Venture through our list of London venues for inspiration this weekend.
London is endless and ever evolving, and the pressure to soak up all the sights and delights the city has to offer is on. Gsnsp investigated five London venues for you to visit, each with a series of fantastic events to attend this weekend.
Key points
1. The Roundhouse
The former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, where trains would turn around on a revolving platform heading back up to Birmingham, is steeped in history and is London to a teen. Since becoming an arts venue in 1964, it’s seen the likes of Pink Floyd, Prince, The Doors, The Clash, and Jimi Hendrix.
Making for a beautiful spherical live experience, you can take your own virtual tour of the place here; just check out that ceiling! The acoustics bounce off the walls and torpedo their way up into the dome roof. Currently, the multi-faceted arts venue hosts theatre, circus, music, and spoken word.
The venue also has a lovely terrace bar, making it the perfect destination in the summer. Why not head to North London for your next gig?
2. Somerset House
London’s opulent staple venue is perched along the river Thames and looks over sunsets on Waterloo Bridge.
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, one of the most stunning courtyards to stumble upon in central London, hosts a summer series of open-air concerts and events every summer, often featuring impressive visuals that are projected across the surrounding historical buildings.
This year saw intimate performances from James Bay and Belle and Sebastian, among many others, making this a fantastic outdoor live experience while soaking up an iconic London landmark turned venue.
3. O2 Academy Brixton
Brixton’s O2 Academy, known for its unbeatable atmosphere, is London’s flagship music venue, having received accolades such as “Venue of the Year” and “Best Venue” over the years.
The venue has sloping floors, making for some great views, even for us shorties. Everyone who’s anyone has played here, including David Bowie, James Brown, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. With almost a 5,000-person capacity, you are guaranteed an electrifying atmosphere at each concert.
4. KOKO
Waiting for you just outside of Mornington Crescent are the shining lights of KOKO. Since beginning life as a Camden theatre in the 1900s, the venue has seen some wild times, with acts like The Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones, The Cure, Madonna, and The Clash passing through its doors.
This theatre turned music venue has tiers and tiers of plush royal red and gold interior that creates a truly unique atmosphere for watching a show.This venue is big on the rock and indie circuit, with a capacity of 1500, making concerts fairly intimate.
The best views are right at the front, so squeeze your way towards the stage! If you want to rest your butt, there is a row of sofas tucked away in the top viewing balcony, with a great view. Pre-warning this venue can feel maze-like is a good thing for some!
5. The Royal Albert Hall.
Surviving two world wars, this is one of South Kensington’s great Victorian splendors; the hall hosts classical music, jazz, world music, rock, pop, and comedy, as well as awe-inspiring events such as The Proms.
There are 85 fibreglass saucers that hang from the auditorium ceiling, acoustic diffusers known as “mushrooms.” The hall used to have huge echoes caused by the coved ceiling, but now these flying saucers absorb the echo, and they look pretty cool too.
There’s also an impressive organ, the second largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,999 pipes—damn. The building can seat about 5,400 people and has had its presence graced by Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Liza Minelli, and even Black Sabbath.
