If Londoners know one thing, it’s that the city’s live music scene rivals (if not surpasses) that of the world’s big guns like New York, Nashville, Berlin and Tokyo. But with so much live music to see, it can sometimes feel like you need a crack team of experts to track down the best offerings around. That’s where we come in.
Seeing as the Time Out Love London Awards are upon us and we’re big believers in discovering and supporting local venues, we decided to compile a list of our 5 favourite small-scale haunts in and around the Kings Cross area. Not just that, but each offering has its own unique charm, so whether you’re looking for historic or alternative, there’s something for just about everyone.
Iconic: 12 Bar Club
If you’re a fan of a backstory, then look no further than London’s iconic 12 Bar Club. A name synonymous with emerging musical talent, past performers include contemporary pop acts like Adele and KT Tunstall, through to undisputed musical heavyweights like Jeff Buckley, The Libertines and Regina Spektor. Home to one of my first live music experiences, the club sadly lost its long-running battle against redevelopment earlier this year, but can now be found tucked away on Islington’s Holloway Road. Granted, it may lack the split-level novelty of it’s former Denmark Street address – a stage positioned between two floors meant choosing which half of the band to see, neck up or neck down – but the 12 Bar Club remains a music venue worthy of the history books. Playing host to all manner of musical acts throughout the week, this is an independent music icon that won’t go down without a fight.
Upcoming shows: Emily Grove + What Would Jimmy Do (21 Oct), Retribution Alive (23 Oct) & The Mighty Bard (25 Oct)
c/o The Star Of Kings
Relaxed: The Star Of Kings
I challenge you to find another music venue whose live events calendar packs the same emphatic punch as The Star’s Of Kings’. Split over two levels, this hidden gem conceals a live music venue in its basement, complete with stage, bar, oversized sofa’s and an impressive sound system (picture the musical ‘man cave’ / ‘she shed’ you’ve always dreamt of). The vibe is reminiscent of a New York warehouse apartment – with it’s exposed brickwork and ramshackle rugs – doused with unpretentious London charm. To top it all off, they serve up a killer menu with more unique burger concoctions than you ever thought possible. Now there’s really no excuse not to head down, catch the hilarious chaos of Quint Fontana’s Karaoke Rumble, and grab yourself some delicious grub while you’re at it.
Upcoming events: Quint Fontana’s Karaoke Rumble (29 Oct), Rock Club (31 Oct) & He Gee She Bea (3 Nov)
c/o The Booking Office
Upmarket: The Booking Office
This debonaire venue serves up song sheets and cocktails with a side of sophistication. Located inside the original St Pancras ticket hall, the Booking Office Bar – and accompanying restaurant – offers up a host of live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Not only that, but every few months the hotel plays host to a live music event showcasing the best new and emerging talent from across the music industry. You know what the best part is? It’s all absolutely free. And if that wasn’t enough to sway you, then the surroundings just might. Having retained the historic cathedral-esque architecture and high wooden ceilings, the space has been transformed into an impressive modern drinking venue (there’s even a seemingly endless 29 meter long bar). If you’re looking to impress a date, then this is definitely the place to come.
Upcoming shows: Halloween At The Booking Office (31 October)
credit: MyDaily.co.uk
Alternative: Drink, Shop & Do
Is it a craft shop? Is it an entertainment venue? Is it a bar? Let’s just cut our losses and label it a nostalgia infused mishmash of retro furniture, disco balls and boundless entertainment. Set up in 2009 by school friends Kristie and Coralie, this creative little gem can be found on Caledonian Road, a stones throw from Kings Cross Station. Although not intrinsically a dedicated live music venue, Drink, Shop & Do hosts a number of events including ‘Indeedy Musical Bingo’ and ‘Blues Light District’ – a New Orleans inspired interactive jazz night hosted by house band Bandini and The Taylors. Despite its many musical offerings, the ‘Lionel Rich Tea’ evening still remains my personal favourite – an event that pretty much consists of icing portraits of the soul legend onto biscuits for prizes. Now you can’t get better than that.
Upcoming events: Indeedy Musical Bingo (22 Oct) & Intergalactic Space Crash Zombie Art Party (30 Oct)
credit: Steve Asenjo
Historic: St Pancras Old Church
With its rock’n’roll roots tracing back to The Beatles 1968 ‘Mad Day Out’ photoshoot, St Pancras Old Church is proof that there’s more to churches than just hymns and prayers. Since opening its doors to live music in 2011, this 120 capacity venue has hosted intimate shows from the likes of Sam Smith, Laura Marling, Daughter, Jason Mraz and Tom Odell to name but a few. Being a church, it may not have a sound system set to rival the likes of The o2 Arena (or the worlds greatest heating, so bring a jumper!) but what it lacks in high-end technology, it more than makes up for with its impressive white and gold surroundings.
Upcoming events: Jake Morley (21 Oct), Dom La Nena (28 Oct) & Okay Kaya (02 Nov)
