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The Best Bars with Live Music in Leicester Square

Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club | © Wikimedia Commons

Leicester Square may be home to London’s theatreland but if you’re looking for another form of evening entertainment, the popular spot and its surroundings boast a variety of live music venues. If your night is lacking a little rhythm, here are some of best bars for live music in Leicester Square.

The Spice Of Life

The Victorian pub located on Soho’s Moor Street hosts regular live music events, including Wednesday Jazz nights and Sunday Soul Sessions (held on the first Sunday of every month). Or if you fancy a weekend night out, Friday and Saturday evenings feature booking from Substance Music, who have provided the venue with acts for the past six years, including artists like the award-winning Ben Howard.

Jazz After Dark

If you’re looking for a more intimate evening, this Soho venue hosts live jazz, blues, funk and soul music every night. As the name suggests, the popular spot offers late-night jazz with music playing until 2am on weeknights and 3am at the weekend. Over the years, Jazz After Dark has booked both up-and-coming artists and well-established acts, including the late Amy Winehouse. The well-known bar boasts a selection of delicious cocktails and tapas-inspired menu, making it in many ways the perfect location for a romantic date night.

Jazz After Dark Club

Club 49

A basement nightclub on Greek Street, Club 49 offers a selection of music from resident DJs performing to live jazz acts. Located in the buzzing party district of Soho, the bar is a hotspot with clubbers looking to dance to some great live music. Upstairs, guests will find an exclusive VIP area, while downstairs is home to the dancefloor and music acts. Proving a popular party spot with Soho crowds over the years, this venue won’t disappoint.

O’Neill’s

If you want a live music fix, O’Neil’s on Soho’s Wardour Street offers a variety of brilliant bands and talented DJs that perform throughout the week. The popular three-story Irish pub has daily live acts, located on the second floor with ample room for dancing. If you’re looking for a lively place to escalate your midweek drinks, this spot certainly won’t disappoint.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Probably one of the most famous spots in the city for jazz, Ronnie Scott’s in Soho ticks all the boxes when it comes to live American jazz. Opened in 1959 by the legendary jazz musician himself, the Soho venue has become an institution with music-lovers. Some of the biggest names in jazz have taken to the stage and performed here. If you can afford to pay a little more for some exceptional live music and drinks, don’t miss Ronnie Scott’s.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

About the author

I’m a cheese-loving, gin-obsessed, dog enthusiast living in North London. I am constantly looking for new food spots and different activities to try and love writing about London culture. Read my blog for more travel content: https://lizzie-thomson.com . Or you can follow me on Instagram for mouth-watering pictures of delicious food: https://www.instagram.com/_lizziethomson/

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