The best open mic nights in London

The Troy Bar hosts a mix of events during the week, from its Tuesday Spirit & Soul open mic backed by experienced musicians to jazz jams and reggae open mic nights. It's a Caribbean bar and restaurant with an inclusive vibe, attracting a more mature crowd who appreciate soul, jazz, funk, and laid-back acoustic sets.

The Dublin Castle Open Mic is a Monday-night Camden classic, hosted on the big stage at this legendary venue. Open to solo artists, bands, and everything in between, it offers a full backline with amps, drum kit, mics, a keyboard stand, and an in-house sound engineer. Backing tracks are welcome if they're your own work. It gets busy, so arrive early, and sign-up opens at 7pm, but slots fill fast.

Every Sunday, Katsute100 runs an open mic in the cosy tea room at Broadway Market Mews. Set inside a bustling Japanese tea spot in the heart of Brick Lane, it's an intimate, laid-back space perfect for acoustic sets, poetry, and stripped-back performances. Sip matcha or loose-leaf tea while enjoying homemade treats like matcha brownies and strawberry shortcake. It's a gentle, friendly open mic with a warm crowd.

The Grey Horse is a Kingston pub that's known for its award-winning food by Smok'd, including a burger of the month, and a huge choice of whiskeys. In the back of the venue, you'll find Ram Jam Records, an intimate space that plays host to live music, pub quizzes, theatre shows and other events. The speakeasy hosts weekly open mic nights, as well as a monthly hip-hop night with open mic slots.

The RecordShop is an independent grassroots organisation that aims to develop and connect young inner-city musicians, linking them up with global lifestyle brands such as Red Bull and Dr Martens. The venue encompasses a recording studio, desks for hire and an event space. It hosts regular open mic sessions, providing young musicians with the opportunity to connect not just with the local community, but also fellow musicians and industry professionals.

The Distillers pub in Hammersmith, a popular location for after-work drinks or a tasty pub meal, hosts weekly open mic nights organised by London Unplugged. The company provides the complete package for a professional and reliable open mic night, based on years of experience. They also offer additional services to performers, such as live audio recordings or professional photos.

Bubblebath is a warm, welcoming open mic night held on the first Tuesday of every month at Camden's legendary Fiddler's Elbow. It's all about raw, honest performances, whether that's music, poetry, comedy, spoken word or even magic. You don't need to be experienced, just up for getting on stage and sharing something. Solo acts and duos are welcome, and the crowd is known for being super friendly and super up for it.

Jam in a Jar has always been a bit of a go-to for live music lovers. It's casual and laid-back, ideal for grabbing a drink, sinking into an armchair or sitting cross-legged on the floor to enjoy whatever music is playing. The music's always varied, the walls are covered in local art, and there's a great outdoor terrace for warmer nights. They also occasionally host open mics and jam nights; just keep an eye on their socials to see what's happening.