New data from Betway reveals the UK’s most popular indie music venues for concert-goers.
Independent venues are the heart of the UK’s live music scene. From sweaty basements to converted warehouses, these spaces have launched countless iconic artists’ careers, providing a stage to shape their sound, build their following and connect with fans in an up-close and personal way. But as rising costs threaten their future, it’s more important than ever to celebrate them.
To find out, the team at Betway Online Slots has analysed social media and Google review data, along with Google search volume, revealing which venues stand out above the rest.
The Top 10 Most Popular Indie Music Venues in the UK
The UK has birthed some of indie music’s most successful bands, from Oasis to the Arctic Monkeys. Many of these artists started out playing in small, intimate venues before becoming global superstars. However, with so many venues across the UK, which ones stand out as indie music fan favourites?
Rank | Music Venue | City | Instagram hashtag volume | TikTok hashtag volume |
Google review rating (out of 5) | Annual UK GSV |
1 | Ronnie Scotts | London | 47,500 | 711 | 4.7 | 1,620,000 |
2 | SWG3 | Glasgow | 39,700 | 9,653 | 4.5 | 217,200 |
3 | The Cavern Club | Liverpool | 45,000 | 2,747 | 4.4 | 888,000 |
4 | Troxy | London | 32,300 | 3,119 | 4.2 | 888,000 |
5 | Brudenell Social Club | Leeds | 20,800 | 397 | 4.8 | 325,200 |
6 | King Tut’s | Glasgow | 27,300 | 59 | 4.7 | 118,800 |
7 | Band on the Wall | Manchester | 16,300 | 547 | 4.7 | 325,200 |
8 | The Barrowland Ballroom | Glasgow | 11,600 | 450 | 4.7 | 486,000 |
9 | Cafe Oto | London | 11,200 | 158 | 4.6 | 266,400 |
10 | MOTH Club | London | 11,400 | 555 | 4.5 | 325,200 |
1. Ronnie Scott’s
Ronnie Scott’s ranks in first place as the UK’s most popular independent music venue. Operating in Soho since 1959, this iconic jazz club has welcomed some of the world’s most celebrated jazz and blues musicians. With the highest annual search volume in the ranking, seeing 1,620,000 searches each year, it remains a central hub for music lovers and artists alike.
Boasting an impressive 4.7 stars, Ronnie Scott’s lives up to its legendary status, reinforced by having the second-highest number of Instagram posts at 47,000. Though its TikTok presence is smaller, it remains a cult favourite within London’s indie scene.
2. SWG3
Glasgow’s SWG3 secures second place. Once a galvanizer’s yard, this distinctive venue has transformed into one of Scotland’s most celebrated independent spaces. Beyond its live music offerings, SWG3 is a creative hub that blends art, food, fashion, and shopping into a dynamic cultural experience.
With a strong online presence, having 39,700 Instagram posts under its hashtag and nearly 10,000 TikTok posts, it’s no surprise that SWG3 attracts 217,200 annual searches. Its solid 4.5-star rating highlights this as a must-visit venue for locals and visitors alike.
3. The Cavern Club
The birthplace of The Beatles, it might not come as a surprise that The Cavern Club ranks third. First operating as a jazz club when it opened its doors in 1957, it quickly became the centre of rock and roll in Liverpool in the 1960s and beyond. It still attracts music lovers today with almost a million annual searches per year.
The iconic music venue is also popular on social media with 45,000 Instagram hashtags and almost 3,000 posts on TikTok.
4. Troxy
Housed in a Grade II-listed Art Deco building, this East London venue is both a cultural landmark and the city’s largest independent events space. Despite its impressive scale, Troxy retains a unique sense of intimacy, making it a favourite for artists and fans alike.
Blending historic charm with cutting-edge live performances, it remains a standout on London’s indie music circuit, attracting 888,000 annual searches. Its lasting appeal is reinforced by a strong social media presence, with 32,300 Instagram hashtags and over 3,100 videos on TikTok, this being a testament to its continued popularity among music fans and concertgoers alike.
5. Brudenell Social Club
In third place is Brudenell Social Club. A centrepiece of the Leeds music scene, it is best known for hosting secret gigs for the likes of Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs.
As the highest-rated venue in the top five, with a 4.8-star rating and 325,200 annual Google searches, Brudenell Social Club has built a loyal fan base over the years. Its strong following is reflected online, with nearly 21,000 Instagram posts and 397 TikTok hashtags, reinforcing its reputation as a cherished fixture in the UK’s indie music scene.
The Top 10 Most Popular Indie Music Venues Outside of London
London may be the epicentre of the UK’s indie music scene, so it’s no surprise that four of the top 10 venues are found in the capital. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the UK is falling behind. From Manchester to Bristol, regional venues remain a central part in nurturing new talent and keeping the indie spirit alive.
So, where will you find the most popular indie music venues outside of London?
Rank | Music Venue | City | Instagram hashtag volume | TikTok hashtag volume | Google review rating (out of 5) |
Annual UK GSV |
1 | SWG3 | Glasgow | 39,700 | 9,653 | 4.5 | 217,200 |
2 | The Cavern Club | Liverpool | 45,000 | 2,747 | 4.4 | 888,000 |
3 | Brudenell Social Club | Leeds | 20,800 | 397 | 4.8 | 325,200 |
4 | King Tut’s | Glasgow | 27,300 | 59 | 4.7 | 118,800 |
5 | Band on the Wall | Manchester | 16,300 | 547 | 4.7 | 325,200 |
6 | The Barrowland Ballroom | Glasgow | 11,600 | 450 | 4.7 | 486,000 |
7 | Rock City | Nottingham | 7,496 | 1,224 | 4.5 | 266,400 |
8 | Pop Recs | Sunderland | 949 | 2 | 4.9 | 15,600 |
9 | Future Yard | Birkenhead | 3,300 | 201 | 4.8 | 19,200 |
10 | Peggy’s Skylight | Nottingham | 2,061 | 30 | 4.8 | 79,200 |
1. SWG3
SWG3, a cultural powerhouse in Glasgow, is the UK’s most popular indie music venue outside of London, securing second place overall in the rankings. A hub for both music fans and creatives, the venue hosts everything from underground DJ sets to experimental live shows.
SWG3 is not the only Glasgow venue earning a spot among the top venues, as King Tut’s and the Barrowland Ballroom have secured sixth and tenth place respectively, among the best venues outside of London. Together, they’re putting Glasgow on the map as one of the UK’s premier destinations for live music.
2. The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club ranks second among venues outside of London, and third overall in the UK. The iconic Liverpool institution has had a huge cultural impact over the years, reflected in its impressive social media presence and large search volume.
3. Brudenell Social Club
Brudenell Social Club follows in third place for venues outside London and ranks fifth overall. Originally a working men’s club, this Leeds venue has earned a reputation for retaining its community atmosphere and its commitment to showcasing both established acts and emerging artists.
Leeds continues to be a stomping ground for indie music, with another local favourite, Oporto, making the list. Known for its intimate, laid-back vibe and eclectic lineups, Oporto is a must-visit for indie music fans across Yorkshire.
4. King Tut’s
Another Glasgow venue, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, secures fourth place outside London and ranks seventh in the full ranking. Since the 90s, this iconic venue has led the Scottish live music scene and has been a launchpad for numerous international stars, from Snow Patrol to Biffy Clyro, and continues to support emerging talent.
With over 118,000 annual searches and a 4.7-star rating, King Tut’s remains a favourite among music fans. Its Instagram presence, with 27,300 hashtags, shows strong fan support, and despite flying under the TikTok radar, the venue’s lasting popularity cements its status as a key spot in Glasgow’s live music scene.
5. Band on the Wall
Band on the Wall ranks fifth among venues outside London. Widely regarded as its oldest venue, it has helped shape the musical sound and spirit of the city. Its continued popularity is shown by 325,200 annual Google searches and a 4.7-star rating, highlighting its status as one of the city’s most esteemed and cherished venues.
This reputation carries over online, with 16,300 Instagram posts and 547 TikTok videos. While its social numbers may not top the list, they reflect a loyal and passionate fan base that keeps Band on the Wall firmly on the radar of music lovers both in Manchester and beyond.
From iconic rock venues to intimate jazz bars, the UK is home to an eclectic mix of sound, atmosphere and culture that truly strike a chord with fans. Has our list inspired you to immerse yourself in the indie music scene and support these venues this summer?
Methodology & Sources
To find out the UK’s most popular indie music venues, Betway created a seedlist of nearly 100 of the UK’s top indie music venues, then ranked them using the following metrics:
Instagram and TikTok hashtag counts, Google review ratings, and annual UK search volumes
Instagram hashtag use – Number of pictures posted under relevant hashtag.
TikTok posts – Number of videos posted under the relevant hashtag
Average annual search volume – Average monthly search volume (using Google Keyword planner) was found and multiplied by 12 to calculate the annual search volume.
Google review rating – The average rating out of 5 was taken for the venue from Google.
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