Imagine seeing Bob Dylan play in a tiny coffee house in London in his formative days. Or, if you’re of more recent vintage, Ed Sheeran. That’s the Troubadour, the now iconic venue in South Kensington that went on from its founding in 1954 to host many famous names – like Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, and more recently Adele and Sheeran – and continues today to present an array of emerging talent.

As such, the musical and social history (it was an “it” spot in the city in the ‘50s and ‘60s) underpins the venue’s Bohemian vibe; but music or not, The Troubadour is a funky place to settle in for a brew (coffee or beer) or a cocktail, whether it’s midnight or midday.

Or simply to take in an atmosphere that is seemingly unchanged in half a century, and bursting with vintage heirlooms, both musical and otherwise (note the coffee pot collection on one wall) that solidify its status as one of the city’s last remaining beatnik coffee shops from that era.

Indeed, it’s the kind of place where sipping coffee and writing poetry (except when the bands are playing) seems utterly natural – close and cozy and filled with small nooks in which to retreat. With luck, visitors can snag a seat in the small garden out back.

Food (traditional with a twist) is also served with a constantly changing menu.

Located around the corner from Earl’s Court tube station on quiet Old Brompton Road (No. 265), the Troubadour stands out on the streetscape for its carved doors (by the original owner) and rustic façade, not to mention adjoined wine shop. It’s hard to miss, which is good, because you wouldn’t want to. After all, you might even see the next Bob Dylan.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

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