Rough Trade East

Like its sister store in W11, the newest addition to the RT stable welcomes live performers of pretty much every persuasion but this easterly offshoot boasts not only vastly more space and a café, but also - far more importantly - a purpose-built stage, with standing room in front sensibly factored into the planning. Gigs happen early in the evening (usually 7pm) and admission is free, by previously obtained wrist band. Sets are shorter than a regular gig and there can be long queues for bigger named acts, but then, who wouldn't queue to see free sets from the diverse likes of Marianne Faithful, Vampire Weekend and Fucked Up?