5 of the best Rock Bars in the United Kingdom

“It’s only Rock n Roll, but I like it” – the Rolling Stones

It’s after midnight. You’ve just seen the greatest gig of your life and you’re not quite ready to call it a night. What you need right now are darkened smoke-filled rooms, loud rock n roll, several shots of Jäger, and carpet so sticky that it will rip off the soles of your shoes – sounds like your kind of place? Shrug on your leather and follow me into the night… to 5 of my favourite rock bars in the United Kingdom.

5. The Flapper, Birmingham

Tucked away along the canal, this is place is awesome to catch a band, have a bite to eat, play some pool, have an afternoon pint in the sunshine in their canal side beer garden. The Flapper is perfect for a big night out or a quick pint after work.

Cambrian Wharf, Kingston Row, Birmingham, B1 2NU

www.theflapper.co.uk

4. The Black Rose Tavern, Edinburgh

The Black Rose Tavern houses the best jukebox in all of Scotland, come early for a stomach lining feast. Come back after a gig for whisky and a sing-a-along. Check out the vending machine in the ladies toilets if you ever fancied buying an inflatable sheep, this is the place to get it.

49 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2NH

www.blackrosetavern.com

3. Big Hands, Manchester

Located just a couple of doors up from Manchester Academy, this is the best pre/ post-gig venue in the city. Awesome whisky selection and a very rare rooftop terrace (finally a rock bar that isn’t in a basement).

296 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9NS

www.facebook.com/bighandsbar

 

2. Solid Rock Cafe, Glasgow

Solid Rock, is my Scottish home away from home. If you need a pint and a hit of Pantera at 4 in the afternoon, this is the place. Open until late, this is the first port of call before (and after) any show in the city. Awesome selection of draught and bottled beers, they also serve stomach lining eats until 9pm. Extra points for the pinball machine! The staff really know their music, you are always guaranteed to hear something you love.

19-23 Hope Street, Glasgow 

www.solidrockglasgow.com

1. The Black Heart, London

The London staple for me. I have never left the Black Heart without multiple stories, mystery bruises, and several photos on my phone with a bunch of strangers. I always stop by whenever I’m in town, and always have a legendary night!

2-3 Greenland Place, London NW1 0AP

www.ourblackheart.com