A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it underground live music spot that is so cool it doesn’t have to shout about it. Don’t go telling everyone now, will you?

The Venue
This little underground spot is certainly low key, although the flurry of flowers at the front entryway is a contradictory decorative touch. Far more in keeping with the bar’s style is the orange sign simply declaring ‘music bar’. Enough said. Down some steps and into a dimly lit spot with a piano, small staging area and little bar, this place screams authenticity with none of the pomp of Dalston or Shoreditch. Olivers is what it is, and that’s a surprising – but pleasing – addition to Greenwich.

The Atmosphere
Let’s set the scene: you walk in, dressed in your best high heels and you’re greeted by the sight of a pianist expertly playing a few cheerful – and not so cheerful – tunes, dressed in jeans, trainers and a sports jacket. And they’re the ones that don’t look out of place. Yup, this place is casual, it’s chilled out and it wants to stay that way. You won’t be turned away regardless of what you're wearing, but stick with the ‘theme’ and you’ll fit right in. They stay open late here – until 3am if not later – so check it out if you can’t bear to head home after hitting the pub. In fact, it’s probably not worth heading here before about 10pm as the cool kids don’t come out to play until that time...

The Music
The music here is mainly a mix of jazz and blues with events costing around £5 – certainly nothing to break the bank. They also mix it up with string quartets and brass acts. It’s almost like something out of Treme. They offer the kind of quality music you can’t replicate at bigger, fancier music venues. This place has a style all of its own. It may not be to everyone’s liking, sure, but it’s hard not to congratulate Olivers for what it’s trying to do.

The Drink
Like many similar spots across the capital, the bar at Olivers is simple – and that’s putting it kindly. With just enough room for one member of staff behind the bar, which displays bottles of soft drink, bottled beers, wine and optics containing various high street spirits, it’s uninspiring to say the least. However, the drinks are competitively priced for the area and you won’t break the bank ordering a couple of rounds in.

The Last Word
Olivers is genuine. It’s a live music spot with quality acts and little else. But then, who needs fancy decor and upmarket drinks when you get the kind of atmosphere this place offers?

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) what's on