The Roundhouse — Chalk Farm, London

The Roundhouse on Chalk Farm Road in north London is a Victorian railway engine shed — built in 1847 as a turntable house for locomotive maintenance — that became one of the most important music and arts venues of the late 1960s and 1970s. Its first legendary event was the launch party for the International Times underground newspaper in October 1966, featuring Pink Floyd playing in the building for the first time as a psychedelic band. Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, the Clash, The Ramones, and hundreds of other acts performed there during its peak years. David Bowie performed his Ziggy Stardust retirement concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973, but the Roundhouse was the venue more associated with the alternative and underground scene.

The building's circular interior — the entire performance space visible from almost any angle — gave it an unusual atmosphere among London venues. Its industrial scale and character suited the ambitions of an era when rock music was reaching for something larger than the ballroom and pub circuit could contain. The Roundhouse hosted the premiere of the musical Hair in 1968, the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus rehearsals, and various countercultural events that made it as much a political as a musical venue.

The Roundhouse was closed and fell into disrepair in the 1980s and 1990s before being restored and reopened as a performing arts centre in 2006. It continues to operate as a major London venue hosting music, circus, theatre, and arts events. The circular Victorian structure has been given Grade II* listed status. Camden Town and Chalk Farm stations are both within walking distance, and the venue is active year-round with a broad programme including significant rock and pop concerts.