The Spitz: much-loved East London music venue to be commemorated with blue plaque marking 30 years of music and community.

In November 2026, a significant milestone will be marked in London’s vibrant music history with the unveiling of a blue plaque at Old Spitalfields Market, commemorating The Spitz. This venue, which first opened in 1996 and operated until 2007, played a pivotal role in shaping East London’s live music landscape, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for both emerging and established artists.

The Spitz quickly earned a reputation as a distinctive independent venue, renowned for its eclectic programming. Its stages welcomed an array of genres including jazz, blues, folk, Afrobeat, and punk, highlighting a commitment to musical quality and innovation. The venue became a launching pad for artists such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, Sia, and Florence and the Machine, many of whom performed there prior to achieving widespread recognition.

Situated at the heart of Spitalfields, The Spitz bridged London’s financial district and its creative East End communities. Its audience was notably diverse, drawing market traders, local residents, artists, and professionals alike. This blend contributed to a unique atmosphere where music served not only as entertainment but as a conduit for connection across social and cultural divides.

The venue’s impact extended beyond live performances. It cultivated a spirit of openness and experimentation, allowing musicians to refine their craft in front of engaged and varied audiences. This nurturing environment attracted notable figures in music and culture, with legends such as David Bowie, Jimmy Page, and Brian Eno among those reportedly present in the crowd.

Despite its popularity, The Spitz closed in 2007 due to redevelopment pressures at Old Spitalfields Market. Its loss was deeply felt within London’s music community, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub. In response, The Spitz Music Charity was established to preserve the venue’s ethos and continue its mission of using live music to foster community well-being.

The charity now actively brings live music into care homes, hospitals, and community spaces, emphasizing music’s therapeutic and social benefits. Several musicians who once graced The Spitz’s stage remain involved, linking the venue’s heritage with contemporary outreach efforts. This ongoing work underscores the lasting resonance of The Spitz’s original vision.

The forthcoming plaque, positioned prominently at the market entrance, serves as a tangible reminder of the venue’s contribution to London’s cultural fabric. The inscription acknowledges The Spitz’s years of operation and the enduring influence maintained through the charity’s initiatives.

To mark the 30th anniversary, a celebratory event coinciding with the London Jazz Festival will feature live performances by artists connected to the venue’s legacy. This tribute not only honors the music that defined The Spitz but also the community spirit it fostered.

Jane Glitre, a key figure in The Spitz’s development and later its managing director, played an instrumental role in establishing the charity. The commemorative event and plaque unveiling reflect a collective effort to preserve the memory of a venue that was more than just a performance space—it was a place of shared experience and cultural exchange.

While the official council blue plaque programme is not involved, this independently organized commemoration underscores the profound affection and respect held for The Spitz within the local and wider music communities. Its influence, both historic and ongoing, embodies the transformative power of live music in urban cultural life.