We’re hoping to strike a chord with music lovers by nominating what we believe to be the best spots to enjoy a showcase of our local talents.
It is undisputed that York is robust in culture and history; city walls, York Minster and The Shambles are but a few of the focal points that drive tourists to visit the city.
However, visitors may be unfamiliar with the vibrant live music scene York has to offer and we’re here to let you know our top 5 locations if you’re in search of an evening packed with great atmosphere unveiling York’s underrated musicians.
5. The Habit
Located on Goodramgate on the outskirts of the city centre, The Habit serves as a cafe and bar during the daytime hours with a rooftop terrace perfectly overlooking York Minster.
4 nights a week The Habit plays live music until late, hosting a variety of different musical genres to tailor to every kind of music taste.
On Wednesday’s it’s Open Mic night starts from 8pm until midnight and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays The Habit hosts featured artists or bands who play live gigs from 9pm.
The cosy, 16-century-style venue is ideal for visitors looking for an authentic experience where history meets modern comfort.
Follow The Habit’s Instagram to keep up to date with their weekly events and food and drink offers.
4. Sotano
This independent tapas bar and restaurant hosts live music in their Basement Bar every Tuesday from 9pm.
Ruby Tuesday’s offers a laid-back atmosphere with craft beer on tap to compliment the fusion jazz and blues style theme of this venue.
Sotano is the latest finishing Open Mic location on our list today, running until 1:30am.
Coming up towards the end of May and early June, Sotano is hosting a variety of Basement Events including, Juiced presents ‘Spectrum’ a mixture of underground house, disco grooves and piano classics DJ set on May 23.
Played Out is a strictly vinyl event with residents Dan and Dave providing soul, jazz, funk and rap until 4am on May 24, June 21 and July 26.
Entry is free all night and for more information on any of these events visit Sotano’s website.
3. Lendal Cellars
Located in the heart of the city centre and keeping with the underground theme, Lendal Cellars is an intimate, underground restaurant that has a weekly Jam and Open Mic every Thursday from 8pm.
Cellar Sessions provide their own instruments and amplifiers for those up-and-coming artists, making it an inclusive event to all levels of musical range.
On Thursday’s they have a two-for-one offer on selected premium pints, a great accompaniment to this vibrant, unique live music venue.
For more information about this open mic venue visit Cellar Sessions Facebook .
2. Cat in The Wall
After careful deliberation, Cat in The Wall came in at a close second when it came to deciding our top picks.
Located opposite The Shambles, this intimate, vintage style bar with wing-backed armchairs is ideal for those in search of a more relaxed, mellow atmosphere.
Starting from 8pm on Wednesday’s, this cafe-bar is a perfect mid-week venue to wind down and enjoy some fun, live entertainment with signature cocktails.
Or perhaps some of their own “Four Walls Bartender Blend” whisky.
Taken directly from their website, “Owners Sam and Phil are big fans of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and named the bar after an obscure subplot in an episode” and we think that perfectly encapsulates the uniquie, quirky experience you will get at Cat in The Wall’s Open Mic night.
Visit Cat in The Wall’s Facebook page for more information about their Open Mic sessions.
1. Kennedy’s Bar and Restaurant
Savouring the suspense, Kennedy’s makes it as our top pick for the best open mic night of the week.
Starting at 9pm on a Thursday, regular performers are known to play covers from The Foo Fighters and The Cure, making it ideal for those rock/indie enthusiasts.
We believe the atmosphere at Kennedy’s gives it that little extra leverage to make it to our number 1 spot, but we want to reiterate we’re big fans of every location mentioned above.
From the vibrant changing lights and glimmering mirror ball, we know that this spot is going to hit home for those music lovers looking for a spirited, rock-style evening of entertainment.
Coming up in June, a multitude of live events are being hosted at Kennedy’s including Bile Beans playing on June 1, The Echoes playing on June 6 and Tandem on June 8, offering a mixture of classic indie, rock, soul and retro tastes.
Follow Kennedy’s on Instagram or visit their website for more information.
But, who are we to decide what the best Open Mic venue in York is, you should get out there and see for yourself.
