Ain't Nothin' But Blues Bar
Ain't Nothin' But has held down 20 Kingly Street since 1993, making it one of London's longest-running blues bars. The venue is a basement room that holds maybe 80 people at capacity. Live blues bands play seven nights a week, starting around 8:30 PM on weeknights and 3 PM on Saturdays. The sound is raw and unpolished by design. Musicians play through a basic PA system, and the room is small enough that amplification barely matters. Entry is free Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights charge GBP 5-7 after 8:30 PM. Drinks are standard pub prices: GBP 5-7 for a pint, GBP 8-10 for a basic cocktail. The bar stocks a decent bourbon selection.
Where to stay near Ain't Nothin' But Blues Bar
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A cramped, sweaty basement where blues musicians play close enough to touch. The crowd is a mix of dedicated blues fans, Soho workers, and tourists who wandered in. By 10 PM on weekends the room is packed and loud.
Sweaty, loud, and genuine. The kind of bar where the band is two feet away and the music moves through you physically. Between sets, the conversation is easy because everyone is there for the same reason.
Blues, blues-rock, occasionally branching into soul and R&B. All live, seven nights a week.
None. This is a basement blues bar. Wear whatever you want.
Blues fans, live music lovers, anyone looking for an unpretentious night out in the middle of Soho.
Cash and cards accepted.
Price Range
Free-GBP 7 entry, pints GBP 5-7, bourbon GBP 6-9
GBP 5-10 ≈ USD 6-13 / EUR 6-12
Hours
Mon-Thu 6 PM to 1 AM, Fri 5 PM to 2:30 AM, Sat 3 PM to 2:30 AM, Sun 3 PM to midnight.
Insider Tip
Arrive before 8 PM on weekends to grab a seat near the stage. The basement fills fast once the music starts. Weeknight shows are more intimate and easier to enjoy without fighting for space.
Full Review
Kingly Street runs parallel to Regent Street, and Ain't Nothin' But sits in a basement at number 20. The stairs down are narrow. The room at the bottom is small. The ceiling is low. None of this matters once the band starts playing.
The venue books a rotation of London-based blues musicians and occasional touring acts. Quality varies night to night, but the consistently small room and good sound mean that even an average band delivers a memorable set. On a good night, when a guitarist is feeling it and the crowd is responsive, the energy in this room is hard to beat anywhere in London.
The bar is simple. Pints, bourbon, and basic cocktails. The bourbon list is better than you'd expect for a venue this size. Food is not served, so eat before you arrive.
Weekend nights get crowded to the point where moving through the room becomes difficult. The upside is that the packed crowd creates an atmosphere that feeds back into the performance. The downside is that you'll be standing in someone's personal space for three hours. If you want comfort, come on a Tuesday.
For GBP 5-7 entry (or free on weeknights), this is one of the best live music bargains in central London. The venue has survived 30 years in Soho without changing its formula, and there's no reason it should.
The Neighborhood
Kingly Street connects Beak Street to Great Marlborough Street, one block west of Carnaby Street. Kingly Court food hall is steps away. Regent Street shops and Soho's bar scene are both within a two-minute walk.
Getting There
Oxford Circus station (Central, Victoria, Bakerloo lines) is a 3-minute walk. Piccadilly Circus is 5 minutes south. The venue is accessible from both directions.
Address
20 Kingly Street, Soho, London W1B 5PZ
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