hifimaps

Best listening bars in London

London took the kissa idea and gave it a bar tab. The rooms here are louder and later than their Tokyo ancestors, built around izakaya plates, natural wine and horn speakers old enough to have been someone's cinema.

Of the 11, one has been sat in by somebody from hifimaps. The rest were written from what the venues publish, and say so on the page.

See them on the map

Questions about London

How many listening bars are there in London?

We have written up 11 in London. Of the 11, one has been sat in by somebody from hifimaps. The rest were written from what the venues publish, and say so on the page.

Which listening bars in London serve food?

Brilliant Corners, Spiritland, Mu, Idle Moments, Bar Levan and Hausu. The rest are set up for drinking and listening rather than eating.

Where can you get coffee and good sound in London?

Nothing on our London list is open for coffee. Listening rooms here are evening places.

What is a listening bar?

A bar built around a stereo, where the music is put on from vinyl, tape or a disc rather than played live, and the room is arranged to face the speakers. It is the descendant of the Japanese jazz kissa, with a bar tab and later hours.