100 Club

Perhaps the most adaptable venue in London, this wide, 350-capacity basement room has long provided a home for trad jazz, pub blues, northern soul and punk. Originally a restaurant, the 100 Club was first hired out as a live music venue in 1942 and was popular as a hangout/bomb shelter during World War II owing to its underground location.

Many historic shows have been staged at the 100 Club through the decades, including sets by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday, Muddy Waters, The Kinks, the Sex Pistols and just about every notable Britpop band. The 100 Club was threatened with closure in 2011 due to rocketing rent charges, but was saved thanks to securing backing from Converse, no doubt helped by vocal support for the venue from the likes of Sir Mick Jagger and Liam Gallagher.