The best pubs with live music in London

Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Jorja Smith, and James Morrison are just a handful of the stars that have played at this iconic Balham institution, so it's safe to say it's an excellent spot to catch exciting and emerging artists. Music has always been at the heart of everything they do, and every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, they showcase the UK's hottest musical talent in their iconic Club Room. The best bit? It won't cost you a penny, so save your cash for a pint or two from the bar.

The Sun Tavern is a historic pub in Bethnal Green that dates back to 1851. It boasts the city's largest selection of Irish whiskeys, as well as Ireland's beloved moonshine, poitín. It's also an excellent spot for showcasing the capital's musical talent, focusing on non-specific rock 'n' roll with resident DJs taking to the decks every Thursday to Saturday and live music sessions on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The Camden Assembly is a classic for live music in London. This much-loved venue hosts club nights and live music performances in an intimate and cosy space. The food is classic comfort food, like cheeseburgers, Kentucky fried chicken and cauliflower tacos. They also have a pretty impressive cocktail menu, with all the classics plus more out-there options, like the Bubblegum Slay.

This Putney local on the banks of the Thames has been a hot spot for live music for decades and boasts a timetable of performances almost every day of the week. It's where U2 had their first sellout UK tour and is the home of Kate Bush's first public show. As for food and drink, expect seasonal British pub grub and all of the classic booze options.

Aside from being a local favourite to enjoy a cold pint, The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston is also a popular destination for up-and-coming indie talent, letting patrons bop to the sound of rock 'n' roll. There's also a cosy pub area where they pour pints; it's the perfect hangout for seeing a band before they get big.

This award-winning pub near King's Cross oozes southern Kentucky charm with its range of American craft beers and bourbon and a variety of tasty Mexican food. It's a classic London boozer with wood panelling and shiny brass pouring taps. It's popular with the music-loving community; upstairs houses a live venue where DJs spin the freshest tracks and live bands take to the stage, showcasing their musical talent in all its glory.

The 300-year-old Old Blue Last in the heart of Shoreditch is an iconic venue for London's live music scene. From the outside, it looks like any old classic London boozer, but head inside and downstairs, and you'll find a room where incredible talent and emerging artists come together to perform for locals. Word on the street is that it's also haunted by Shakespeare, but we'll let you make up your mind about that one.

This buzzy central Soho pub is a hub for live music in London, where artists come to perform everything from jazz and acoustic to blues and more. It's had a number of iconic names perform here over its long history and continues to provide a platform for up-and-coming artists from all walks of life. The best way to do it is to enjoy a classic pub grub meal, like fish and chips or sausage and mash, before catching a live gig in their backstage centre bar.

Musical legends have performed at The Good Mixer in Camden, from Noel Gallagher to Amy Winehouse, who also called the borough her home. It's a typical London pub, where they show live sporting events and have a menu of rotating street food vendors, craft beer and ales. It's an excellent spot for live music lovers, providing a platform for grassroots musicians seven days a week.

The Grade II-listed Hope & Anchor is one of London's most famous live music venues on lively Upper Street in Islington. It's a traditional boozer with dark wood, large arched windows and a basement bar where live bands take to the stage and perform their hottest music. Legendary bands have also played here, including The Stranglers, The Police, U2 and Madness.

The Dublin Castle has gone down in history as the birthplace of many of the UK's greatest bands and remains a hot spot for the local indie scene. Bands such as Madness have taken to the stage here, and Amy Winehouse used to swing by for a visit. This indie rock institution is a must-visit for avid music lovers in London.

This South London pub lives and breathes music and is the place to go for live performances seven days a week. They host an eclectic line-up of artists spanning all genres, from punk and psychobilly to ska and metal, with performances by international touring artists and local talent.

Rock 'n' roll fans will love this alternative pub in Camden, where walls are decorated with music posters and religious iconography. The artists that play here are mainly of the rock, metal and punk variety and have included acts like Orange Goblin, Pupil Slicer, and Inter Arma.

This old-school pub has had a few makeovers during its time, but one thing has always been a mainstay: live music. You should expect a traditional London boozer vibe, but the space is cosy and makes for an intimate setting to enjoy a live performance. Many different musicians playing many different genres have performed here, including folk, blues, pop jazz and electronica. They also host an open mic night for those who want to take to the stage themselves.

The Lock Tavern is a historic, grungy pub in Camden where, despite the slightly weathered interior, the vibe and music are utterly thriving. They have DJs playing every Friday and Saturday and the occasional live music performances. There's an upstairs cocktail bar and roof terrace for al fresco drinks and food, like burgers, pizza and salads. If you swing by on a Sunday, they serve a mean roast.

The Macbeth has played an important part in London's music and art scene over the years, having been a member of the community for over 100 years. They're known for their selection of mouthwatering cocktails and eclectic range of events, like open mic nights, live DJs and dance workshops. 

The Prince Alfred is the quintessential example of a classic Victorian pub; it even has its original detailed high ceilings and snob screens. But aside from being a spectacle to marvel at, there's also an admirable cocktail menu crafted by expert mixologists, an impressive range of cask-conditioned ales, draught and bottled lagers, wine from around the world, and a wide selection of gin. As for food, you'll get to enjoy classic pub grub like homemade fish and chips and their famous pie, mash and liquor.

The Vic in Dalston has been a meeting point for music-loving locals for many years and regularly hosts live music performances of various genres. There's a secret bookcase inside that leads to a hidden venue where emerging bands and talent take to the stage to perform. 

Not to be confused with The Prince Alfred in Maida Vale, this Prince Alfred is located nearby in Bayswater, was established just a few years before the other one, and also likes its music live. The traditional Victorian pub hosts a varied live music programme in its ground-floor bar area in addition to showing major sports events. Upstairs, there's a restaurant area with comfy seating and high ceilings.

This quirky South London pub is the home of live underground music, with a big focus on reggae, ska and jungle. It's seen the likes of Congo Natty and Mad Professor take to the stage, and various DJs regularly spin the freshest tracks. Pair your visit with one of their pizzas served fresh from the pizza van in the garden.