The Bedford is an iconic nightclub and live music venue located in Balham, South London, United Kingdom. Originally established as a Victorian hotel in the 1830s, the building was reconstructed in its current form in 1931 and has been serving the local community in various capacities ever since. Over the decades, The Bedford has developed a reputation as one of London's premier grassroots music venues, playing a vital role in nurturing emerging talent and helping launch the careers of numerous successful artists.
Its intimate, cabaret-style club room has gained cult status within the UK’s music scene and has frequently been cited as one of the best places in London to discover new acts. The venue has also won multiple awards, including the title of Best Pub for Live Music at various national pub awards. In recent years, The Bedford underwent a major refurbishment, enhancing its facilities while retaining its historic charm, and ensuring it remains at the heart of the Balham social and cultural scene.
Throughout its existence, The Bedford has stayed at its iconic location on Bedford Hill, maintaining strong links to its local roots and evolving stylistically to accommodate changes in the entertainment landscape. In addition to music, the venue is well known for comedy, with many famous comedians having performed in its legendary "Banana Cabaret." Notable artists who have performed at The Bedford include Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, James Morrison, KT Tunstall, Paolo Nutini, The Libertines, and Newton Faulkner, alongside a multitude of up-and-coming musicians from both the UK and abroad, establishing it as a pivotal venue in the development of new music talent.
The capacity of The Bedford is 225.
Map will load when scrolled into view