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Five of Derby’s best live music venues

Writer's picture: Oliver AtkinsonOliver Atkinson

Updated: Sep 21, 2023


The outside of Dubrek Studios home to a bar area, studio and rehearsal space and more. Credit: Ollie Atkinson
The outside of Dubrek Studios at 67 Bridge St, Derby.Credit: Ollie Atkinson

The nightlife in Derby is jammed packed full of art and culture to explore - If going on a pub crawl is less your thing why not check out the city's music scene? There are lots to discover and something for everyone to enjoy, and only a few venues require an entry fee.


So, if you're wondering where to go on your next night out or to celebrate an occasion, think about checking these five live music venues.


Dubrek Studios

Dubrek Studios prides itself on being a creative cultural point, with its vibrant but rustic-looking recording studio, rehearsal, and performance space. Visitors can experience a great night out with family or friends, with the studio's monthly art exhibitions, electronic open mic nights and live shows. The venue also has an open café and bar to enjoy with its vast selection of drinks and food on offer.


Where: 67 Bridge St, Derby DE1 3LB Opening Times:11 am to 11 pm Tuesday to Saturday (noon start Sunday and 5 am start Monday) Cost: Entry fee may be required


The Hairy Dog

Outside of The Hairy Dogs
The Hairy Dog in Derby is home to a range of beers and live music. Credit: Ollie Atkinson

The Hairy Dog has a great atmosphere like Rock City in Nottingham but on a much smaller scale. It is home to an impressive stage, bar space with a selection of beers on offer, a line-up of live music and of course their beloved punk Rock aesthetic.


Over its ten years, it has evolved to offer a wider capacity space, easy points for accessibility and a newly approved license to allow under 18s to attend based on the conditions that they must attend with a supervised adult.


Where: 1 Becket St, Derby DE1 1HT Opening times: 7 pm to 3 am Monday to Sunday Cost: Required entry fee per event


BlueNote Derby

A photograph of The Blue Note nightclub sign
The yellow sign outside The Blue Note nightclub is home to a host of retro tunes. Credit: Ollie Atkinson

Discover Derby's longest-running nightclub and music venues dating back to the 90s.The venue has kept to its roots hosting a variety of live music performances and club classic tunes that are sure to get you on the dance floor – with its line-up of weekly DJs.


To make the night memorable you can have your say in what music is played with their prime motto "you say it, we play it" so make sure to choose the right song of course.


The BlueNote has adapted, moved its premise, and changed with the times to stay relevant. At its new home in Sadler Gate, the club has been open to the public since July last year offering a newly custom stage, VIP lounge, sound system and bar.


Where: 14 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NF Opening times: 9 pm to 4 am (final entry at 3.30 am) Friday and Saturday Cost: Entry fee may be required


The Bless

The sign outside of The Bless
A photograph of The Bless sign on Chapel St, Derby. Credit: Ollie Atkinson

Since first opening as a two-storey restaurant back in the 70s.The Bless has changed over the years to become one of Derby's first pubs to be allowed open till late.


The venue is designed to entertain and impress with its indie interior, beer garden and selection of food and drinks. To make for an eventful night the pub hosts several events for guests to get involved with from their weekly quiz and comedy night to the DJ’s retro playlist.


Where: Chapel St, Derby DE1 3GU Opening Times: 12 pm-12 am Sunday to Thursday (till 2 am Friday and Saturday) Cost: Free entry, but some events require payment


The Flowerpot


Located at the centre of the Cathedral Quarter in Derby, The Flowerpot pub and its live music scene make for a great social night out. From their free-to-enter live music gigs to delicious freshly prepared Nepalese dishes and cocktails nights. As well as being a pub, guest can experience their highly-rated bed and breakfast.


Where: 19-25 King St, Derby DE1 3DZ Opening Times: Varied open hour Cost: Entry fee may be required on some gigs



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