5 London Spots Raye Loves
Born in Tooting and raised in Croydon, Raye is South London royalty through and through. Her journey from BRIT School student to record-breaking, independent global superstar is deeply rooted in the capital’s food spots, local pubs, and late-night venues. From South London neighbourhood locals to iconic Soho haunts, here are 5 visitable spots tied to her London story.
The Nightingale, Balham
This classic South London pub holds a legendary place in Raye’s lore as her ex’s favourite local haunt. In iconic fashion, she unveiled a custom blue plaque on its exterior ahead of releasing her single Nightingale Lane.
Situated between Clapham South and Wandsworth Common, The Nightingale is a traditional Victorian pub complete with dark wood interiors, a leafy beer garden, and classic pub fare.
Where: 97 Nightingale Ln, Balham Hill, London SW12 8NX
Website: www.thenightingalebalham.com
Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
As an artist trained at the BRIT School with a deep reverence for jazz and soul, Raye has long gravitated toward this iconic Frith Street basement institution.
Opened in 1959, Ronnie Scott’s remains the epicentre of London’s jazz scene, offering intimate, candlelit table service, world-class cocktails, and live performances from legendary musicians and rising British talents alike.
Where: 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT
Website: www.ronniescotts.com
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
When stepping out in West London for elevated comfort food, this restored King’s Road pub is a go-to destination for creatives and musicians across the capital.
Reimagined with plush velvet seating and mahogany panelling, The Cadogan Arms pairs pristine draught lagers and British cask ales with an upscale food menu celebrating British heritage cooking, from Sunday roasts to classic fish and chips.
Where: 298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG
Website: www.thecadoganarms.com
The House of KOKO, Camden
While the main KOKO auditorium is an iconic music stage where Raye famously performed acoustic sets, the venue’s hidden private members’ club, The House of KOKO, offers an incredible food and drink experience in its own right.
Set across four floors of former backstage rooms, it features plush cocktail bars, vinyl listening rooms, and a roof terrace restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates.
Where: 74 Crowndale Rd, London NW1 1TP
Website: www.thehouseofkoko.com
The Ned, City of London
Housed inside a sprawling 1920s Grade II-listed bank building, The Ned offers ten restaurants and bars surrounding a central live music stage.
It provides the perfect backdrop for late-night cocktails, live soul, and post-show celebrations in the capital.
Where: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: www.thened.com
