Forget Abbey Road for a second. If you're hunting for the best concert venues in London, you're in the right place. This city has witnessed everything from Bowie’s first gigs to Skepta's grime anthems, and it’s still the heart of the UK’s live music scene. Looking for a gritty spot in Camden for indie bands? A hidden jazz basement in Soho? Or a minimalist space near Shoreditch with a top-tier sound system? We’ve got it all – and then some. Whether you’re planning a string quartet, a garage night, or a tribute act that’ll blow the roof off, you’ll find your ideal space right here. Scroll down and discover the best music halls in the capital.
In London, prices of concert venues average £100 hire fee per hour. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in London, based on Tagvenue data:
From £50 | to £200 | hire fee per hour |
From £1800 | to £8000 | hire fee per day |
From £2200 | to £12500 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
The Church at The Garlickhythe Rooms
in Bank - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The space is well maintained and it exceeded our expectations, would highly recommend it. Thanks Johanne!’
Whole Venue at St Ethelburga's Centre
in Tower Hill - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Beautiful venue for our launch concert.’
The Sanctuary at Crown Court Church
in Covent Garden - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Even our guests said so. Also, we loved the acoustics of the church plus how beautiful it was inside.’
While London is filled with amazing concert venues, some districts are better for live music than others. Soho and Covent Garden are filled with vibrant, diverse spots that range from refined studios to bright nightclubs and quirky theatres. When it comes to a hip, buzzing area that is perfect for creatives, Shoreditch and Hoxton immediately come to mind. The whole area is incredibly dense in concert venues of all kinds and sizes, so you can't go wrong heading over there! If you’re on the lookout for a spot in a central location with great transport links, consider taking your concert to The City!
While London's music scene thrives year-round, the demand for concert venues fluctuates seasonally. The months of spring and summer are filled with festivals, with major events like British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park and Field Day drawing crowds looking to head to for pre- or post-festival gigs. Autumn and spring offer a shoulder season where competition for small gig venues eases slightly. With fewer major festivals and lower tourist volumes, securing small concert halls becomes easier, potentially allowing for finding better deals.
Smart Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Concert
Dalston stands out for its concentration of indie venues like EartH and Moustache Bar Dalston, while Camden remains a go-to for its longstanding music history. Peckham and Bow have emerged as hotspots for emerging artists, offering more affordable spaces and a younger crowd. Central locations like Covent Garden and Holborn cater more to acoustic and classical performances.
You'll find everything from rock, pop, and hip-hop to jazz, classical, electronic, reggae, grime, soul, and experimental music across the capital. Major venues like The Steel Yard near Bank regularly host electronic, house, and live DJ sets, while THE CAMDEN and Brixton Jamm are known for indie, punk, and hip-hop nights. Classical and acoustic performances often take place in more formal spaces such as Crown Court Church in Covent Garden or King’s House near King's Cross.
If selling alcohol or food, additional licences may be necessary. Event insurance, including public liability coverage, is vital for protection against liabilities. Ensuring venue accessibility for attendees with disabilities is also a key consideration. Utilising resources like the London Event Toolkit and consulting with the Music Venue Trust can provide valuable guidance, while hiring a professional event planner with local experience can streamline the process, making your London concert both compliant and successful.