It's official: 12 of the UK's best music venues are in London

London is presented as a major global hub for live music, with grassroots venues serving as launch pads for major artists and havens for leftfield bands and fans. A list of 42 UK independent music venues includes many from London. The ranking was compiled with input from musicians and peers who have played and attended British venues. London entries range from an outsider arts space created from a former paint-mixing factory, noted for seven-days-a-week live performances and eclectic experimental music, to the MOTH Club in Hackney, recently rescued and ranked fifth in the UK. MOTH Club is described as a bastion for independent artists and also hosts comedy and themed nights such as Northern Soul, ’80s events, and disco, soul, and italo club nights.

"London is one of the world's greatest cities for live music. Dare we say, the best? Our grassroots venues have been launch pads for some of the biggest artists on the planet. For decades, they've been precious havens for leftfield bands and maverick music fans too."

"So, of the 42 places on Time Out's new list of the UK's greatest independent music venues, it only makes sense that a large chunk of them hail from the Big Smoke. The list was compiled by James Balmont of indie rock band Swim Deep, who has nearly 15 years of gigging under his belt."

"Former paint-mixing factory turned 'outsider arts' space is Time Out's top ranked London venue on the list. We put it in second place for its commitment to delivering live performances seven days a week and for giving a home to some of the most eclectic, experimental forms of music out there."

"Hackney institution MOTH Club ranked fifth in the UK. The likes of Lady Gaga, Rick Astley and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl have graced the stage of this recently rescued club but, more importantly, it's a bastion for the independent artists of the capital. When there aren't gigs going on, it hosts comedy and nights such as Deptford Northern Soul Club, '80s night Dancing in the Dark and disco, soul and italo club Pull Up To The Bump"

Read at Time Out London