Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: venue (39) great (19) standing (13) good (12) small (8) people (8) stage (8) Staff (8) amazing (7) friendly (7)
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  • 2/5 Byron D. 1 year ago on Google
    Arriving at the O2 Shepherd's Bush building I was told that my small backpack (only capable of fitting a 13 inch laptop) will not be allowed in the venue, under the guise of being a 'security concern'. Subsequently I was told I would need to find somewhere to store it. After walking half a mile we arrived at a backpackers where it was possible to store the bag for £5. As you can see from the photo (and this was only half the number of bags that were there upon collection) there were a lot of people caught out by this. Heading back to the venue, the interior was quite nice, and getting a drink was fine. However, it quickly became apparent that the venue was uncomfortably full, even by London standards. On this occasion, if you were less than 6ft tall the view would most likely have been obstructed. When the music finally started playing after over an hour from the support (who we just missed trying to store my bag) we were incredibly disappointed by the audio quality, which appeared to be tuned for a rock band (albeit poorly) with washed out and muddy vocals and an overabundance of bass. This was clearly not appropriate for a more nuanced soul band. I'd never walked out from a gig before, but that was before I came here. If there is a gig that you absolutely must see here, please be prepared. It's clear that the capacity is in need of being reduced, rather than the venue hiring additional security to ban backpacks. I would also like to think the audio issues were a once off but I'm not forgiving enough to attempt round two.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ester S. 1 year ago on Google
    Went and saw "The Struts". Amazing band, incredible night. Venue is great, big enough to be a great concert, but small enough for it to feel more personal, almost like a secret gig, easy to get too from the tube station, venue is beautiful inside, there are three levels, balcony at the top, then the bars toilets, merch and cloakroom, with a wide walkway and a flight of stairs sweeping down either side, to the stage and standing area. I was standing as I went with my 17yr old daughter (would have rather been sitting, but i had an amazing time tbh). Acoustics were great, staff were friendly considering they were working late on a Thursday night in a heatwave. I think its a great venue.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dee 1 year ago on Google
    I Loveeeee this venue! Been several times and it’s so much more intimate than the O2 Arena. Artists make use of the stage space with props etc and you can see everything clearly. I always go for unreserved seating.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 shaz f. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy to get in and queues well organised. Managed to get to the bar but it reduced the standing space so it was very hard to see and those closer to the front pushed through many times throughout the performance. Prices were OK. Queue to loo not too bad. Staff very attentive towards 2 people who needed medical help. Apologies for sooo many photos.. He was amazing! The lighting was great and even tho at the back standing... I could still see him!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Varnava C. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to see Jacob banks Nov '22. Venue has some beautiful architecture inside, it's not a huge venue, quite intimate with the act. Staff were excellent for limited access people, allowing us to take our seats ahead of the throng of people. Upstairs on the balcony there are seats and down in the stalls area it's standing only. This area gets packed, so bear this in mind when booking. Sound was good, lighting was good, albeit it is a small venue. Definitely recommend this venue if there's someone aying that you are into.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sharon 2 years ago on Google
    Last time I visit unless there's a refurbishment. Seats look like you'll get an STD from them. Not sure the lower seating is as bad as it's been a minute since I've been here. If you come, don't go to level 3 🤮🤢. I've ripped my shopping bag to sit on. Not sure I'll make it through the whole show. 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢🤢🤢
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen W. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a fabulous venue to visit. Fast and efficient entry. Covid passports checked in advance of ticket checking, so no major delay in entering venue. Fantastic to see a gig and meet up with friends in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Well done to all the staff, from security to the bar, brilliant job and we do appreciate all your help and support x
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mad M. 1 year ago on Google
    Saw Bleachers blow this place up! Venue itself is located close to the tube. Great atmosphere. Good sound. Decent bar.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter F. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing venue for a gig! Great vantage point from all four corners. No issue getting a drink. Highly recommend a visit 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Echo C. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to see soak and modest mouse whilst heavily pregnant during the 40 degree heatwave. The manager on shift was amazing brought us in immediately to get me out of the heat and into the aie conned venue. She was so friendly and accommodating. Was an amazing surprise as I almost didn't go to the gig out of worry about the temperature. Had a brilliant night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shane L. 6 months ago on Google
    Saw Harry Mack here on 10th Sep. Good venue, friendly staff, decent bar. Acoustics aren’t great in the higher tiers, not so sure about the ground level. Seating up top is a bit too low (even for some tall like me) to clearly see the stage without leaning forward. (Harry’s show was amazing though)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clifford G. 3 months ago on Google New
    I really enjoy seeing bands at the Sheppards Bush Empire. The venue is big enough for the band to play but small enough to get a good view of the band no matter where you stand or sit. My preference is the upstairs balcony- but this is purely because if I stand up too long a get back pain. But either way I recommend this venue.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shahira A. 6 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful venue! They have incredible aircon and the gig I went to was in the middle of a heat wave so you know it’s special aircon because British heat is no joke haha. Would highly recommend this space for gigs. Plenty of seated options and great space for standing. I went to a country gig so it was really good vibes and I was near the front. They hand water out to people at the front who don’t want to move during the performance which is great because everyone stays hydrated. They also have plenty of bar space and I waited about 3 minutes to get served. Honestly such an efficient space. Can’t wait to go to another show here. Will keep an eye out for my fave performers for sure.

  • 5/5 Luke A. 5 months ago on Google
    I absolutely LOVED this venue! Intimate, but still big enough that you felt you were getting a proper show! Didn't have to queue too long, very simple to get in, staff all friendly and nice and the main act was incredible! In fact my whole rating is likely because Chlöe was so sick lol... never actually went to the bar or the bathroom so can't speak on those! Amazinggggg night!

  • 5/5 Gary K. 6 months ago on Google
    Great venue. Very atmospheric. You don't get seat reservations it's first come first served. Bar was reasonable. Staff were great at the venue. The band was phenomenal and I am glad I got to see them at this scale. Most venues these days can be too big. Haim were fantastic. The sound was great. You could hear every instrument on the stage with clarity and dynamics. I was seated at the front of tier 3. Harder seats than tier 2. Ground floor is standing.

  • 5/5 Jay T. 8 months ago on Google
    O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire is a historic music venue in West London. It was originally built in 1903 as a music hall, and has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years, including Charlie Chaplin, The Beatles, and David Bowie. The venue has a capacity of 2,000, and can be configured for either standing or seated events. The standing area is on the ground floor, and there are two levels of seating: the first level is slightly raised, and the second level is in the balconies. The acoustics at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire are generally considered to be good, although some people have complained that the sound can be a bit muddy in the standing area. The atmosphere at the venue is always electric, and the crowd is usually very enthusiastic.

  • 5/5 Diana 9 months ago on Google
    One of my favourite venues for concerts. I saw TV Girl back in November 2022. Staff are really lovely and direct, security and ticket handling was fast and easy. I managed to get barrier for the show! There was a tiny bit of pushing in the crowd, but nothing too bad at the front.

  • 5/5 Monika Z. 5 months ago on Google
    Very nice venue, not too big, meaning that you can see the artists from not too far. Great atmosphere. Drinks a bit too pricy. Easy to get to. Would like to see more artists there.

  • 4/5 Nicholas L. 5 months ago on Google
    Really like this venue, been twice now for a music concert (sound was amazing) and comedy show. Managed to get parking not too far away. Bar service was pretty swift. (Mens) toilets were good and didn't have to wait. Marked down because of how they make you exit, it took ages (luckily people were respectable and didn't push). I would go back.

  • 4/5 Nizam H. 3 months ago on Google New
    It's a great little venue, perhaps a bit tired but views from most seats are pretty good and the acoustics are fine. Staff helpful, polite and friendly. As a concert Michael Schenker was awesome.....

  • 5/5 Damon C. 4 months ago on Google
    Great venue, quite quick to get served at the bar. Staff and security on the night I went were good. Be prepared for a bag search when entering.

  • 5/5 A. D. 2 months ago on Google New
    One of the more iconic venues on London's concert map. Very well-connected, excellent sound system, and a great atmosphere. Perfect for concerts with powerful sounds like rock and metal. One thing to note is to arrive on time, as queues tend to form outside the club, given that usually only 2 entrances are open. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Marie Z. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the nicest places I have visited.. very clean kind of confusing to find the levels but not bad. I would suggest an easier access to the bar, for us seated on level 2 was far and difficult to reach through so many people... The singer was amazing with a voice of an angel!!

  • 5/5 kalina s. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful venue. Amazing concert. This was my first time being here. Definitely will come back!

  • 5/5 Colin P. 1 year ago on Google
    Always love coming here, so much gig history. Sound is often good and its for me a great size. Love the fact you can get up close and have a great thrash around.

  • 4/5 R P. 1 year ago on Google
    The venue itself is small. It's many years since I've been here. They have restored some of it & it's looking good. The toilets are small but the bars are aplenty, relatively good beer for a change.

  • 4/5 Tamsyn L. 2 years ago on Google
    I saw sleep token here a couple of weeks ago. The venue is intimate and all seating areas are designed perfectly so everybody had a good view.

  • 5/5 Allison B. 2 years ago on Google
    Gr8 night seeing Amy Wadge. So talented, fantastic

  • 5/5 Stewart S. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place as it's small and you can actually see the performers.

  • 5/5 Dan L. 2 years ago on Google
    Bar/stage distance optimal

  • 5/5 Miriam L. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice venue, not too big but I like it. Been here many times for different gigs.. always had a great time! Staff is efficient, bar's available, clean toilets..

  • 4/5 Tom M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great venue in terms of size - close to the stage and the performance is close. Bars and loos easily accessible. All in all a great small venue, capacity is 2000 with standing in the stalls and basic seating which easily forms standing on the balconies

  • 5/5 neil r. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this venue! A proper intimate gig where you are really close to the stage. 3 levels to watch from with great view everywhere, although at the top you are looking almost on the performers heads. Plenty of drink outlets along with the customary toilets that have seen better days. The venue is sandwiched overlooking Shepherd's Bush green with loads of eateries and boozers to keep everyone happy.

  • 5/5 Clare B. 2 years ago on Google
    Really friendly helpful staff. Nice and clean place and inside the building is really pretty, I enjoyed the venue as much as the concert, Pineapple Thief.

  • 5/5 Ben F. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a great time - saw Coldplay album launch gig. Chose to queue outside early to get close to the stage. Staff managed the queue and Covid checks well. Didn't use any amenities or bar but looked like a lovely venue inside. Easy parking at the Westfield shopping centre and walk down.

  • 5/5 Mark T. 2 years ago on Google
    Good venue that still takes cash! Friendly staff too. Was standing up the top on the balcony great view.


Call +44 20 8080 1610 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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