Hampshire Open Mic Nights — The Top 10

The county of Hampshire is the home of many country pubs, city bars and incredible venues for live music. From Roots Open Mic Night at The Railway Inn in Winchester (rumoured to be the oldest open mic night in the country) to the Tart Jam Night in Basingstoke, there’s a gig for every musician looking to perform in Hampshire.

Hampshire Best Open Mic Nights:

In Hampshire and looking for the nearest open mic or jam night? Here are some of our favourites, as always, in no particular order:

#1 The Farmers Inn, Waterlooville: Jam Night

As country pubs go, The Farmers Inn is one of the finest in its field. It’s got bags of character, cosy corners to relax and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

They host a fantastic jam night every Thursday night, where musicians from the local area come and play together. It’s run by Damiain Lodrick and most weeks he’s joined by a house band of musicians who he knows.

According to the pub’s manager, “Damiain is a local hero around these parts, a very well-respected musician, and over the years he’s created an entourage of the best players in the area.”

This helps to bring in a lot of new players to the jam night, as it can quite often benefit them getting in the local scene, plus it’s an opportunity to meet other musicians and organise gigs with new bands.

Check out The Damiain Lodrick Band below:

Equipment wise, there’s usually a drummer who brings a kit, while Damiain sets up the PA and there’s also a collection of bass and guitar amps on the stage too.

You can turn up on the night with any equipment you’d like to use or speak to Damiain to book a slot. It’s open to all ages, all levels, all instrument and all who wish to just watch and enjoy. There are many who just turn up to just watch and enjoy the music, while some say it’s a better night than if there had been a band hired to play.

There’s a good blend of blues, rock, soul and jazz and quite often an array of different instruments, including a whole brass section.

#2 The Railway Inn, Winchester: Roots Open Mic Night 

The Railway Inn is a blend of traditional bar and a music venue/arts centre. Equipped with a top spec PA and lighting rig, ‘The Barn’ is their underground venue – the perfect environment to experience live music of any genre, while the upstairs venue, ‘The Attic’ has been specifically designed for acoustic acts and comedy.

Roots Open Mic Night has been running there for over 20 years, making it Winchester’s longest running open mic.

It’s been an early exploration space for a number of notable careers, including Laura Marling and Frank Turner.

The venue has dedicated itself to live music since the late 1970’s and they also regularly showcase local, national and international acts, covering the full gamut of responsibility in terms of supporting all sectors of music.

#3 The White Hart, Basingstoke: Jam Night

The White Hart, or “Tart” as it’s affectionately known, is one of Basingstoke’s oldest pubs. There’s an eclectic mix of customers from all walks of life. They proudly call it a ‘proper old fashioned boozer’, where everyone is welcomed and made to feel at home.

After taking over ownership on Halloween 2016, the new owners also brought back live music. Singers, musicians, comedians, jammers and soloists are all welcome at their jam night.

Newbies and experts player alike, you can play together or alone. Try out new material or just get a feel for performing in front of a welcoming audience.

Whatever your style or ability, everyone gets a chance to perform.

Thinking of attending your first open mic night? Here’s what to expect:

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#4 The Golden Lion, Havant: Nigel’s Open Mic

The Golden Lion a true family pub with the added bonus of excellent Indian food on offer.

Their open mic is hosted by local musician Nigel Hoar. He also runs the following open mics across Hampshire:

• The Whitehorse, Westbourne (Monday’s acoustic)
• The Crown Hotel, Emsworth  (Thursday’s mixed genres)
• Emsworth Sports and Social Club, Emsworth (Wednesday’s mixed genres)

Full PA with 3 mics provided at all venues with use of drums, bass and electric amps. Performers are encouraged to bring their own instruments.

Nigel will potentially be trialling acoustic only at the Golden Lion because of space and ambience, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on his Facebook page for details.

#5 The Wyvern, Lee-on-Solent: Open Mic 

Situated on the edge of Lee-on-Solent, The Wyvern is a great family & dog-friendly pub offering cask-conditioned ales, a great gin bar and live music at least once a month.

Their weekly open mic night is mostly acoustic sets, with some electric. They have the usual mic, amplifier and soundboard, just bring your own instruments.

Anyone that plays gets a free drink. If they think you’re good enough, they’ll book you in for a paid gig.

#6 Central Bar, New Milton: Open Mic Night  

Central Bar is a no-frills sports pub which offers pool, darts and a crowd-pleasing weekly open mic night. 

They supply the PA system so performers can plug in whatever instruments they have. It’s hosted by Si Genaro, everyone is helpful and encouraging to new acts. 

Fifteen-minute slots per musician, this evening is totally casual and family-friendly.

Free drink for all performers. Open to all ages, younger performers are asked to bring an adult.

#7 The Cricketers Arms, Eastleigh: Del’s Open Mic

The Cricketers Arms in Fair Oak is a proper old school pub which has been hosting Del’s Open Mic for about since 2017.

Run by Derick Ince (Del), this is one of the warmest and friendliest open mic venues you will find.

He also hosts open mics at:

• The Anglers Inn, Eastleigh (the last Thursday of the month)
• The Three Tuns, Gosport (first Sunday of the month)

PA, mics and leads all supplied, as well as powered speakers, a passive mixing desk and a spare guitar.

Del tries to encourage beginners and newcomers, so this is perfect for first-timers.

#8 The Fountain, Rowland’s Castle: Bob’s Open Mic/Jam Night

Originally an old coaching inn, The Fountain is well-known for hosting lively open-mic nights and for local bands regularly performing on Saturday nights. Kerry and Mary Sinclair took over in 2017 and the pub went through a much-needed refurbishment.

The Fountain has a rich history in music – Herbie Armstrong, a former session musician with Van Morrison, was at the helm for 14 years. As fans of live music, the new landladies wanted to keep the venue a music and sports pub.  The main bar is a fantastic venue for most bands, with the wooden floor and lay out of the bar ideal for a great sound.

Their weekly open mic is hosted by Bob Croxford, with backline and drums are provided.

Solo acts and bands welcome, but get there early if your want to participate, it’s already become a very popular night.

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#9 Butter’s, Andover: Butter’s Open Mic

Butter’s is a family-run, independent business, with live on offer music every Friday and Saturday. Their lively open mic night has been running for about 3 or 4 years.

The host is also a local performer and the nights are a mixed bag of entertainment. There are various musical performances of different genres, with occasional poetry and comedy. Musicians are welcome to go along and try new songs and they also are open to anyone who’d like to perform.

They supply PA system and guitar if needed, plus there’s a keyboard available. Performers are encouraged to bring their own instruments.

You’re guaranteed a fun time and it’s a great place to meet all sorts of musicians who care about great music.

Check their Facebook group for full details.

#10 The Good Intent, Petersfield: Open Mic And Jam

The Good Intent is a rustic 16th Century coaching inn in Petersfield. The pub features original oak beams taken from the ship it’s named after and plenty of charm.

Well-known for hosting live music on Saturday nights, they are also know for their open mic night on Thursdays, which is a great opportunity to meet local musicians in the area.

The night is run by Josh and Pete ‘Chopper’ Woodward, and they have regular players that can back anyone that goes along if needed.

Performers are given 15-minute slots, with every other slot available to book ahead of time, while he alternate 15-minute slots can only be taken on the night as you arrive.

They provide a full PA system and a house drum kit, but most performers bring their own instruments.

Bonus Open Mic Nights in Hampshire

The Welcome Stranger, Andover: Open Mic Night   

The Welcome Stranger was once a self-sufficient public house with their own granary and on-site brewery, which regularly hosts live music evenings and specialises in real ales.

Their monthly open mic is a very low-key affair. There’s no stage and you’ll need to bring your own instruments, but hey do have their own in-house PA system and everyone is welcome to get involved.

Lily’s Bar, Hayling Island: Jam Night/Open Mic

A family-friendly public house, Lily’s Bar hosts a bi-monthly open mic night.

A full backline and in-house drum kit are provided. All you need is guitars, bass, voices, etc. 

All musicians, abilities and genres are welcome.

So now you know where to perform in Hampshire there are no excuses to get out there and get performing!

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