This 'gothic masterpiece' is the greatest music venue in London right now, according to Time Out

London’s music culture is supported by venues that champion emerging artists, serve niche audiences, and host major performances. A ranking of the capital’s 30 best music venues narrows to one top choice: Union Chapel in Islington. The Grade-I listed Victorian gothic revival church has hosted contemporary music for more than 30 years, beginning in 1992 to help prevent demolition, and has welcomed artists including Elton John, Björk, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Mavis Staples, Noel Gallagher, and Adele. Its acoustics are described as exceptional, designed for sound through an octagonal layout intended to carry the minister’s voice and choir to every seat. Alcohol is not allowed inside, though a bar is available before and after shows.

"The Grade-I listed Victorian gothic revival church in Islington (that is still a working church and help centre for the homeless) has been hosting contemporary music gigs for more than 30 years - its first being held in 1992 to help save it from demolition. Over the decades, the likes of Elton John, Björk, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Mavis Staples, Noel Gallagher and Adele have graced its stage. As it happens Mavis Staples will be back there for two nights this August."

"Besides being beautiful to look at, the acoustics in Union Chapel are otherworldly. Despite not originally being a music venue, it was designed with sound in mind. Architect James Cubitt came up with its octagonal layout specifically so that the minister's voice and the choir could reach every seat."

"Music is in London's DNA. Over the decades, our great city has birthed genres like punk rock, grime and Britpop and given rise to countless legends from Amy Winehouse to Adele, David Bowie to the Clash and the Sex Pistols to Skepta. Nowhere compares. Of course, good music venues are essential to that success."

"So, there are dozens of spots worthy of a place on Time Out's top music venue in London right now is Time Out's list of London's best music venues and plenty that could be in the running for first place. But we've had to whittle it down to just one. Union Chapel."

Read at Time Out London