12 Bar Club

The 12 Bar Club is pure rock ‘n’ roll. The ground is uneven, the walls are peppered with photos of rock stars, the toilets stink, and the beer is cheap. The stage is so small at times band members have to play amongst the crowd, the rest of the room is comparable to the size of your living room.

However there’s something about the dinginess that appeals to performers, for this is truly a musician’s music venue. In the past Jeff Buckley and the Libertines have played here, and it’s located in ‘Tin Pan Alley’ aka Denmark Street, an epicentre of rehearsal rooms, recording studios and guitar shops.

There’s a pool table for those disinterested in the live bands, which play every night and lean towards rock, blues and folk. Food is served until 9pm too and is particularly inexpensive. The club stays open till 3am and is therefore a good spot for a cheap late night drink though admission fees apply, but these are usually around £6 - £7.

A place to gather for (rock) music lovers, down to earth drinkers and wannabe musicians, the 12 Bar Club is rough and ready but a true London experience nonetheless.