tube connections via the Piccadilly, District and Hammersmith & City Lines. Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore, Kensington, SW7 2AP, Tel: 020 7589 8212, Website: www.royalalberthall.com, Tube: South Kensington Funded, in part, by profits from the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Royal Albert Hall has long served as one of London's most prominent (and prestigious) music venues. Although most famously known for the 'Proms', pop and rock events are also held here regularly. Indeed, at one time, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and Bryan Adams practically had the place to themselves... Wembley Arena (Wembley Arena Pavilion) Arena Square, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0D, Tel: 0870 060 870, Website: www.livenation.co.uk/wembley, Tube: Wembley Park/Wembley Central Following an ambitious 15 month, £35 million refurbishment programme, the once ailing Wembley Arena has now been transformed into one of the city's best music venues. Reopened in April 2006 to the sounds of Depeche Mode, the Arena now overlooks a brand new public square, with improvements that include better acoustic sound proofing, new seating, a revamped foyer, restaurants and toilets. Rock/Pop Venues in London Astoria 157 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2 8EN, Tel: 020 7434 9592, Website: www.festivalrepublic.com, Tube: Tottenham Court Road Staging everything from alternative US bands (such as the Bloodhound Gang) to Kylie inspired gay nights, the Astoria may appear dark and dingy on the outside, but it still cuts the mustard come showtime. Acoustics are generally good, with a decent sound and lighting set up. And, from a transport point of view, its central location is also a boon. Most recently played host to sell out shows from the likes of Amy Winehouse and Jarvis Cocker. Astoria 2 157 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2 8EN, Tel: 020 7434 9592, Website: www.festivalrepublic.com, Tube: Tottenham Court Road Previously known as the Mean Fidller, the Astoria 2 sits underneath The Astoria (contact details as above). With a capacity of 1000, it has seen it's fair share of great artists over the years including Iggy Pop, Primal Scream, Moby and Metallica. Brixton Academy 211 Stockwell Road, Brixton, SW9 9SL, Tel: 020 7771 3000, Website: www.brixton-academy.co.uk, Tube: Brixton An ever-present on the gig circuit, Brixton Academy attracts not only up-and-coming bands, but big name acts looking for a 'nice little warm up venue'. A (relatively) small capacity of 4000 gives the right ingredients for a decent show, although the Academy's acoustics are variable to say the least. The Garage 22-24 Highbury Corner, Highbury, N5 1RD, Tel: 7607 1818, Website: www.meanfiddler.com, Highbury & Islington Principally an indie venue, although well-known US and British acts do also appear. Smaller acts play 'Upstairs at the Garage' which, unless completely full, is devoid of all known atmosphere. The Gardening Club (Formerly Rock Garden Venue) 6-7 The Piazza Covent Garden, WC2E 8HA, Tel: 020 7240 6001, Website: www.rockgarden.co.uk, Tube: Covent Garden Occasionally woeful acts, with mainstream rock dominating. By no means the last word in concert venues (or even exciting for that matter), although a Covent Garden location ensures the venue is always full. Foreign tourists in the hunt for live music often make up the bulk of The Gardening Club's clientele. The Grand 21-25 St Johns Hill, Battersea Rise, Clapham Junction, SW11 1TT, Tel: 020 7385 0834, Website: www.leopardclubs.com, Nearest railway station: Clapham Junction Club/concert venue which has built a solid reputation for staging good up-and-coming acts. With a lively (if not always savoury) pub scene in Clapham, The Grand usually makes for a rewarding night out. Half Moon Putney 93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1EU, Tel: 020 8780 9383, Website: www.halfmoon.co.uk, Tube: Putney Bridge If you're lucky, a virtuoso performer such as Wilko Johnson will appear at this Putney pub venue. If not, then don't worry as the Half Moon also doubles up as a damn fine sauna when full. Atmospheric it can be, sophisticated it's not. Mean Fiddler 157 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2 8EN, Tel: 7434 9592, Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Now known as Astoria 2 (see above). Underworld 14 Camden High Street, Camden Town, NW1 0NE, Tel: 020 7978 1932, Website: www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk, Tube: Camden Town Definitely one for those with a penchant for orienteering thanks to Underworld's maze of corridors. Club nights and indie music situated below the likeable World's End pub in Camden. Shepherd's Bush Empire Shepherds Bush Green, Shepherds Bush, W12 8TT, Tel: 020 8740 7474, Website: www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk, Tube: Shepherd's Bush Arguably London's best small venue, the Empire plays host to all manner of rock, pop and indie acts, including televised MTV shows and gigs from artists such as Alanis Morrisette, Anastacia and Suede. While views from the 'pit' downstairs are only average, the venue's two balconies enjoy excellent stage views. With great sound and a lovely interior, the Empire gets a big thumbs up. Jazz Venues in London 606 Club 90 Lots Road, Chelsea, SW10 0QD, Tel: 020 7352 5953, Website: www.606club.co.uk, Tube: Earl's Court/Fulham Broadway Dedicated jazz venue, which also serves up decent food in an upmarket Chelsea location. No entry fee, just a charge for the evening's music added to your bill. Jazz Café 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG, Tel: 020 7344 0044, Website: www.meanfiddler.com, Tube: Camden Town An extremely likeable venue owned and operated by the Mean Fiddler Group. Mainly jazz-funk, soul and world music. Pizza Express Jazz Club 10 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3RD, Tel: 020 7439 8722, Website: www.pizzaexpresslive.com, Tube: Tottenham Court Road As well as dishing up tasty pizzas, this centrally located jazz club also occasionally attracts world-class jazz talent. Late night sessions, with contemporary jazz dominating. Ronnie Scott's 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT, Tel: 020 7439 0747, Website: www.ronniescotts.co.uk, Tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road London's most famous jazz venue which still, unsurprisingly, draws the biggest and best name acts from around the world. Smoky, atmospheric and a good place to get a top quality jazz fix.