The Buffalo Bar

The Buffalo bar has a bit of a fond place in my heart. I came to see one of my first gigs in London (Elle Milano, just as bands like Art Brut were popping up). As such it's got a fantastic memory attached.  But regardless, as others have said, it's a wholly unpretentious place, (if with drinks slightly above average) which si the perfect sort of space to see such music.

A great little venue/bar. Has some great club nights catering for just about everyone.
Very small but usualy a good atmosphere.
Drinks a bit above average but not too expensive.

Monday nights authentic cuban salsa classes followed by club. Perfect location 30 seconds from the tube. Only problem is it's on a monday and i have to work.

This is a nice downstairs live music venue. I’ve seen some great bands here including the Duloks, the Low Edges, Gyratory System and violet violet. Sometimes it’s almost empty, sometimes it’s crowded (and there’s not much seating, so consider using the coatcheck upstairs). Atmospheric lighting and decor plus a good sound system, and it’s right by Highbury and Islington tube.

First went to the Buffalo Bar (downstairs from the Famous Cock Tavern pub, right next to Highbury and Islington station) for Guided Missile club on Saturday night and had an amazing time. The crowd is really friendly and unpretentious and the music is fantastic - MGMT, Pulp, Art Brut, Chalets. They serve a good selection of drinks including loads of different flavoured vodka shots. Other club nights here include Artrocker and Crimes Against Pop, two which I’m going to check out soon. Highly recommended.

tiny basement venue situated right next to highbury & islington tube station. The bar staff are really good fun (apart from the bouncers, obviously, who can be fairly horrible - but…they’re bouncers!). The live music nights that take place here on a regular basis are cheap enough and often ace (Guided Missile and Big City Redneck are both ones to watch), as are the concerts that are more random one offs, and the after concert dancing is often mental as the place fills up with people that got lost on the way to the tube and fancy a boogie, as well as those that have been inside all night sampling rhubarb & custard shooters or trying to get drunk on baileys. And of course it’s right next to the tube so no missing the main act to get home.

Very small basement venue at the top of Upper street.
It’s a good place to see new bands (indie rock mostly). Friendly atmosphere. I thought the doormen where kind of gruff, but I guess it comes with the territory.
Conveniently located close to the tube station.

The Buffalo bar is a gem of a venue, that has grown in stature over the years. Not only does it have good sound, a must for any music venue, but the intimacy it provides, makes for a perfect way to see your favourite act. The blood red walls, loungers and dim lighting aid the ambiance perfectly.

The music is diverse and could be anything from Indie to country or electronica, with regular club nights bringing their own styles.

Regularly packed, in a venue which holds approximately 150 people, you can expect a sweat filled evening of entertainment, especially once you lubricate your senses with japenese whiskey, flavoured vodka shots and five different types of rum, very rock 'n' roll! And all served by efficient, no nonsense and knowledgeable bar staff.

Keep a regular eye on the place, because secret gigs also occur, you wouldn't want to miss out.