The Half Moon Strikes a New Chord on Lower Richmond Road

Refurbishment retains the character of the live music venue

The new terrace at the Half Moon

April 17, 2026

After months behind closed doors, one of London’s most storied music pubs has reopened its doors — and it’s done so with style. The Half Moon, a cornerstone of Putney’s cultural life since the early 1960s, has completed a full refurbishment that refreshes its look without losing the grit and soul that made it a magnet for generations of musicians and fans.

The venue’s history reads like a roll call of British music royalty: The Rolling Stones, The Who, Kate Bush, U2, and Ed Sheeran have all played here. Now, following a major revamp approved by Wandsworth Council in the face of some opposition from neighbours, the pub re-emerges with a new first-floor dining space, an outdoor terrace with a retractable roof, and a menu inspired by Deep South Americana.

Inside, the ground-floor bar retains its familiar warmth, with exposed brickwork, timber, and worn leather giving a sense of continuity. Instruments and album covers line the walls, a reminder that this is still a working venue, not a museum piece. The Music Room remains the beating heart of the building, its stage framed by a fresh red velvet curtain and retro cinema-style bar lighting. Nine shows a week will keep the space alive, with rising acts such as Lola Young and The Molotovs continuing the tradition of discovery that has defined the pub for decades.

Upstairs, the transformation is more dramatic. The new bar and terrace bring light and air to the building, offering a flexible space for dining, private events, or simply a pint in the sun. Reclaimed artwork, antique mirrors, and decorative tiling lend character without pretension — a nod to the venue’s layered history rather than a break from it.

The food menu leans into sharing and sociability: popcorn chicken with hot maple and chipotle mayo, scorched cauliflower croquettes, and hearty BBQ platters. Sunday roasts remain a fixture, served to suit a long afternoon of conversation and music. On tap, craft beers from DEYA and Gipsy Hill sit alongside classics, while cocktails and a new summer Spritz menu promise lighter options for the warmer months.

The interior at the Halfmoon gives a nod to the venue's history.

The Half Moon’s calendar continues to mix live gigs, comedy nights, and community events. Monday’s New Moon sessions showcase emerging talent, while garden parties and quizzes keep the social rhythm steady. It’s a careful balance — preserving the pub’s legacy as a grassroots venue while adapting to the expectations of a modern audience.

In a city where heritage venues often struggle to survive, the Half Moon’s relaunch feels less like a reinvention and more like a reaffirmation.