Oxford

The higher echelons of education don’t necessarily produce the most earth-shattering of scenes. But as Yannis and Jimmy from Foals recently told NME, the town/gown social circles are so mutually exclusive they’re yet to come into contact with a band from Oxford University, even though Yannis and keyboard man Edwin did briefly study there. You're more likely to find cutting-edge indie talent at The Star: the nerve centre of local band culture.
Alumni: Radiohead, Foals, Young Knives, Supergrass, Ride.
Pub fact: Radiohead played their first gig at the Jericho Tavern in 1987 under the name On A Friday. The pub is now part of the Firkin chain.