London Music Venues London Indie 12 Bar Club12 Bar Club
The 12 Bar Club has been in operation since 1982, and is one of the smallest venues in town, topping out at just 150 sweaty individuals. 
Just off Denmark Street, where you go to buy your musical instruments in town (and also join a band - look for the noticeboard in the alley next door, to hook up with like-minded musicians), this club features indie music, with forays into folk, pop, rock and punk.
The building housing the 12 Bar Club was originally a stable, built in the early 17th century. Over the centuries it was converted to a forge, and remained as one right up until World War One. The increase in mechanised transport softened the demand for blacksmiths and it became a carpenter's shop until the Second World War. The fireplace from the forge is visible at the rear of the stage and is currently used to store amplifiers.
The 12 Bar Club is renowned for its split-level viewing arrangement despite being tiny. The upstairs section can hold about 20 or so, with most packed in near the stage below.
Famous names who've played at the 12 Bar Club recently include The Libertines, Keane and KT Tunstall.
Delivering honest music at the lowest prices, the entrance is on Denmark Street. If you pick up a £5 membership card (the same price as entry) you never have to pay to get in again between 11pm to 3am - ever.
The best bargain in town, no question.
Denmark Street, WC2H 8NL.
Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square.
Call: 020 7240 2120 (Office) or 020 7240 2622 (Advance ticket sales)
