Mercury Lounge is one of the most reliable venues in Westlands for live music and a good night out. The bar draws a mixed crowd of Nairobi residents — Kenyan, expat, and traveller — and has a decent outdoor terrace that fills up on weekends. Live acts tend to start late (after 11pm) and run into the early morning.
Music nights feature a rotating lineup of local Kenyan artists playing Afrobeats, bongo flava, R&B, and occasionally Benga — the guitar-based Kenyan pop style. Beer is the standard drink of choice (Tusker, the local lager, is what most people drink); cocktails are available but not the focus.
The bar is on Ring Road Westlands in the heart of the district, walking distance from most Westlands restaurants. It gets very full on Friday and Saturday nights — arrive early for a seat.