The gothic getaway (© Tom Oldham)
© Tom Oldham

Chapel of St Barnabas, 1 Greek Street, W1D 4NQ

Soho was a very different place when the Chapel of St Barnabas was completed in 1864. Now, nipping into this holy spot off rowdy Greek Street feels like stepping from the ridiculous into the sublime. The chapel’s architects were inspired by the rustic majesty of the medieval Montmajour Abbey in the south of France, and created a simple yet wonderful place for worship, which is now also used for gigs. Look out in particular for world music maven Gilles Peterson putting on intimate acoustic events with some of his favourite rising musicians.

‘From the mosaic tiled floor to its domed turquoise ceiling, the chapel has charm in abundance. Unspeakable magic can occur unimpeded. Musicians and audiences love it.’ Folk hunk Nick Mulvey (pictured above playing at a Gilles Peterson showcase last year)

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London's magical music venues

Sure The O2 attracts the biggest names, but there's a lot to be said for London's unusual, secret and quirky gig spaces

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Not all magical gigs happen in established London venues. Some take place in quirky, intimate and out-of-the-way places that you have to be in-the-know to find. As ever, Time Out is on hand to point you in the right direction. Take a look at our pick of ten incredibly cool venues. All of them offer extra-special live music experiences in jaw-droppingly beautiful spaces.

Did we miss out your favourite unsung gig venue? Let us know in the comments box below or tweet us at @TimeOutMusic.
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