Looking for a night full of soul, spontaneity, and serious talent?
London’s open mic scene is where the city’s rawest voices and boldest performers come alive.
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of live music, planning your first time on stage, or simply in the mood to discover the next big thing, London is bursting with venues that celebrate creativity in its purest form.
From iconic pubs to hidden artistic gems, this city is home to some of the most inspiring open mic nights in the UK — and this guide will take you straight to the heart of the action.
Photo credit: “Spice of Life, Soho, W1" by Ewan Munro from London, UK. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Location: 6 Moor Street, Soho, London W1D 5NA
Website: www.spiceoflifesoho.com
Nestled in the heart of Soho, The Spice of Life is an iconic venue with a rich musical history dating back to the 1960s.
Known for its intimate downstairs stage and impeccable sound system, it hosts one of the city's most established open mic nights every Tuesday.
Expect an eclectic mix of acoustic acts, soulful vocalists, and quirky original songs — all set in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Photo credit: "Bedford, Balham, SW12" by Ewan Munro from London, UK. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Location: 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9HD
Website: www.thebedford.com
A South London legend, The Bedford is where many famous artists — including Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith — once took to the stage.
This beautifully restored venue hosts open mic nights every Monday in its intimate club room, complete with professional lighting and sound.
With a crowd that’s always appreciative and supportive, it’s the perfect launchpad for emerging talent.
Photo credit: "The Old Queens Head Angel April 2021" by Ojlewis1989. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location: 44 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 8LN
Website: www.theoldqueenshead.com
Step into this quirky, character-filled pub and you'll find a buzzing creative energy that fuels their legendary open mic nights every Tuesday.
With a vintage vibe and a dedicated performance space upstairs, The Old Queen’s Head offers a brilliant mix of comedy, music, and spoken word.
Arrive early — it’s a popular night with a loyal following!
Photo credit: "Half Moon, Putney" by Edwardx. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location: 93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 1EU
Website: www.halfmoon.co.uk
Steeped in history and known for its legendary music heritage, The Half Moon in Putney hosts open mic nights with serious credibility.
Held every Sunday, it’s the perfect place for aspiring singer-songwriters to test out new material or gain confidence on a legendary stage graced by the likes of The Rolling Stones and Kate Bush.
Photo credit: "Amersham Arms, New Cross, SE14 (2539642574)" by Ewan Munro from London, UK. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Location: 388 New Cross Road, London SE14 6TY
Website: www.theamershamarms.net
If you're looking for a younger, edgier crowd and a dive-bar vibe, the Amersham Arms open mic night every Thursday is for you.
Expect boundary-pushing performances and a great sense of community among artists and fans.
With student energy and raw talent in the air, this venue never disappoints.
Location: 79 Kew Green, Richmond, London TW9 3AH
Website: www.cricketersrichmond.com
Set in a beautiful spot by Kew Green, The Cricketers hosts a popular acoustic open mic night on the last Thursday of every month.
With its cosy charm and welcoming pub atmosphere, it’s a favourite among local musicians and music lovers alike.
The night focuses on stripped-back sets, creating an intimate environment that allows the music to shine.
Whether you’re a budding singer-songwriter or just love listening to heartfelt performances, it’s a brilliant way to spend a Thursday evening.
Location: 200 Hall Lane, Chingford, London E4 8EY
Website: www.oldhalltavernchingford.co.uk
A great local gem in East London, The Old Hall Tavern holds its open mic night every third Thursday of the month.
Known for its friendly staff and laid-back crowd, the pub creates a supportive environment where musicians, poets, and performers of all kinds feel comfortable sharing their work.
The sound quality is excellent, and the crowd is genuinely attentive — a perfect combination for both newcomers and experienced artists wanting to test new material.
Location: Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG
Website: www.oxfordhouse.org.uk
Oxford House is a historic venue and community hub that regularly features open mic nights, spoken word events, and live music as part of its creative programme.
Located in the heart of Bethnal Green, it provides an inspiring space for grassroots talent to connect with an engaged and open-minded audience.
The events often draw a mix of emerging artists, students, and local creatives, making for an eclectic and vibrant night out.
Whether you're stepping on stage for the first time or just want to be blown away by unexpected talent, London’s open mic night venues offer some of the most authentic and electric live experiences in the city.
Each venue has its own unique character, but they all share one thing: a genuine love for music, creativity, and community.
So grab a mic, pull up a chair, and get ready for a night full of surprises!
As London comes alive with festivities, there’s no better way to join the fun than by sharing your talents with a live audience.
Whether you’re a musician, comedian, poet, or performer, open mic nights offer the perfect platform to express yourself, not just during the holiday season but all year round.
Whether you're looking to spread some seasonal cheer or simply want to perform for fun, here’s a list of some of the best open mic night venues to explore anytime you feel the urge to showcase your skills.
📍 Address: 6 Moor St, Soho, London W1D 5NA
Located in the heart of Soho, The Spice of Life is a legendary pub known for its lively open mic nights every Monday.
Attracting performers from all genres—whether you're an acoustic singer-songwriter, poet, or part of a full band—this venue offers a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for showcasing your talent.
With its intimate setting and supportive audience, it's an ideal spot for both experienced musicians and first-timers looking to perform in front of an appreciative crowd.
Whether you want to try out new material or just enjoy an evening of diverse performances, The Spice of Life is the place to be.
📍 Address: 47 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4HT
Ronnie Scott's is undeniably one of the most iconic jazz clubs in the world, known for its rich history and legendary performances.
Every Tuesday, the club hosts its renowned "Ruby Sings" open mic night, a vibrant event that brings together a diverse mix of singers, rappers, spoken word artists, and musicians.
This special evening offers an incredible platform for up-and-coming talent to showcase their skills in an intimate setting steeped in musical history.
With its cosy atmosphere, unmatched acoustics, and the chance to perform on the same stage that’s hosted jazz greats, "Ruby Sings" is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the magic of live performances at Ronnie Scott’s.
Whether you're an artist or a spectator, the energy is palpable, making it a truly unforgettable night.
📍 Address: 111-113 Camden High St, London NW1 7JN
The Blues Kitchen is celebrated for its lively blues and soul atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for music lovers in London.
Every Sunday, the venue hosts its popular Sunday Blues Jam, a weekly open mic session that brings together talented blues musicians for an evening of dynamic, impromptu performances.
The jam offers the perfect opportunity for both seasoned players and aspiring blues artists to take the stage and share their love for the genre in a fun, welcoming environment.
With its authentic blues vibe, soulful energy, and enthusiastic crowd, the Sunday Blues Jam at The Blues Kitchen is a must for anyone looking to perform or simply enjoy a night of incredible live music in a relaxed yet electric setting.
📍 Address: 77 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HD
The Bedford is a legendary live music venue with a rich history of discovering and nurturing some of the biggest names in the industry, including talents like Ed Sheeran and Paolo Nutini.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, The Bedford's open mic nights every Tuesday provide an incredible platform for both up-and-coming artists and seasoned musicians to showcase their skills.
With a professional-grade sound system and a chance to perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd, it's the perfect place to make a lasting impression.
Plus, with industry insiders often in attendance, it's an exciting opportunity to get noticed and take your music career to the next level.
📍 Address: 28 Harrison St, London WC1H 8JF
Tucked away in King’s Cross, The Harrison is a charming pub that serves as a hidden gem for live performances in London.
Known for its intimate and relaxed atmosphere, this cosy venue hosts a monthly open mic night that draws a diverse range of talent.
Whether you're a first-time performer or a seasoned artist, The Harrison offers a welcoming space where musicians, poets, and spoken word artists can share their work with an appreciative audience.
With a strong focus on acoustic music and an encouraging community vibe, it's the perfect spot to try something new or simply enjoy a night of creativity in the heart of London.
📍 Address: 10 Hoxton St, London N1 6NG
Troy Bar is known for its legendary "Spirit & Soul" open mic night, held every Tuesday from 8:45 PM to 1:00 AM.
This intimate venue in Shoreditch has become a go-to spot for musicians looking to share their talent in a warm and supportive environment.
Known for its soulful, jazz, and R&B vibes, Troy Bar attracts a vibrant crowd of music lovers who appreciate authentic, live performances.
Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned performer, the laid-back yet electric atmosphere makes it the perfect stage to showcase your sound.
With its welcoming audience and the chance to collaborate with other talented musicians, Troy Bar’s open mic night is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in London's thriving music scene.
📍 Address: 1 Phoenix St, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 8BU
A true haven for musical theatre lovers, The Phoenix Artist Club hosts lively open mic nights every month, attracting both West End professionals and passionate amateurs.
Located in the heart of the West End, this atmospheric venue offers the perfect stage for performers to showcase their favourite show tunes in a fun, theatrical environment.
The mix of seasoned professionals and aspiring talents creates an exciting dynamic, where classic numbers and hidden gems come to life.
Whether you're a musical theatre aficionado or simply love the buzz of live performances, The Phoenix Artist Club's open mic nights are a must for anyone looking to experience the magic of show tunes in an intimate, vibrant setting.
📍 Address: 84 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9NG
Show Off is a beloved musical theatre open mic night that takes place every other Tuesday, offering performers the chance to shine in a lively, energetic setting.
Whether you're an aspiring star or just love belting out Broadway and West End classics, this event provides the perfect platform to showcase your favourite show tunes.
The atmosphere is electric, with a supportive and enthusiastic audience of fellow theatre lovers cheering you on.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, Show Off is an exciting space to connect with like-minded theatre fans and share your passion for musical theatre in front of a welcoming crowd.
📍 Address: 52 Poland St, London W1F 7NQ
Lucky Voice provides a one-of-a-kind karaoke experience, combining private booths with exciting weekly open karaoke nights.
Whether you prefer the comfort of a private space with friends or the thrill of performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Lucky Voice has something for everyone. With a lively, party atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to belt out your favourite hits and let loose.
The energy is contagious, and the crowd is always eager to cheer on fellow singers, making it an ideal place to have fun, show off your vocal chops, or just enjoy a memorable night out with great music and a fantastic vibe.
Open mic nights are not just about performing; they’re an opportunity to connect with fellow artists, build your confidence, and refine your skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
These events offer the perfect platform for anyone looking to share their creativity, network with industry professionals, and maybe even catch the eye of a promoter.
Whether you’re a musician, comedian, poet, or performer, London’s open mic night venues provide a fantastic stage to showcase your talents.
From intimate jazz clubs to vibrant karaoke nights, there’s something for everyone in the city’s thriving creative scene.
Ready to take the stage? Explore these fantastic venues and join the action!
You can also email us at: contact@lmtmusicacademy.co.uk