O2 Academy Islington

Located in a mall, the 800-capacity Islington Academy was never going to be London's most atmospheric venue. Still, the gigs are decent – fast-rising indie bands and cultured singer-songwriters, mostly – and the solid soundsystem ensures the acts get their message across. The adjacent Bar Academy holds a cosy 250 giggers and hosts an array of exciting new bands as well as the odd indie-focused club night. Saturday nights see pop and fancy dress-fest Club De Fromage take to the main room, while floppy fringes aplenty can be found in Academy2, as Old School Indie plays the best in indie, soul and rock 'n' roll. Highlights from its colourful history include ear-bleeding performances from the likes of Def Leppard, Horace Andy, the Kooks and Kasabian. It's a good place to go to catch the next big thing before they break.