Cassandra Jensen takes a look at where to find the best music in Putney


image: Samuel Fyfe @sfyfe

Putney is diverse, unique and is home to some of the freshest music in London. There is a great history of musicians from the area, including Grace Jones, Marc Bolan of T-Rex fame, Anna Calvi and Simon Le Bon. Putney has also attracted musical royalty - John Deacon from Queen resides in the area. Not sure you’ll see him in the Spotted Horse on a Friday night though. If you want to listen to some great new bands, or even if you want to play music with others, there is no shortage of places in Putney to delight your ears.

Jam with others
Every Tuesday night at Be At One (30 Putney High St, Putney, London SW15 1SQ), there is a great live music jam. From 8-10pm they abandon the DJ and hand the entertainment straight over to the talented residents of Putney. Whether you play the electric guitar, the saxophone, or sing, the stage is already set for you. There’s no door charge, you just need to turn up. The Dukes Head (8 Lower Richmond Road, London, SW15 1JN) also has regular open mic sessions for musicians - check their website and Facebook page for forthcoming events. They provide the PA, a guitar, bass and amp if you need it and a couple of microphones. They’ll even provide a drummer’s favourite, the cajon.

Fresh and new bands
You can’t talk about music in Putney without mentioning The Half Moon (93 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, London SW15 1EU). The pub has hosted many legendary and iconic bands, from The Rolling Stones and The Who, to U2. You can catch all styles of music on show, from Nick Heywood, who is playing in June, to some incredible folk music from Nancy Kerr and James Fagan. There are also plenty of tribute bands on offer, such as Kast off Kinks, the Total Stone Roses and Oaysis.

If you want to go somewhere oozing style and sophistication, you can’t go too wrong with Under the Bridge (Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 1HS). The venue is particularly good for jazz and blues acts, but you can also see plenty of classic tribute acts, like From The Jam. Look out too for Jody Watley, one of the original members of Shalamar playing later in the year.

Kicking Club Nights
Finally, Putney is home to some of the most intense club nights in London, featuring great up-and-coming DJs, as well as many musical legends. For a great fun night, try The Toy Shop Bar (32 Putney High St, Putney, London SW15 1SQ). The decor will make you smile, but the music is even better. Le Fez is also another amazing place for a wild night out. This Moroccan themed bar hosts some brilliant club nights, with late night DJs to get you grooving into the early hours of the morning.

There are some incredibly talented musicians in Putney, with so many different musical influences. You can catch a live set every day of the week - there is truly something for everyone.

Cassandra Jensen

June 20, 2019