The Underworld
BEST FOR
Ages 14+
ENTRY
from £20
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A basement gig venue in Camden for teenage music fans, from rock and metal nights to the DESERTFEST weekender.
This is a proper gig venue, not a family attraction, and the site is clear that under 16s need an adult with them if they want in. Once inside it's the usual mix of live bands and club nights, rock, alternative, metal and indie acts, plus DJ sets on other evenings. If your teenager's into any of that, a £20 ticket for a mid-range gig is a reasonable way to spend a Friday.
Getting in means stairs down into the basement, so it's not one for anyone who struggles with steps or has a buggy in tow (not that you'd be bringing one here). Anyone under 25 needs photo ID on the door, gig or not, so make sure your teenager's got theirs before you drop them off.
If you're thinking bigger, DESERTFEST 2027 is the one to know about, a festival ticket runs to £169, which is a proper outlay compared to a single gig. Tickets are handled through an app, and even if your teen doesn't own a smartphone they can still buy online and pick up their ticket at the box office on the night with ID. Sold out show? There's a waiting list system that refunds you automatically if a returned ticket doesn't come through.
Need to know
- Best for
- 14 and up, gigs and club nights for teenage music fans
- Under 16s need an adult with them at gigs
- Photo ID is required for everyone under 25, not just younger teens
- Access is down a flight of stairs, no lift
- Sold out shows have a waiting list with automatic refunds if your returned ticket doesn't sell
Plan your visit
How much are tickets?
A typical mid-range gig is around £20. The DESERTFEST 2027 festival ticket is £169, which is a different level of spend.
Can my teenager go without me?
Under 16s must be with an adult at gigs. Anyone under 25 needs photo ID regardless of age, so send them with it.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking isn't required as such, tickets are usually on sale right up until the main act goes on, and you can buy on the app and walk straight in without queuing at the box office.
What if there's no smartphone for the ticket app?
You can still buy online without the app. Just bring photo ID to the box office on the night and collect the ticket there.
What's the venue like to get into?
It's a basement space, so access is via stairs down from street level.
See all Live Music & Gigs in London · Things to do in London
MAKE A DAY OF IT
