The Old Blue Last: Shoreditch’s Historic Live Music Pub
Historic Shoreditch pub and iconic live music venue where London’s grassroots artists rise amid a raw, vibrant atmosphere.
The Old Blue Last is a legendary live music venue and pub located at 38 Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch, London. With origins dating back to the 1700s, it has evolved from a historic public house and brothel to a vibrant hub for emerging and established music acts. Owned by VICE since 2004, it features a raw, no-frills atmosphere with a rich cultural heritage and a reputation as one of London’s key grassroots music venues.
A brief summary to The Old Blue Last
- 38 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3ES, GB
- +442077397033
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 1 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 12:30 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12:30 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12:30 pm-1 am
- Friday 12:30 pm-3 am
- Saturday 12:30 pm-3 am
- Sunday 12:30 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Check the venue’s website for secret shows and live music events, as many gigs are free or low cost.
- Prepare for a lively, sometimes rowdy atmosphere—this is not a quiet pub but a hub for energetic music fans.
- Visit upstairs for DJ sets and clubbing, while the ground floor offers a more relaxed bar experience.
- Arrive early for popular events to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
- Enjoy the historic décor, including the large antique mirror dating back to 1876.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Old Blue Last location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Old Blue Last
A Storied Past Rooted in London’s Theatrical Origins
The Old Blue Last stands on a site steeped in history, originally home to The Theatre, built in 1576 by James Burbage, where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. The pub’s name derives from a cobbler’s wooden shoe mold, reflecting Shoreditch’s shoemaking heritage. Established as The Last in 1700, it was rebuilt in 1876 by Truman’s brewery and renamed The Old Blue Last. Over centuries, it has witnessed Shoreditch’s transformation from a red-light district with brothels and strip clubs to a cultural hotspot. The large, original mirror behind the bar is a rare surviving artifact from the 19th century.Evolution into a Music Venue and Cultural Landmark
Purchased by VICE in 2004, The Old Blue Last was revitalized from a dilapidated building into a vibrant live music venue. It quickly became a proving ground for emerging British talent, hosting early performances by Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, IDLES, George Ezra, and many others. The venue is known for its intimate setting, with two floors offering contrasting atmospheres: a relaxed bar area downstairs and a lively music and clubbing space upstairs featuring DJ sets and live gigs. Its raw, unpretentious vibe is accentuated by worn wooden floors and minimal décor, creating an authentic East London experience.Atmosphere and Clientele: A Hub for Music Lovers and Nightlife Enthusiasts
The Old Blue Last attracts a predominantly young, energetic crowd drawn by its reputation for live music and late-night clubbing. The venue’s atmosphere can be intense and rowdy, especially during gigs and weekend nights, but it maintains a sense of community among music fans. The bar is well-stocked to fuel revelers, though it is not known for craft beer variety or quiet drinking. The venue’s no-entry-fee policy for many events adds to its appeal as an accessible cultural hub.Architectural and Visual Character
The building’s distinctive bull-nosed corner façade dominates the intersection of Great Eastern Street and Curtain Road, featuring restored brickwork and decorative details that hint at its Victorian rebuild. Inside, the worn wooden floors and large antique mirror create a vintage ambiance, while fairy lights and a disco ball add to the lively nightlife vibe. The venue’s design balances historic charm with a raw, industrial feel typical of Shoreditch’s creative scene.Legacy and Contemporary Significance
The Old Blue Last remains a cornerstone of London’s grassroots music scene, celebrated for its role in launching some of the UK’s most influential artists. Despite occasional critiques regarding crowd management and facilities, it retains a loyal following and continues to host a diverse range of music genres, from indie rock to techno. Its connection to VICE and its rich history make it a unique cultural landmark, bridging centuries of London’s social and artistic evolution.Experience Beyond Music
Beyond live performances, The Old Blue Last offers a glimpse into Shoreditch’s layered history—from Elizabethan theatre to Victorian pub culture and 20th-century nightlife. The venue’s atmosphere, steeped in stories of debauchery, artistry, and community, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a quintessentially East London experience that is both historic and vibrantly contemporary.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Shoreditch Balls
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Essential places to dine
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
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The Clove Club
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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Brawn
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Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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14 Hills
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Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
St. John
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Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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La Dame de Pic London
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Madison
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Da Terra Restaurant
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Behind Restaurant
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George
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Middlesex Textiles
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Barbican Shop
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The Royal Exchange
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1 Poultry
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Unique Gifts
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Pop Up Luxury Shop
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Smithfield Market
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Traders Gate
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly