The Fiddler’s Elbow in Kentish Town has been hosting live bands since the 1970s with the late Pogues frontman McGowan among the regulars.
But the 150-capacity venue is now listed on Rightmove as an “award winning grassroots music venue” with the upper floors described as a “development opportunity.”
On The Fiddler’s Elbow Instagram page they urged music lovers to “save a grassroots venue”.
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A post shared by The Fiddler’s Elbow (@fiddlerselbowcamden)
They wrote: ACTION TIME:
📍 TAG a music lover or investor who needs to see this!
🔁 SHARE this post to save a grassroots venue.
📩 CONTACT the agents at Lambert Smith Hampton to book your viewing today!
🔥 Iconic Grade II Listed Detached Building (approx. 4,370 sq ft)
🎤 Fully Licensed 100-Capacity Live Music Venue
🏢 LARGE OFFICE SPACE + 5 Bedrooms on upper floors
📍 Prime Corner Location @ 1 Malden Road
💰 Offers welcome from £1,750,000
“This isn’t just a property; it’s a legacy. Whether you’re looking for a landmark investment or the ultimate passion project, this is your “once in a lifetime” moment.”
The post was greeted with support from musicians and fans with one writing: “My first gig in the UK was here. Had wonderful times performing at Fiddlers – I hope whoever comes in next keeps this iconic place alive.”
While another wrote: “I really hope it remains a music venue like it is now. We need places like this.”
The Victorian pub has stood on the site since 1845 and changed its name from The Mother Shipton in the 1990s.
It was taken over by music loving landlords Dan Maiden and Nancy Wild in 2009 and is decked out with music memorabilia, vinyl 45s, posters and a vintage 60s jukebox.
Singer James Bay filmed his 2015 promo video If You Ever Want To Be In Love there as a homage to small venues and over the years the 4,340 square foot pub has hosted soul, reggae, indie, blues, rock and punk bands.
It struggled during the Covid era with a Crowdfunder backed by the Music Venues Trust to help it survive.
The Rightmove listing reads: “The Fiddler’s Elbow is a Grade II listed, three-storey detached corner property of traditional brick construction with part colour-rendered elevations, flat roof ground floor additions, and a small rear yard.
“The ground floor comprises a spacious open-plan trading area with a prominent bar servery and back bar room.
“The upper floors offer extensive five bedroom accommodation plus one large office space with redevelopment potential (subject to consents), appealing to owner-occupiers, investors, or developers.”
On the website the pub says: “The Fiddler’s Elbow is a music lover’s paradise playing host to every type of music imaginable.
“We encourage all musicians from far and wide. Whether you are a new young talent or a seasoned, well established band, you are welcome at The Fiddler’s Elbow. If music is live, it’s got to be good (well, most of the time).”
