The best live music bars in Shoreditch

Rolling Stock is a laid-back Shoreditch bar where live music takes centre stage, with a dedicated space hosting everything from underground house DJs to live jazz sets. Housed in a railway arch, it offers an intimate setting for music alongside drinks and rotating food residencies. Whether you're dancing to late-night beats or relaxing in the street art-lined beer garden, you can expect a chilled-out crowd.

Folklore is an independent, queer-friendly music venue and bar with a laid-back, bohemian vibe and a strong community spirit. Its cosy, eclectic space hosts a packed schedule of events, from intimate live music and DJ sets to yoga classes, life drawing, and drag comedy shows. The Shoreditch music bar offers an inclusive, house party-like alternative to more traditional nightlife spots.

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes is where art, music, and nightlife collide in a colourful setting. Spread across two floors, it offers an airy ground-floor bar and a cosy basement space that hosts an eclectic mix of events, from weekly live gigs and club nights to art fairs, workshops, fashion shows, and more. This Shoreditch bar is a popular destination for creative types looking to drink, dance, and immerse themselves in something a little out of the ordinary.

Nightjar offers a sophisticated night out with expertly crafted cocktails served to the sounds of smooth late-night jazz and blues in an atmospheric, vintage-inspired space. You can even let your tastebuds travel back in time with their collection of vintage spirits, including rare bourbons and ryes dating back to the 1930s. There's live music daily here, with an additional late-night set on weekends.

Old Street Records is a top pick for live music fans looking for a fun night out without breaking the bank. This buzzing Shoreditch spot puts the spotlight on great tunes and expertly made cocktails, with a rotating line-up of performers spanning different genres and a daily happy hour to sweeten the deal. For those feeling peckish, a no-fuss menu of classic pizzas is on hand to keep you fuelled.

Juju's Bar and Stage in Shoreditch is a lively cultural hub offering an eclectic mix of entertainment, from live music and DJ sets to film nights, art exhibitions, and talks. Housed in the old Truman Brewery, it features both indoor and outdoor seating and a laid-back, creative atmosphere. The bar serves craft beers, mezcal-based cocktails, and other drinks, with a street-food vendor on-site too.

Inspired by the diners of the American South, The Blues Kitchen serves up live music in Shoreditch with a side of smoky, slow-cooked Cajun BBQ. Most nights feature the house band playing everything from soul and blues to funk and classic rock 'n' roll, creating a lively atmosphere. Though the food is tempting indeed, it's fine if you want to pop in just for drinks and tunes.

The Signature Brew craft brewery places a big emphasis on music – not only do their London taprooms regularly host live rock, punk, and metal gigs, the brewery has also collaborated with bands like Idles and alt-J to create their own signature beers. With a stage for live gigs, comedy nights, a photo gallery space dedicated to music culture, and relaxed outdoor seating, this Shoreditch music bar serves as a hotspot for beer lovers and music fans alike.

Tucked away near Old Street, Troy Bar is a hidden gem known for its deliciously authentic Caribbean cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. This Shoreditch music bar regularly comes alive with open mic nights and a lively line-up of jazz, blues, and reggae performances. It's a laid-back, no-frills spot through and through.

This Shoreditch listening bar is a haven for music lovers, where sound quality is taken seriously thanks to 22 speakers positioned throughout the space for an immersive audio experience. Up front, it's a chilled spot for food, chess, or a quiet drink, while the back turns into a vinyl-fuelled dance floor as night falls, with a soundtrack rooted in jazz, funk, and soul.

Strongroom is an independent Shoreditch music bar with a big beer garden that originally opened in 1997 to cater to nearby recording studios. It remains a creative hub for musicians, artists, and locals alike to this day, offering a bar, kitchen, and world-class studios. Staying true to its roots, it also hosts regular live music and other events.