The Scotch, London
We love this well-hidden little gem so much that we chose it as the venue to host A*M*E at for ELLE Sessions! Amazing décor and an incredible history add to the atmosphere perfect for a proper live music experience.
Address: 13 Masons Yard, London SW1, the-scotch.co.uk
Common, Manchester
In the Northern Quarter of Manchester, this effortlessly cool bar has changing wall-art that forms the backdrop for emerging bands while they perform on stage.
Address: 39-47, Edge Street, M4 1HW aplacecalledcommon.co.uk/
The Head of Steam, Newcastle upon Tyne
With venues in the centre of town and cool Ouseburn Valley, The Head of Steam lot have been promoting up and coming bands while giving locals a brilliant good night out for years.
Address: 2 Neville Street, NE1 5EN / 36 Lime Street, NE1 2PQ theheadofsteam.co.uk
The Leadmill, Sheffield
Sheffields longest running independent live music venue and nightclub, the Leadmill was voted Best Live Music Venue by NME readers and has hosted gigs by Pulp, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes.
Address: 6 Leadmill Road, S1 4SE leadmill.co.uk
Bush Hall, London
Originally built as a dance hall in 1904, this lavish venue is made more stunning by its six chandeliers which have lit up performances by stars like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
Address: 310 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LJ bushhallmusic.co.uk
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Taking its name from an 80s club in New York, King Tut's has a capacity of only 300 which makes for an intimate atmosphere.
Address: 272a Saint Vincent Street, G2 5RL kingtuts.co.uk
The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Originally a social club for bingo, the Brudenell is now the top venue for showcasing up and coming bands in Leeds and is also famous for its 'secret' gigs by the likes of Franz Ferdinand, The Kooks and The Kaiser Chiefs.
Address: 33 Queen's Road, LS6 1NY brudenellsocialclub.co.uk
The Thekla, Bristol
Originally a cargo ship before conversion into an underground nightclub, (complete with Banksy artwork) the Thekla has hosted some of Bristol's best artists including Massive Attack, Portishead and Roni Size.
Address: The Grove East Mud Dock, BS1 4RB theklabristol.co.uk
Rock City, Nottingham
An independent nightclub on the toilet circuit network of UK venues that rising bands visit to promote themselves, Rock City has been described by NME as "sweaty, but truly indie" and won Kerrang!s Venue of the Year ten years in a row.
Address: 8 Talbot Street, NG1 5GG rock-city.co.uk
The Liquid Room, Edinburgh
With a capacity of 800 spread across two floors and a balcony that overhangs the stage, there's an intimacy to this venue that's hard to beat and was the perfect venue for hipster favourite Grimes on her recent tour.
Address: 9C Victoria Street, EH1 2HE liquidroom.com
