TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE LIVE MUSIC FOR FREE IN SOUTH LONDON
WRITTEN BY EMILY HADDINGTON
Yes, yes, we all know London is one of the best places to catch live music – but where can we see it for free? If you’re on a budget and looking for something to treat your ears with, then check out one of our top 5 places to see live music for free in South London.
The Effra Hall Tavern
Down the backstreets of Brixton, you’ll find this wonder of a pub. Cosy inside, with a little garden out back – it’s perfect for all seasons. And if it couldn’t get any better, they also host live music most days of the week. Resident bands play jazz, afrobeat, reggae and blues, and always attract a fun crowd. Head down for a pint and a quality jam – just make sure to catch Soothsayers when they’re on, they’re simply incredible.
38 Kellett Rd, Brixton, London SW2 1EB
Fox & Firkin
If you don’t like reggae, you LOVE it (sorry), then you will adore the Fox & Firkin – they’re one of the best venues in South London for it. But that’s not all they have, you can also catch bands playing funk, soul, dub, punk, metal as well as DJs spinning a spicey selection of eclectic tunes for your pleasure. Head on over and you can enjoy all of this as well as a pizza, a pint and a chin wag with locals.
316 Lewisham High St, Lewisham, London SE13 6JZ
The Magic Garden
This relaxed venue has one of the most magical pub gardens you can find this side of the river, but that’s not its only selling point. They have some of the wildest, wackiest gigs going on their intimate stage, with gypsy ska and ‘psyche-celtic folk fusion’ hitting the airwaves. If that’s not your cup of tea, they also have plenty of reggae, ska and plenty more.
231 Battersea Park Rd, Battersea, London SW11 4LG
The Junction
Run by musicians, for musicians, The Junction host incredible jazz and blues nights Tuesday – Saturday. Grab a seat, a glass of wine, and immerse yourself in the talents on stage. If you fancy getting up there yourself, then go ahead; they have jam sessions every Tuesday and Thursday for locals to showcase their musical prowess. They also have a delectable menu of tapas for you to snack on whilst you watch and, let’s be honest, it’s pretty perfect for a date night.
171 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SE5 9PA
Amersham Arms
Though a student favourite, you shouldn’t turn your nose up at this South East favourite. With a pub in the front and a busy venue in the back, this joint is a great place to end up on a night out for some live music. Not every night is free, so make sure to check online before you go, but if an event is ticketed it’s rarely over a tenner. Expect anything from dreamy indie to grunge rock as well as DJ sets from big names on the scene.
388 New Cross Rd, New Cross, London SE14 6TY
WRITTEN BY EMILY HADDINGTON