We first wrote about the rise in music-focused restaurants and bars back in 2022 and it’s safe to say that the trend has well and truly taken off. Music has gone from being one component in the larger vibe ecosystem of a venue to being its defining factor.
Listening bars, where people would come and listen (and not talk) to music played on high-end audio equipment, flourished in post-WW2 Japan and have since popped up all around the world, including here in London. Though there are differences in the offerings – some bars serve food as well as cocktails, others even have space to dance as well – they all boast top-notch, often bespoke sound systems and a considered music policy.
Other venues and operators have started to dip their toes into the scene by throwing listening parties in a variety of spaces. The rise in popularity of listening bars in the city is also reflective of the evolution of London’s nightlife scene – traditional clubbing still exists but niche events centred around specific communities are popping up all the time. Ready to press play? These are the listening bars in London worth checking out.
Spiritland
Spiritland is a must-visit for real audiophiles. Not only is it decked out with a state-of-the-art Living Voice sound system, but there’s in-depth musical programming on offer, along with album playbacks, record launches and talks. There’s also a full radio production suite available to hire, and a bar and kitchen inside too.
9 – 10 Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AB
Mad Cats
Founded by couple Ed and Daniella, Mad Cats in Shoreditch looks – and sounds – the part, with low lighting, lots of exposed brick, an extensive record collection on display and vintage speakers dotted around the space. You can soak up the sounds, which can range from funk to electronica, with sake or a smart cocktail, and a Lebanese-Japanese food menu.
107 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DL
Hall
Founded by Nathanael T Williams of Colour Factory and Bradley Zero of Rhythm Section, Jumbi is a celebration of the flavours and sounds of the African-Caribbean diaspora, with a high-fidelity sound system and vinyl library at its heart. You can go down to hangout with some rum cocktails, or throw some shapes at one of the weekend takeovers.
Unit 4.1, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN
Olfa Club
This new Walthamstow listening bar combines Japanese-inspired interiors, a carefully curated sound system and a seriously strong drinks. The Olfa Club offers 27 wines by the glass, with prices starting from a fiver, alongside a mineralised water menu, plus a record player for guests who want to bring their own vinyl or dip into the in-house selection.
46 St James St, London E17 7PE
Hausu
Hausu, right by Peckham Rye station, is based around the idea that food and music can bring people together. The vintage high-fidelity sound system plays a big role in the restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy an Asian-European menu (dishes include scallop & prawn toast, sirloin with chilli & black lime butter, and toasted rice ice cream with five spice caramel) and bop to DJs after hours.
11a Station Way, London, SE15 4RX
Brillant Corners
One of the OGs of the listening scene, Brilliant Corners in Dalston has been going for well over a decade. As well as serving up Japanese small plates, it hosts regular live jazz performances and DJ sets from an eclectic range of selectors.
470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE
Cafe 1001
Still a cafe by day, Brick Lane hotspot Cafe 1001 relaunched as a high-end audio bar by night back in 2023, complete with a state-of-the-art custom sound system and a custom-built DJ booth (made by Don Heston, who also did the booth at Jumbi). The team also curates a great guest DJ programme, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the listings.
91 Brick Lane London, E1 6QL
Bambi
After acquiring an empty venue behind Bambi, founder James Dye recently knocked through the space, doubling the size of the London Fields restaurant and record bar. As well as making room for a bigger kitchen, including a charcoal grill, there are now DJs on every night of the week, with the dining area becoming a dancefloor.
1 Westgate St, London E8 3RL
Space Talk
Farringdon spot Space Talk is all about creating a community around music discovery, so if you like stumbling across artists and songs you’ve not heard before, this is the bar for you. It’s a place for real connection, not a scene, so be prepared to put your phones down and live in the moment.
18-20 St John St, London EC1M 4AY
The gap
Jazu is a hi-fi bar that offers a great balance between listening and dancing. The tables and chairs stay out at this Deptford spot until 10pm, so you can appreciate the vinyl selections, the cocktails and the food from the rotating kitchen resident in comfort, but you can also throw some shapes later if the mood so takes you.
2 Deptford High Street, London SE8 4AF
All My Friends
Hackney Wick’s All My Friends is a laidback hangout from The Cause crew, consisting of a record store, a bar with a custom sound system and sourdough pizza coming out of the kitchen. Friends of The Cause pass through to put the speakers through their paces, so if you like what you hear at the club, you’ll love this spot too.
96 White Post Ln, London E9 5EN
Behind This Wall
Billed as a “lo-fi bar with hi-fi intentions”, basement bar Behind This Wall is well worth seeking out. The sound system has evolved over time, rather than being some high-end custom-built bit of kit. There’s no menu here either, so prepare for an evening of discovery drinks-wise as well.
411 Mare Street, London E8 1HY
Key
Music and mixology get equal billing at this Shoreditch bar, where the cocktails are designed to evoke a mood and are all paired with a song. Once you’ve got your drinks sorted on the ground floor, you can head downstairs to experience the bespoke sound system, playing everything from minimal techno to funk.
36 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DP
