Twenty-five years ago, the Union Chapel was facing destruction. In 1982, however, the community rallied around this iconic church and today, the Union Chapel is one of North London’s best-loved architectural landmarks. It is also an award-winning music venue, having been named London’s Best Live Music Venue by Timeout in 2002, 2012 and 2014.
Situated in swanky Highbury and Islington, this red-brick Victorian Gothic church immediately draws the eye, its high, square tower rising above the sea of elegant grey townhouses. Beyond the Chapel’s great wooden doors and ornate stone façade lies a vast, stately central hall, complete with polished wooden pews and lofty mezzanine seating. Sunlight streams through the church’s stained-glass rose windows, illuminating the hall’s vaulted ceiling, sweeping arches and striking arabesques. At night, the Chapel’s hall is lit by two intricate iron chandeliers and a state-of-the-art modern lighting rig. To see a show at Union Chapel, when the hall is shrouded in smoke and bathed in soft blue light, is to witness one of London’s most immersive and atmospheric live experience. It is no wonder, then, that the UK’s most exciting music and comedy acts regularly flock to the venue, and the Union Chapel boasts an impressive roster of talent and live events.
All the profits made by the Union Chapel are directly invested into its preservation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its distinctive architecture, its gorgeous glasswork and unforgettable live events.