The Old Blue Last: Shoreditch’s Historic Live Music Pub

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.