A Guide to Northern England's Underground Music Venues

Situated just 25 minutes by train from Manchester Victoria train station, the Golden Lion pub in Todmorden looks like a typical pub from the outside, but it is much more. Over the past few years, the pub has become one of the most talked-about music venues in the north of England – for those in the know. Its small upstairs venue, tiny craft-beer bar and larger main space have hosted everyone from local folk musicians to techno-legend Andy Weatherall. It’s more than just a gig venue, though; this is a community space that hosts UFO club meetings, yoga lessons, Green Party and Labour Party meetings and also serves deliciously authentic Thai food. Be warned: most events sell out quickly.

The Golden Lion, Fielden Square, Todmorden +44 1706 816333

Just down the valley, Hebden Bridge has its own music venue that has achieved cult status. The Trades Club is a socialist member’s club and gig venue that, despite its small size, has hosted many impressive names including Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub and British Sea Power. The venue is much revered in certain musical circles with many bands expressing an interest in including it on their tours, despite its location in the middle of the Pennines. For several years running, the Trades has seen itself included in the final of the NME Small Venue of the Year awards.

The Trades Club, Holme St, Hebden Bridge +44 1422 845265

Manchester is filled with interesting music venues but Soup Kitchen is perhaps one of the most beloved of local music fans. Upon first impressions, the venue appears to be a canteen-style café and drinking den – the venue is tucked away downstairs in a rather dingy basement. A rather literal ‘underground’ venue, Soup Kitchen’s live music space might not be the most visually inspiring, but every band on the scene has passed through its doors at some point in their career.

Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear St, Manchester +44 161 236 5100

If you live in the north of England and like watching live music, you will almost certainly have watched a gig at the Brudenell. This old working men’s club has become a regular fixture for many touring bands, with two rooms hosting live music. The venue has hosted secret intimate gigs for large bands such as Franz Ferdinand as well as championing smaller up-and-coming musical acts.

Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen’s Rd, Leeds +44 113 275 2411

The Grayston Unity has the accolade of being the smallest music venue in the whole of the UK. Located in the centre of Halifax, the Grade II listed building hosts a popular micro-pub specialising in craft beer and an impressive variety of gin. Several nights a week, local and visiting musicians play in the intimate space, allowing guests to nestle down on sofas and get comfortable while enjoying the music.

The Grayston Unity, 1-3 Wesley Ct, Halifax +44 7497 087823

Surely one of the most interesting music venues in the whole of the UK, the Band Room is literally a shed in the middle of nowhere in the North York Moors. This small space in the moors has hosted plenty of big names including Cerys Matthews and Willy Mason, drawing in crowds from all around the world for the unusual experience of bringing your own beer, watching live music in a 100-capacity shed, then heading outside to admire the skies of a Dark Sky reserve.

The Band Room, The Band Room, Low Mill +44 1751 432900

Another unusual spot to watch live music, Peak Cavern in the middle of the Peak District is not for music fans with claustrophobia. Perhaps the most literal ‘underground’ music venue on this list, the cave system has hosted everything from classical music to indie bands such as The Vaccines, Mystery Jets and even local legend, Jarvis Cocker. Keep your eyes peeled for special one-off events including raves in a cave, Christmas carol concerts and once-in-a-lifetime subterranean gigs from your favourite bands.
Peak Cavern, Peak Cavern Rd, Hope Valley +44 1433 620285