Five best music venues just one bus away from Roehampton
If you’re craving some live music, Roehampton is just a short bus drive away from a whole bunch of great venues. Here are five of our favourites.
The Hippodrome (Kingston)
With an interior that looks like a set from a low budget 70’s dystopian film The Hippodrome night club in Kingston is building an unparalleled reputation for hosting some of the biggest bands around.
This year alone it’s New Slang club night has hosted performances from Dizzee Rascal, Royal Blood, Maximo Park and The Charlatans.
Being a purpose built nightclub it’s not really designed for live bands but this kind of adds to the charm when you see a world renowned band shuffle their way on to the tiny stage.
With most gigs costing less than £12 and a selection of bars serving up £2.50 if-anyone-ask-I’m-drinking-it-ironically luminous alcopops Hippodrome is the perfect spot for a cheap indie night out.
Tooting Tram And Social (Tooting)
Hidden away off Tooting High Street this converted tram shed is jam packed with quirky charm. The main, chandelier lit room, hosts a packed schedule of events and is a regular tour stop for many of London’s best indie pop bands.
Recent bands to play the Tram and Social include Public Service Broadcasting, Kill It Kid, Tellison and Los Campesinos. The laid back, gentle lit aesthetic doesn’t lead it’s self to rowdy crowds but if you just want a chilled evening, craft beer in hand, listening to some of the best up and coming alternative acts around, Tooting Tram and Social is built for you.
The Fighting Cocks (Kingston)
A proper old punk bar (even the pool table is pitch black) this gloriously dog eared pub also comes attached to a great basement venue. It’s odd L shape, enclosed walls and crowd surfer denying low ceilings make this the perfect space for some sweaty punk.
This year it’s seen performances from likes of The Skints, The JB Conspiracy, Counterfeit and Doe. If you stick to the daily drink deal can get some great value booze. Whether you want a chilled evening of cheap drink listening to the best-stocked jukebox in London or a rowdy night moshing in a sweat box The Fighting Cock has everything to rile up your inner punk.
Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
Hammersmith Eventim Apollo, formerly HMV Hammersmith Apollo, formally Carling Apollo Hammersmith, formerly Hammersmith Apollo, formally Labatt’s Apollo formally Hammersmith Odeon formally Gaumont Palace has, under its many names, hosted many of the most iconic gigs throughout British history. Buddy Holly’s last ever UK gigs, a Beatle’s 21-night residency, Bowie’s final shows as Ziggy Stardust, through to Kate Bush’s triumphant return in 2014.
Indeed, pick up a band’s live DVD and there’s a good chance it was filmed at the Apollo. These days, the listening for the 5000 capacity venue can read a little like your dad’s CD collection but if your any thing of a music geek, you have to take the chance to see a gig at this legendary venue.
See also: One Bus Away guide to South West London
Shepard’s Bush Empire
A converted musical hall Shepard’s Bush Empire has gained a great reputation among the alternative and rock scene. With a large standing stalls section down stair and a balcony for seating the 2000 capacity venue if perfect for bands about to break through or established acts looking for somewhere more intimate.
Inside the venue still, retains many of features and props from its days as a theatre for the BBC, giving it an off-kilter charm; the perfect venue for any budding indie-kid.
