The Dogstar has been a part of the Brixton nightlife scene for as long as I can remember. It used to be a grungy pub with a pretty dodgy reputation, however it has now cleaned up its act and provides live music and DJs every week in the main bar. Upstairs, there's a massive ballroom where cabaret nights, comedy clubs and parties often happen.

389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8LQ
+44 207 733 7515
Google map: bit.ly/GVirih

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Rough Trade East is an independent record store situated just off Brick Lane in east London. They frequently host in-store gigs for artists predominantly from the indie scene and those still emerging.
I like these gigs because they are small and I can always manage to get to right to the front, just a few centimetres from my favourite band, while being able to see them properly - something I rarely experience at other gigs. After their performance we can meet the artist and get a signed album/single.
Each an every gig is like a once in a life time opportunity and you never forget them!

www.roughtrade.com/
'Dray Walk', Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
+44(0)207 392 7788
Google map: bit.ly/lw2pbQ

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There's nowhere quite like the Jazz Cafe when it comes to music gigs. I love the intimacy of the venue and how close you feel to the performers.

5 Parkway, NW1 7PG
+44(0)20 7485 6834
venues.meanfiddler.com/jazz-cafe/home
Google map: bit.ly/jjbpbl

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This is an amazing quiet grand 18th Century square hidden away in the centre of London. By day it's a great place for a drink and a play in the fountains. By night in the summer you can hear great bands such as Beady Eye, Blondie, Hurts, Eels and Ellie Goulding.

www.somersethouse.org.uk/
Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
+44 (0)20 7836 7613
Summer Series:07-17 July 2011
Google map: bit.ly/mwPObu

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