Johnny's Bar & Café is an independent live-music venue and café at 96 Queen's Road, Watford (WD17 2NX), open daily 11:00–23:00. It has a purpose-fitted basement with its own PA and equipment used for both open-mic nights and full-band performances, plus a ground-floor bar and an upstairs bar/seating area, and it's joined to Vinyl @ Johnny's, the owners' record shop. The long-running Dial Up Open Mic has been hosted here since 2010, traditionally on the first Sunday of the month (2–4pm, free entry, suggested £5 donation) — though as of mid-2026 the regularity of that specific monthly session is no longer confirmed. The venue itself remains active for live music and band bookings.
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Find Johnny's Bar
96 Queen's Road, Watford, Watford, WD17 2LA
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Common Questions
Seven things people ask about booking Johnny's Bar.
PA system and vocal mics provided. BYO instruments and amps. Need a venue with full backline? Filter Watford venues by backline.
Contact the venue for genre preferences. Most Watford grassroots venues book a mix of rock, pop, folk, and acoustic acts.
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Yes — Johnny's Bar hosts open mic nights. Check the listing for day, time, and signup details on the Watford Open Mic Finder.
96 Queen's Road, Watford, Watford, WD17 2LA. See the map below for directions. Browse more Watford venues nearby.
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