Where To See Live Music In Soho

• Where: 36-40 Rupert St, W1D 6DW
• What to expect: live vocalists from the West End, DJs and piano sessions, accompanied by a food menu from Michelin Guide-recommended sister restaurant Long Chim

Why we love it:

For an intimate and theatrical live music experience in Soho, go Backstage. This creative lounge hosts some of the West End's most talented performers, alongside pianists and DJs spinning until late.

Whether you're sipping a Rye 'N' Reggae cocktail or sharing a Giant Pad Thai from Long Chim, every night here is set to a soundtrack of spectacular vocals and unexpected musical moments. A true hidden gem for music lovers seeking style and soul.

• Where: 33-37 Wardour Street, W1D 6PU
• When: Every night
• What to expect: a huge pub with live music that'll have you dancing 'til the early hours

Why we love it:

You'll find O'Neill's Wardour Street on the previous site of the Famous Flamingo Jazz Club (which had seen the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Animals grace its stage) and WAG Club (a hotspot of the 80s - think acts like David Bowie and Grandmaster Flash). And these days? This Irish pub is keeping the legacy alive with live music every night of the week.

With space for up to 900 revellers, this is one of the larger live music venues in in the area, and brings an electric, high-energy vibe to its gigs, where you can enjoy a big night out on the dancefloor with affordable drinks to hand.

• Where: 47 Frith Street, W1D 4HT
• When: Every day
• What to expect: incredible live jazz performances from both big names and up-and-coming artists, in an intimate space perfect for date nights

Why we love it:

Ronnie Scott's is one of the most famous live music bars Soho has ever seen. It originally started life on Gerrard Street in 1959, by Ronnie Scott and Pete King, before moving to its current location on Frith Street in 1965, where you'll find it jamming away today.

It's seen some of the world's most iconic musicians on its stage, from Ernest Ranglin, Jimi Hendrix (who even played his last performance here in the 70s) and Ella Fitzgerald to Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.

It's favoured among jazz fanatics for its incredible roster of performances every night of the week, with numerous shows throughout the day. Plus, if you're looking to impress on date night, this place is perfect for couples, thanks to its intimate vibes and great wine selection.

• Where: 20 Kingly St, Carnaby, W1B 5PZ
• When: Every day
• What to expect: live blues seven nights a week, including legendary jam sessions on Sundays and Mondays

Why we love it:

To say that Ain't Nothin' But The Blues Bar is one of the most legendary live music venues in the city would be an understatement. Since opening its doors in 1993, it's become a staple among London's blues-loving crowd, showcasing everything from Chicago to Delta subgenres.

This space is cosy and intimate, with low lighting and retro music posters framed along the walls, highlighted by dive bar-style neon signs - it honestly feels like you've stepped into one of the Deep South's old school blues bars.

If you're looking for live music in Soho tonight, head here any day of the week to revel in the moody rhythms of the blues, with jam sessions on Sundays and Mondays welcoming musicians of all levels to join in on the fun.

• Where: 10 Dean Street, W1D 3RW
• When: Every day
• What to expect: a wide breadth of genres, spanning jazz, blues, soul, Latin and more (plus tasty pizza)

Why we love it:

I know what you're thinking - Pizza Express? One of the best spots for live music - really? Far more than just a place to grab pizza, it's actually a famously celebrated jazz club found beneath Dean Street - having hosted artists such as Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse and many more since its opening in 1976.

So, head to the dark-hued, low-ceilinged basement (which has great acoustics by the way) and enjoy an intimate performance right up and personal with the artists - all while enjoying Italian food and drinks too.

• Where: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW
• When: Every day
• What to expect: an immersive 1940s-inspired bar with live jazz and swing bands

Why we love it:

A repurposed underground station with quirky, immersive decor that transports you to the 1940s - think wartime memorabilia, vintage furniture, moody lighting and even a replica tube carriage that's available for private bookings - Cahoots carries on the retro theme with its live jazz, big band and swing performances (often with the musicians dressed up in period outfits).

It's the perfect choice for those who fancy something a little different, whether you're stopping by for after-work drinks, a unique date night or a fun-filled evening with friends, with themed, expertly mixed cocktails and tasty small plates to keep you fuelled up too.

• Where: 6 Moor St, W1D 5NA
• When: there's live music most nights of the week, just make sure to check their listings
• What to expect: an intimate live music bar with the soul of cool pub
• DesignMyNight tip: they also have Jazz Notes jam sessions every Sunday 2pm - 5pm

Why we love it:

The Spice of Life has earned itself a reputation as one of the best pubs with live music in Soho, thanks to its intimate Backstage Cellar Bar, which regularly hosts an eclectic mix of genres, from blues and jazz to indie and acoustic sets. It's been the launchpad of many a musical career, namely that of Darius Brubeck, Jamie Cullum and more.

It's the intimate setting that draws people in, creating a close connection between artist and audience, plus there's a live jam session every Sunday called Jazz Notes, where musicians of all skill levels are welcome. 

• Where: 13 Old Compton St, W1D 5JQ
• When: Every day, from 3pm to 6.30pm
• What to expect: informal live jazz with French brasserie charm

Why we love it:

A relaxed bistro on bustling Old Compton Street, Cafe Boheme is more than just a place to grab a croissant and a great cup of coffee. The French brasserie blends retro Parisian charm with live jazz in a space filled with mosaic floors, candlelit tables and laid-back vintage furnishings.

You can catch live jazz here daily (usually acoustic), from 3pm to 6.30pm, providing a relaxing backdrop, whether you're enjoying a late lunch or early evening drink.

• Where: Brasserie Zedel, 20 Sherwood St, W1F 7ED
• When: Every night - usually starting at 7pm and 9.15pm
• What to expect: live jazz in a cool 1930s Paris-style setting

Why we love it:

Feel like you're in 1930s Paris at The Crazy Coqs - the hub of cabaret, comedy, musical theatre and, of course, live jazz, showcasing a whole host of international musicians and rising talents. The intimate space is loved by both steadfast jazz aficionados and couples on date nights, thanks to an intimate smattering of candlelight-illuminated tables facing the stage.

Fancy some fabulous French dining beforehand? You're in luck, as Crazy Coqs is found within Brasserie Zedel, where you can also enjoy a prix-fixe meal (we highly recommend the French onion soup) in stunning Art Deco surrounds, complete with an exceptional wine list.

• Where: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX
• When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 
• What to expect: live piano performances and lounge vibes in one of Soho's most intimate cocktail bars

Why we love it:

Just a few minutes from Leicester Square station, The Stage brings soulful piano music to the heart of London. With performances on Friday and Saturday evenings, plus Saturday and Sunday afternoons, there's always great tunes to accompany your cocktail, afternoon tea or decadent dinner.

The drinks list gives you plenty of reasons to stick around too. We're talking the finest champagnes and English sparkling wines plus classic cocktails with a twist, from the Bordeaux Manhattan to the Bombay chai sour.

With grand columns, plush seating and a dreamy backlit bar, Jack Solomons Club is everything you'd hope for from a sophisticated speakeasy. Add live jazz, blues and piano music and it serves up even more old word glamour.

Get down here on a Wednesday or Thursday and tickets to the show start from just £10. There's plenty to accompany the magical music too, from signature cocktails and fine wines to succulent small plates.

• Where: 100 Oxford Street, Soho, W1D 1LL
• When: Event days only
• What to expect: gig-poster-covered walls, low ceilings, the biggest touring bands and a whole lot of music history

Why we love it:

London's oldest independent music venue has seen a who's who of the greatest in rock and roll take to its stage. We're talking everyone from Ronnie Scott and B.B. King to Paul Weller, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, The Libertines and Wet Leg. 

A moody, ruby red basement under Oxford Street, a visit here is a rite of passage for any self-respecting gig goer. If you're on the lookout for a live, loud or legendary gig in London, this is where you need to be.

• Where: One Ninetyfour, Piccadilly, 194 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LN
• When: various dates from Wednesday 18th March 2026
• What to expect: world-class saxophone, classic songs and old world charm

Got the itch for a gig? Get on over to One Ninetyfour, Piccadilly for Leo Green Presents The Secret Sax Party. One of the UK's most talented musical directors takes to the stage for a night of electrifying performances and soulful improvisation.

From the moment you step in the door, you'll be serenaded by iconic songs from across the genres. Grab your tickets to this masterclass in live entertainment for just £30.