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Top 10: Live Music Venues

1. Ronnie Scott’s

This legendary London jazz club was opened by saxophonist Ronnie Scott (1929–96) in 1959. Intimate lamplit tables surround a tiny stage that has hosted such stars as Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, and continues to attract top names.

  • 47 Frith Street W1
  • 020 7439 0749

2. 100 Club

Atmospheric jazz and blues dive that stays open up to 2am. The Rolling Stones played here, as did the Sex Pistols and other punk bands of the 1970s. Today there is Indie music and early evening dance classes. Membership is not required.

  • 100 Oxford Street W1
  • 020 7636 0933

3. The Jazz Café

Top jazz and soul performers, as well as great food make this a popular venue. Best views are to be had from the balcony tables.

  • 5 Parkway NW1
  • 020 7916 6060

4. Astoria

This theatre is now a famous rock venue, playing host to a variety of bands. Its rough-and-ready ambiance attracts a crowd of devoted fans.

  • 157 Charing Cross Road WC2
  • 020 7434 9592

5. Brixton Academy

This is a great place to see big names from across the music spectrum. Although it holds 4,000, the hall retains an intimate, clubby atmosphere with good views of the performers from across the auditorium.

  • 211 Stockwell Road SW9
  • 020 7771 2000
  • Tube Brixton

6. Dingwalls

See music and comedy at this informal venue, with wooden floors and cosy tables arranged over several levels, overlooking Regents Canal.

  • Camden Lock NW1
  • 020 7267 1577
  • Tube Camden Town

7. Pizza on the Park

Famous for its late-night jazz, which ranges from small combos to individual singers performing from a broad jazz repertoire. This is also the top Pizza Express outlet in the city, and serves good pizzas.

  • 11 Knightsbridge SW1
  • 020 7235 5550

8. Borderline

One of Londons best small clubs, in a basement under the Break for the Border restaurant, Borderline has hosted many international bands. Theres at least one different band every weekday evening.

  • Orange Yard, Manette Street W1
  • 020 7734 2095

9. Roadhouse

Retro 1950s decor and a wide range of bands make this a popular venue. Open until late, there is a happy hour each evening and a Ladies Night every Tuesday, when women get in free and are given a complimentary glass of champagne.

  • Jubilee Hall, 35 The Piazza WC2
  • 020 7240 6001

10. Troubadour Coffee House

An atmospheric and laid-back coffee house club devoted to folk music. All the great folk singers of the 1960s played here, and today there is a relaxed, amateur feel to the evenings when singers, poets and comedians perform.

  • 265 Old Brompton Road SW5
  • 020 7370 1434