The exponential rise of listening bars is a testament to the power of a good song. Sure, nightclubs serve their purpose and pubs have their classic playlists, but what about a space where the music truly shines?
Enter, vinyl. The listening experience which puts every chord and frequency at the forefront.
Looking for the best vinyl bars in London? Discover them below.
The Hero
Maida Vale's The Hero might be one venue, but it has many personalities. Operating as a pub, dining room, events space and cocktail bar, guests are treated to a different experience on every level. Tucked away on the venue's second floor is The Library; a drinking den and listening lounge offering a cosy, yet lively ambience. The aesthetic is inviting (think glowing oil lamps and book-lined walls) and feels more like having a drink in a friend's living room than sitting in a bar.
The cocktail list contains the usual suspects and they're all done well, from the refreshing zing of a Paloma to the creamy richness of an espresso martini. We'd suggest settling in with a French 75 before moving to the El Diablo — a resposado tequila concoction that's equal parts punchy and sweet. And, while the drinks are the focal point, the food is equally worth of a mention. The bar snack menu offers a range of non-fussy, laidback bites which feel quintessentially British; the cheese toastie is a particular highlight and comes oozing with melted goodness and a side of Branston pickle for good measure.
From 9pm onwards on Friday and Saturday, The Library hosts vinyl DJs. Designed to feel immersive, the intimate nature of the space allows you to settle in and really absorb the music. It's not long before the room is buzzing with atmosphere, spinning everything from jazz to funk well into the night.
Founded by former nightlife workers Cem and Selin, Chiave is built on a shared love of good drinks and good music. Since opening its doors, the venue has been met with almost immediate success. Maybe it's the chic fitout, the downstairs dance floor or the rotating list of inventive cocktails, but there's no shortage of selling points which have guests flocking in droves. The bar also boasts a custom-built sound system from Danish audiologist Arda Audio, which is known for providing a very high-fidelity ambiance.
Housed inside Virgin Hotel's Shoreditch outpost, Hidden Grooves is a hi-fi listening bar designed by Richard Branson himself. The venue offers a complete sensory experience where music isn't just heard, but also tasted. With a cocktail menu built like a playlist, each drink is inspired by a specific song and captures its essence through flavour and presentation. Medusa's Kiss is made with basil gin, lemon and chartreuse is refreshingly herbaceous, arriving in a beautifully sculpted jellyfish glass, topped with a citrus-scented bubble. The tipple draws inspiration from the 'Siren' album by Roxy Music, referencing the mystical allure and glam rock energy of the band's 1975 work. For something a little edgier, the Punk Punch with tequila, lime and chilli agave is a surefire winner. A bold take on the spicy margarita, the drink pays tribute to the distinctly rebellious nature of The Sex Pistols' 1977 album 'God Save The Queen'. It's a lot of fun to work your way through the menu so be sure to try a few different drinks! On the food front, a selection of light bites are the perfect accompaniment (don't skimp on the crispy dates which come loaded with Colston Bassett stilton and wrapped in bacon — a true feat of salty and sweet!)
Those who come for the drinks will almost certainly stay for the music. Vinyl is the focal point of the venue, with an aesthetic designed to reflect this. With a rich and sultry palette, plush seating and intimate lighting, guests are encouraged to lean in and listen for several hours. Time here passes by in a blissful haze of smooth sounds from recognisable classics to vibey beats. Featuring Technics 1210 turntables and high-fidelity Westminster wooden speakers, it's clear the venue is truly built to honour and celebrate the beauty of vinyl.
Bambi is worth paying a visit to for the aesthetics alone. This wine bar cum listening space has established a loyal fanbase who value the art of good vinyl as much as mixology. The focal point of the space is the oversized speakers which are built into the wall and flanked by a mini library of vintage vinyl. The dining is equally important with a variety of European-esque small plates which compliment the diverse drinks list.
Housed in Deptford, Jazu is the elevated neighbourhood bar where everyone is welcome. Independently run, the space offers a relaxed ambience where people can come and enjoy good drinks and a top-quality vintage sound system. Playing a little bit of everything from soul and funk to disco and jazz, this is a listening bar that appeals to all kinds of music lovers. The oversized disco ball suspended from the ceiling lets everyone know that come nightfall, there's plenty of room to have a boogie or two as well.
Located under New York inspired eatery, BRIX, this drinking den is equal parts sultry and sophisticated. In partnership with Patron, the bar offers top shelf tequila in expected ways (think margaritas and palomas) to unexpected ways (think a Spanish take on the infamous 'last word' cocktail). Even the food menu draws inspiration from the agave plant — the grilled tiger prawns with tequila hollandaise is a particular standout.
For those who love the freshness of the paloma but are looking for a little spice, don't skip the 'Up In Smoke'. Illegal mezcal meets ancho pepper, homemade grapefruit soda and a hint of tajin for a cheeky kick. The staff are very friendly and more than happy to offer suggestions, so you'd need only ask if you're slightly unsure of what to order.
Fitted out with moody blue lighting and offering a revolving list of talent, there's always fun to be had here. Be sure to grab a seat near the decks for a behind-the-scenes look at how the vinyl magic happens.
Known for its heady selection of vinyl-only music, 26 Curtain Road offers the perfect balance of a fun night out in Shoreditch without going overboard. It's a great place to catch up with friends, sip on a selection of specially sourced beers and spirits and soak in the ambience. Housed in a beautiful heritage listed space built in the 1800s, it offers a snug and intimate setting, reminiscent of the days where bars really were cool.
