Once a BBC Television Theatre, it’s not surprising there’s something telegenically grand about the Empire. The building’s baroque interior exudes a grown-up glamour few venues can match, which is why it’s one of west London’s few contenders for the city’s favourite venue. The environment lends a gravitas to the chirpiest performance, as Lily Allen ably demonstrated in the flush of her fame. So you can imagine the sensation of seeing the likes of David Bowie, Bob Dylan or Amy Winehouse here.