The Most Unusual Music Venues in London

London has no shortage of places to see live music. But if you’re sick of the same old band rooms, concert halls and sweaty clubs, here are a few music venues that are a little more out there.

View All Trips

Sky Garden

Bar, British

You knew the Sky Garden was the place for stunning views and maybe the odd G and T, but did you know you can also enjoy live music there? Relax at altitude in the Sky Pod bar, where every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday they host live bands and DJs. The entertainment is free but booking a table is highly recommended, although they do accept walk-ins from 6pm on weeknights and 9pm on Saturdays.

The Vaults

Theater, Art Gallery

This subterranean urban art gallery is buried in tunnels deep beneath Waterloo Station. As well as the rolling exhibitions of contemporary international art, they host a series of live performance events including acoustic music nights. Truly a unique underground experience for music and art lovers alike.

St Barnabas, Soho

Building

This Grade 1 listed house is steeped in history and is now run as a non-profit members club. With strong connections to musical figures such as Jarvis Cocker and Gilles Peterson, you’re more than likely to bump into the odd star, either in the audience or on the stage. There’s fancy food and drink served in classy, arty surroundings. A laid back evening out.

Brunel Museum Tunnel

Concert Hall, Museum

Located in the entrance hall to Isembard Kingdom Brunel’s 19th century Thames tunnel, this is truly one of the most dramatic music venues in London. The tunnel, which was described as the 8th wonder of the world, now hosts a unique auditorium with state of the art lighting and sound. You can still see the soot on the walls from steam trains of years gone by and you can hear the rumble of today’s tube trains as they pass.

The Golden Hinde

Climb aboard the beautiful Golden Hinde to enjoy the live folk music evening, the Tiller Flat Folk Club. Once a month, the grand old ship takes a break from the tourists to host some of the finest folk singers and bands playing music from around the globe. With tickets at just a fiver and an on-board bar, it must be time to set sail.

1, Pickfords Wharf, Clink St,

Mick’s Garage

Just next door to the tap room of the Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick, is Mick’s Garage. Sound a little pokey? Guess again. As well as live DJs, it is home to a meat-smoking food shack, a Kombucha and cocktail bar, a coffee roaster and café and occasional markets. Not your average garage.

8, Queen’s Yard, +44 07834 275687

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.