The future of music

10 Best London Recording Studios

December 29, 2023
London recording studios

You’ve got the voice, you’ve got the guitar, you’ve got the vision – don’t just stand there, do something about it!

Commands aside, it can be tricky to find the motivation and discipline to take your music dreams beyond the realm of fantasy.

Excuses and “I’ll do it tomorrow” can offer short-term comfort, but short-term comfort never created killer music.

One of the biggest excuses I see for fledgling artists is that they don’t know where to start.

They don’t have the resources or the contacts or the recording space.

Well, I’m here to banish that excuse with a selection of the ten best recording studios in London for newbies and seasoned pros alike.

If this list does one thing for you, I hope it serves as an antidote to procrastination and analysis paralysis.

These are the goods when it comes to London recording studios, now go and get them.

Musicians near and far – London’s calling.

1. Hot Money Studios

Hot Money Studios recording

Founded by an engineer and producer, you can put money on, well, Hot Money having state-of-the-art equipment and sound-enhancing tech.

Frequented by British rap icon Stormzy, and located in buzzy South Bermondsey, it may already be on your radar.

Recording, mixing, remastering, and video production – they’ve got it all in spades. They promote themselves as open to all: “Whether you’re a major label artist or new to the game, we’re here to help”.      

Their focus is on high-quality equipment and efficient, rapid sound engineering.

They are transparent with the results that can be achieved using their services and they are focused on meticulous, impeccable results.

We love perfectionists when it comes to sound engineering, not going to lie. 

At £150 for a two-hour mix and one finished song on the day of, they are not cheap, but they are certainly competitive for the level of quality you’ll get with the finished results.   

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 20 8798 0061
Website: https://hotmoneystudios.com/
Email: [email protected]
Address: Studio A06 – Mainyard Studios, 92-94 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN

See also: Top UK Record Labels

2. Miloco

miloco recording studio

A big shot in the world of London recording studios, Miloco has its hands in all of the jars.

They have over 170 recording studios around the world, but those in London are the first and best.

They have 48 affiliated studios in London, with locations that cater to newbies, pros, and those just dabbling in a new passion. 

You would be correct in assuming a musical conglomerate of their size would provide a wide range of services, always maintaining the height of professionalism.

They offer mastering, recording, mixing, and even online mixing services.

You can also liaise with them to organize long-term rentals of recording rooms and even learn more about their residential studios.  

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 020 7232 0008
Website: https://milocostudios.com/
Email: [email protected]
Address: Multiple Locations

3. The Premises 

the premises recording studio

Calling all tree-hugging crooners, The Premises has a fully solar-powered studio for all those who don’t want to sacrifice the planet for the sake of their musical odyssey.

Founded by two jazz musicians, you can be sure that meticulous attention to detail is at the heart of their mission. They have a 1000 sq foot rooftop recording studio and a conservatory, as well. 

They are home to a state-of-the-art ProTools system and a 24-channel SSL console. They even include Yamaha instruments free of charge, including acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, and amps to match.

Oh, and a synthesizer. So leave your well-worn instruments at home and join the big leagues.

An award-winning studio with a more competitive price tag for rehearsal space that makes it accessible to up-and-comers, or those sponsoring their dream via pocket money!

When it comes to pricing for mixing and recording, you’ll have to reach out to them directly. If that doesn’t convince you, Amy Winehouse and Ben E. King were clients at this London recording studio. 

It is worth it to reach out and become a member. Personal practice studios start at £56 for a 4-hour session £56.

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 20 7729 7593
Website: https://www.premisesstudios.com/
Email: [email protected]
Address: 205-209 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8JL

4. Metropolis Studios

Metropolis Studios recording

Harking back to the heady alternative British rock days of 1986, you can rest assured that Metropolis Studios has the skills to pay the bills (or help you pay them, for that matter).

They are certainly a luxury experience, designed around a 20-meter-high atrium filled with walkways and mezzanines. 

They emphasize sleek functionality and a luxe ambiance with recording studios, tracking and mixing labs, and even a writing and production room. That’s not good enough for you? We’ll raise you one then: they even have apartments you can rent while you create.

They also humblebrag like a pro, hinting at their ‘enviable’ instruments, mics, and tech that musicians have access to when recording. 

Former clients include masters like Rush, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler. This London music studio might be something to put on your vision board.  

Mastering starts at £85.00 per track!

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 20 8742 1111
Website: https://www.thisismetropolis.com/
Email: [email protected] 
Address: 70 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London 

5. Dean Street Studios

Dean Street Studios

With a legacy that stretches from the 1950s, Dean Street Studios has something romantic, enigmatic, and studious about it.

Maybe it’s down to their enviable Steinway grand piano, the focal point of their extensive collection of instruments.

In all seriousness, they have borne witness to half a century’s worth of music trends, artists, and creative dynamism.

They are dedicated to creating a well-appointed, relaxed, unpretentious experience that fosters creativity.

The atmosphere is relaxing and refreshing, with a welcoming and warm ambiance.

Located in the vital beating heart of Soho, Dean Street Studios have the street cred and the heritage to captivate any music lover. 

They offer production, post-production, and even remote online engineering services.

David Bowie, T Rex, Adele, and Ed Sheeran have all utilized their services. If that doesn’t convince you then take a look at their expansive, jaw-dropping equipment list.

Contact for prices. 

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 0207 734 8009
Website: https://www.deanst.com/
Email: [email protected]
Address: 59 Dean Street, London, W1D 6AN, 

6. Resident Studios

Resident Studios

Calling all benchwarmers (jokes, jokes) – Resident Studios offers an “unsigned special” for those on the lookout for their big break!

I love the idea of studios fostering support and community for independent musicians.

All of your musical icons started out as unsigned hopefuls, and I am a strong believer in putting more resources into sharing the creativity and ingenuity of new musicians. 

They have two acoustically-treated recording studios and three rehearsal spaces, so you can shed the nerves and practice your craft in the comfort of a relaxed and acoustically-designed space. They also offer SSL and ProTools.

They are noted as well for their extensive selection of microphones – including the condenser, ribbon, and dynamic – from some of the best brand names in the biz.

It is only accessible via an inconspicuous driveway in Willesden Green and they treat their A-listers and local acts with the same dedicated degree of care and curation. 

Contact for prices. 

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 20 8830 4321
Website: https://www.residentstudios.com/
Email: [email protected]
Address: 57A Windsor Rd, London NW2 5DT

7. Soho Sonic Studios

Soho Sonic Studios

Soho Sonic Studios, located in the stylish, well-heeled heart of London, offers production, recording, green screen, and location filming services.

They employ some of the best producers and sound engineers around, guaranteeing you a bespoke, elevated experience. If you’re going to give it a go, why not give it your all?

They don’t believe in one set price and are open to customizing depending on your experience, budget, and needs.

They also offer free consultations and tours, which adds to the impression that they are not only one of the best in class, but they know it. 

They have an SSL desk, Gibsons’, Yamahas’, a Roland Juno 6, a Fender Telecaster, and a wide selection of microphones.

If all else fails they have a plush, hedonistic purple couch. What’s a London recording studio without some groovy furniture? 

Contact them for prices.

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7193 4467
Website: https://www.sohosonic.com/
Email: [email protected]
Address: Golderbrock House, 15/19 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 8A

8. Select Recording Studios 

Select Recording Studios

They’ve got all the hits: mixing, recording, voiceover, mastering…and they do it all for a price tag that won’t send your checking account into the depths of the earth’s crust.

They also market their expertise in providing recording services for solo artists.   

Select is great for a no-frills experience. They focus less on glamorous aesthetics and more on high-quality tech and offer an unreal selection of synths, studio outboards, and microphones for creators.

The list is a music lover and tech lover’s dream. 

Four hours of studio time will set you back £245, which is pretty reasonable if divided up between you and your bandmates.

If you’re going solo, you’re in luck: they only charge 50 pounds for one hour of recording. 

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 7980 000345
Website: https://selectrecordingstudios.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Address: Chocolate Factory 2, 4 Coburg Road, Woodgreen, London N22 6UJ

9. RAK Studios

RAK Studios

Founded in 1976 in gritty, trendy North London RAK Studios has the cool-kid rep to entice any fledgling musician. Their design is spacious and airy and designed to optimize natural light.

There is definitely a stereotype of the dark and dank recording room, and while that certainly applies to many locales, RAK bucks that trend. 

They also have residential space for your band to hang out and relax while you record. They have lots of storage space for your gear but if you want to be lightfoot and fancy-free, they also have tons of their own quality gear on offer.

That includes Rolands, a Wurlitzer, a Fender Rhodes, and multiple drum kits. Equipment nirvana. 

If you’re not sold, consider the fact that prog rock greats Pink Floyd and Yes have recorded at RAK during their legendary careers.  

Reach out for prices.

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 20 7586 2012
Website: https://rakstudios.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Address: 42-52 Charlbert St. London NW8 7BU

10. Abbey Lane Studios

Abbey Lane Studios

Shoot for the moon and all that, am I right? Maybe you’re the ambitious type, the type that only gets out of bed for something special, the type that doesn’t do half-measures.

Well, my friend, why not take a shortcut right to the historical, and contemporary, heart of the British music industry?

If it originates from the hallowed sound room of Abbey Lane, you know the world will perk up and pay attention.

They have a massive collection of modern and retro instruments, and a litany of hyper-talented staff and experts to hold your hands.

You will also get the rights to brag for the rest of your life that you recorded at Abbey Lane – a goal for any music lover and ambitious creator. 

Sure, it will set you back some silver and gold, but money spent towards realizing your creative goals at a London recording studio is money well spent. 

The Nitty Gritty:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7266 7000
Website: https://www.abbeyroad.com/
Email: [email protected] 
Address: Abbey Road Studios, 3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood London NW8 9AY 

Best London Recording Studios – Final Thoughts

Whether you live and create in the heart of the city, or you’re a musician from further afield, I implore you to get yourself to one of London’s best recording studios.

Take a chance at your creativity and get inspired and supported by the best in the business. 

Related Articles:

Complete Guide to Music Production

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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