About us
Who We Are
For nearly 30 years, The Bread & Roses has been more than just a pub. Owned by the Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council, we’re one of London’s few genuinely community-owned venues: a free house built around social purpose rather than profit.
Since opening in 1996, we’ve provided a stage for emerging artists, local organisers, touring musicians, theatre-makers and the wonderfully curious audiences who keep grassroots culture alive. We’ve always believed in giving people a platform before the rest of the world catches up, championing creativity, inclusivity and independent voices.
Our upstairs theatre has earned a reputation for supporting new writing and independent performance, while our live music programme has become one of South London’s most respected grassroots stages, showcasing artists across a diverse range of genres.
As a proudly independent, female-run venue, community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re discovering your next favourite artist, taking to the stage yourself, or simply looking for a welcoming place to connect, The Bread & Roses is a home for creativity, collaboration and culture.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the pub and our events. The ground floor is fully accessible, with an accessible toilet and access to both the front and rear gardens.
This week
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NOV4
Learn more: Loud WomenLoud Women
Wed 4 November 20267:30pm
Loud Women is a DIY collective championing women in music. It started in 2015 as a tiny gig night with one simple aim: to get more women on more stages. Expect a fun, friendly and loud night of women-led bands.
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Coming up
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NOV11
→: Swanson Family -
NOV12
→: SRP Glasto Showcase -
NOV13
→: Talitha KellyTalitha Kelly
Fri 13 November 20267:30pm
Talitha Kelly is an emerging voice in indie pop and soul, pairing emotionally rich storytelling with an atmospheric band and velvety harmonies. Fans of Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Radiohead will find plenty to love.
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NOV18
→: Bessie DeakinBessie Deakin
Wed 18 November 20267:30pm
Bessie Deakin is a London singer-songwriter inspired by Kate Bush, Patti Smith, Maggie Rogers and Cat Power. She self-released her debut EP Lady Red in 2021 and has been road-testing new material at grassroots venues across London since.
Our history
The Bread & Roses is an award-winning free house right in the heart of Clapham. Owned by The Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council (BWTUC) and run by the Workers Beer Company, part of BWTUC Trading, it prides itself as a pub with a social consciousness.
The Bread & Roses is named in recognition of the struggle of workers around the globe for a better quality of life. The name is taken from a song written during a strike of women textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA in 1912. 27,000 women went out onto the streets and marched for eleven weeks to improve their working conditions. Their banners called for bread and roses. A poet among them, James Oppenheim, wrote the lyrics to what became the trademark song for women trade unionists around the world. It is still sung by delegates to conclude the ICTU Women’s Conference.
To find out more about the company’s ethos, celebrated proudly by The Bread & Roses, or how to fundraise with the Workers Beer Company, please visit www.workersbeer.co.uk.
Get in touch
Take a look at our socials for more information about upcoming events, or get in touch to chat about bookings and more.