Hammersmith Apollo/ Eventim Apollo : Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

The Hammersmith Apollo, or Eventim Apollo, is a West London art-deco monolith, having originally been built as a cinema in the 1930s, it has long since become a live events venue, retaining its grand auditorium to this very day. Boasting a capacity of up to 5300 with standing and seating, or 3655 fully seated, the Apollo is known for being one of the larger mid-sized venues, hosting major music acts before they head to the Arena level, as well as comedians, theatre and more.

Getting To Hammersmith Apollo

The Hammersmith Apollo is situated just opposite Hammersmith’s District & Picadilly Line Station, within the Broadway Shopping Centre. The Circle/Hammersmith & City Line Station is also close by.

This all makes it ideal to just hop off the tube, and walk to the venue in under 5 minutes, just having to exit the shopping centre (the exit/entrance by Tesco) and cross one main road (Talgarth Road/A219) to reach it on Queen Caroline Street.

Hammersmith Bus Station is also within the Broadway Shopping Centre, with routes such as 9, 10, 27, 33, 419, 72, H91, 190, 211, 220, 267, 283, 295 and 391 available.

Driving to the Eventim Apollo is not recommended due to limited parking, which is mainly residential. However, if required, there are parking spaces on the residential streets surrounding the venue and some local paid-for car parks, such as at Livat and Novotel London West.

What Time Do Events Start and Finish at Eventim Apollo?

Event start and finish times will be different for individual acts and events, but for music shows, the main act is usually on at 21.00/21.30, but this can vary. Don’t forget the support acts, often on around an hour before the main act (20.00/20.30). Shows will generally finish by 23.00. To get the exact times, check the venue’s and band’s socials on the day of the show.

Queueing & security at Eventim Apollo London

The main entrance is on Queen Caroline Street and very clear to see with the big marquee style red sign at the front.

Queues are in front of the main entrance and will lead from the main doors going back and forth, with metal fences guiding the queue path.

You’ll get checked by security for your bags and tickets and then you’ll head through the doors into the entrance area and ground floor foyer. The Box Office is on your right as you enter, as in the Ground Floor Foyer there is an entrance straight ahead to the Stalls Area (often for standing, but also seated tickets) and two stairs on each side leading to the Circle Area (seated tickets). The Foyer also has bars and merch stands.

If you enter the Stalls Area, there is a small area, which has different ‘Doors’ through which to enter the Stalls/Auditorium, for specific seats (when events are all seated).

Entering the Circle Stairs brings you to the First Floor/Upper Foyer and access to the Circle for Upper Seating areas.

Finding Your Seats At Eventim Apollo

The auditorium has Stalls and Circle Areas. Circle is always seated, while Stalls can be seated or standing, depending on the venue.

Where is the merch stand in the venue?
If you’re after a poster, t-shirt or tote, the merch stand is located in the Ground Floor Foyer.

Security & Cloakrooms at Hammersmith Apollo

The venue has a strict policy on bags, with only small bags (A4 size or smaller, or a standard handbag) permitted to be brought into the venue. Large bags like backpacks, suitcases and laptop bags will not be allowed in.

There is a limited cloakroom, charging £3 for coats/jackets and £5 for a bag, but it is worth noting that the venue insists large bags and suitcases should not be brought, as they will be admitted inside.

Guest Lists and Backstage Access

If you’re lucky enough to be on the guest list, then you’ll pick up your passes or accreditation from the Box Office inside the main entrance. Stage Door is located around the right-hand side of the venue.