Jazz Clubs in the United Kingdom are continuously evolving; the capital is no exception.
Jazz in London is an ever-changing ensemble. the capital is stuffed with iconic jazz musicians, the musical landscape is always transforming with various new venues popping up all the time.
The official first jazz performance was held by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band at London Hippodrome in 1919.
Seven years later, Spanish jazz pianist Fred Elizalde with his band started performing regularly on the BBC.
later, in the 1920s and 30s, the first jazz clubs started opening up In Soho.
Whether you are a long-time jazz lover or a newbie, you can get your venue at one of London’s best jazz clubs to soak up some serious vibe.
The capital boasts a collection of characterful jazz venues dotted all over the capital.
Whether you want to visit the famous Ronnie Scott’s or want to get soaked somewhere lesser known, here are the places you should not miss.
Explore the Best 10 Jazz Clubs in London:
Ronnie Scott’s:
Ronnie Scott’s was opened by British saxophonist Ronnie Scott in 1959, this jazz club was the first club to host American jazz musicians in the UK. Also, it welcomed the biggest names in the jazz scenario.
It also made other parts reserved for other artists to fit into Ronnie Scott’s musical vibes. Some renowned musical artists who performed in this band are Tom Waits, Mark Knopfler, and Elkie Brooks.
Ronnie Scott’s was entirely refurbished in 2006 when theatre impresario Sally Green took over. Ronnie Scott died ten years before and his business partner wanted out.
Now the club consistently has a wide range of top-notch artists such as Kurt Elling, Joshua Redman, Christian Mc Bride, Chick Corea, and Billy Cobham. The club also included the famous guitarist Jeff Beck.
As is a tradition in jazz clubs, jazz enthusiasts can watch the main act by having a cocktail, a three-course meal, or simply with a glass of water.
A waiter will be assigned to cater each table to your every requirement. After the main acts are over, desserts will take place in the form of a late show from Wednesday to Sunday that sees the aftershow band end at 3 am.
To have a different flavour, you can walk up the famed staircase that leads you to the upstairs at Ronnie’s.
It is one of the secret cocktail bars in London that is one of the best-kept secrets in the city. The dress code is casual, also you can feel more comfortable in smart casual attire.
The club is famous for its off-the-cuff musical appearances. lady Gaga played a show at Ronnie Scott’s with only a couple of hours’ notice in 2015.
Prince also played at the venue in a 2014 ‘guerilla gig’ where renowned celebrities such as Noel Gallagher,
Adele And Stephen Fry were smuggled in disguised as bartenders to ensure they evaded the artists’ strict guestlist.
Ronnie Scott’s is one of the prestigious venues of the London jazz festival every November. A night out in London is not the same without visiting Ronnie Scott’s.
Address: 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT, UK
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 6 pm-3 am; Sun Lunches noon-4 pm, then 6-12,30am
Cafe OTO:
Cafe OTO in London’s Dalston is a free jazz, avant-garde, experimental, and improvisation destination where members including non-members can enjoy any genre of music that ranges from free jazz to krautrock, psych rock, and drone.
Cafe OTO is one of the prestigious venues of the London Jazz Festival every November. Cafe OTO was founded in 2008 and the venue offers a welcome home for music that is present outside of the mainstream.
To help support this, the club provides membership discounts and members’ only perks. they also offer one year of free membership for no or very low wages.
Into its short existence, the club has packed a lot of special nights. Some of the notable gigs include ex-Can frontman Damo Suzuki, the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, Thurston Moore, Yoko Ono, and more.
Cafe OTO opens very early for coffee, cakes, and Persian-inspired items. The cafe’s music concert is also managed by OTO projects.
The projects are operating as a relaxed, light, and airy cafe during the day and in the evening live musical concerts are performed. Seven days a week, live performances are to be held.
Address: 18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 9 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm Sundays
Vortex:
Down the street, just a stone’s throw away from Cafe OTO, Vortex is located in London. This is a venue that American Jazz and Blue Magazine Downbeat frequently named as one of the top 150 jazz bars in the world.
Vortex is also considered one of the best jazz bars in the UK. Vortex is responsible for launching various upcoming artists’ careers such as Mercury-nominated bands Polar Bear and Portico Quartet.
a group of jazz volunteers run this jazz venue and that is why the prices are affordable. This club is not a profit-making business, it is also smoking restricted venue.
The Vortex Jazz Club offers up to 400 musical performances a year. They have a seating capacity of 100 seats.
For a longer portion of this century, the Vortex Club is offering the stage for jazz, improvised and experimental music.
It puts on a remarkable variety of jazz including experimental and innovative jazz groups, also more accessible and joyful musical bands.
This jazz venue aims to promote various forms of jazz and to bring the music to an extensive range of audiences.
At the same point, they support new talents and provide them with some opportunities in various programs.
The lighting and sound system are excellent, it promotes a great musical atmosphere through their innovative programs.
These musical programs provide you with the opportunity to experience great musical fun.
Address: 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ, UK
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; Saturday-Closed, Sunday-closed
606 Club:
Based in Chelsea close to the Thames, the 606 Club is an unassuming jazz spot in a rather fancy location.
It trumps the atmosphere of an American speakeasy, you need to buzz through the gate and start a trip down the stairs into the basement. Apart from that, people gather here to experience great music.
For more than 40 years, the 606 Jazz Club has offered the best jazz musical performances of the British.
The jazz performances have been run by musicians such as Steve Rubie since 1976. The booking policy of the club is strict, they only provide an opportunity to perform talented musicians.
The fee is paid directly to them.
However, the club is as relaxed as its dress code. Portions may not be massive but delicious. The club also offers an allergen menu that is gluten-free and dairy-free with various options.
Address: 90 Lots Road, London SW 10 0QD, UK
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 7 pm-11.30 pm;
Pizza Express Jazz Club:
Hidden in the basement below Soho’s Pizza Express, you can get the Pizza Express Jazz Club. It has always been an interesting program with various great artists on the roaster.
This venue has a capacity of 80-100 seats, everything is represented here from swing to classic jazz to urban contemporary.
the prices are decent here so you will get a reasonable amount of bang for your buck. This basement jazz club holds regular music sessions and attracts various big names.
Scott Hamilton and Nora Jones have taken to the stage, and Sting has given an improvised performance here.
They also encourage new talents and provide them opportunities to express their talent in front of a large audience.
Thanks to Pizza Express restaurant on the ground floor, you will be provided with various items to eat before the show.
We recommend you to taste the very delicious herb butter and pizza rolls, but the whole menu is average good.
Address: 10 Dean Street, London, W1D 3RW
Opening Hours: 11:30 am-11 pm
Green Note:
This award-winning venue in the heart of Camden Town is well-known for its array of music styles and set in a friendly laid-back environment.
Green Note was launched by two friends in 2005 and since then it has built a reputation as one of the best jazz venues in the capital for world and acoustic music.
With a more intimate basement bar and a cosy main venue room, this jazz spot hosts gigs every night.
Jazz music is one of the important events of Green Note. This venue has hosted various renowned artists including Amy Winehouse.
These talented artists make Green Note to be proud because of the quality of the performance of the artists.
This club is created for music lovers where the audience can get the opportunity to be intimate with the artists helps create a feeling of musical intimacy.
green Note has a fully stocked bar including a vegetarian cafe. The owners work jointly with the local food producers to offer a selection of vegetarian snacks to the visitors and tapas served from the bar.
You will be offered organic teas and coffees, smoothies, and fresh juices if you want a non-alcoholic drink while enjoying the music.
Address: 106 Parkway, London NW1 7AN, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 7 pm-11 pm; Fri-Sat 7 pm-12 am
Jazz Cafe:
Jazz Cafe is one of the largest jazz venues in London and it has a capacity of 400 spread across its two levels.
The jazz cafe is also praised internationally for the quality of music on its show. various acclaimed artists graced the stage of Jazz Cafe.
The club has two segments, one is the standing-only main area and another is downstairs plus a mezzanine seating area. At the seating area, you can sit and enjoy the live performances on the stage below.
Thanks to its capacity, you can watch various established acts on the stage.
You will also see various renowned artists at the jazz cafe These talents include Don Cherry, Amy Winehouse, Jamiroquai, and Jimmy Smith are some of the talents to have played at the venue over the past few years.
Whatever your taste in jazz, you will surely be overwhelmed by the performances held at Jazz Cafe.
You can also dine at the first-floor restaurant while listening to great jazz. you can get a variety range of dishes including main course, snacks, and vegetarian options.
A selection of canned beer and cocktails is also available to accompany your meal.
Jazz Cafe is just walking distance from Camden tube station, you can enjoy the live performances of Jazz Cafe every night.
Address: 5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG, UK
Opening Hours: Sun-Sat 7.00 pm-10.30 pm
Crazy Coqs:
From pouring classy cocktails at the impressive bars to the snug seating in front of the red curtain, every inch of brasserie Zedel’s secret next-door jaunt, Crazy Coqs.
You can imagine this pairing with crazy live jazz music, just makes complete your entire treat. There are various famous faces frequently performing on the stage of Crazy Coqs.
Crazy Coqs has opened its platform for new talents as well Some renowned artists rock the stage including jazz artists, food critics, the most impressive Mario Bakuna Band, and journalist extraordinaire, Jay Rayner.
Crazy Copqs brings together various forms of art in one extraordinary building, and they feature jazz music, cabaret, theatre, comedy, and more.
The platform of the building is segmented into two parts, in one segment there are seats for up to 40 people and another segment is kept for standing reception for up to 100 people.
All styles of jazz music will be delivered at Crazy Coqs. You can also treat yourself to a delicious dinner while enjoying the good music.
Address: 20 Sherwood St, London W1B 5AP, UK
Opening Hours: SUN-SAT 3 pm-10 pm
Toulouse Lautrec:
Good music and good food combine at Toulouse Lautrec, here you will become nostalgic because the feel of 1920s Paris is brought back to life.
The jazz club is on the second floor, having a restaurant on the ground floor, including a piano bar in between.
It is another of London’s wonderful jazz venues. You can treat yourself to a preshow dinner at this venue.
The menu is inspired by classic French cuisine, Also, you can go forward with another menu that is all about hot and cold snacks including boards and bar snacks.
The piano room is another attraction of this club, and you can also enjoy the array of musical talent of the venue.
The room where the jazz performances are held has a true cabaret feel with classic interior decor.
The red carpets also separate the tables. You can find a wide range of drinks menu that will let you enjoy wines, cocktails, and champagne while enjoying the music.
Address: 140 Newington Butts, London SE11 4RG, UK
Opening Hours: Sunday-Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
Jazz After Dark:
Jazz after dark is another spot in Soho that you may accidentally stumble across when looking for somewhere to have a drink.
You should not only stare- let the soft music of jazz lure you in and you can relax in this cosy jazz club venue with a drink or more. There are various famous artists perform jazz music at this spot.
Amy Winehouse is one of the most famous names who performed at the stage of this venue. Jazz After Dark also has nights for the late artists.
On other nights, up-and-coming jazz artists and acoustic performers take up the stage to entertain the guests in the evening with their wonderful melodious sounds.
Also, you can have your dinner while enjoying the music at the club. there is an extensive range of dinner and snack menus to access.
Address: 9 Greek St, London W1D 4DQ, UK
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 5 pm-2 am,
FAQ:
What is the famous jazz club in London?
Ans: Ronnie Scott’s is the most iconic jazz club in London that has boasted several high-profile jazz performances all through the year.
Where can I listen to good jazz music in London?
Ans: There are various jazz music venues all through London including Jazz Cafe, The Montpellier, Hidden Jazz Club, Cafe OTO, Vortex, Louche, and more.
Does London have a jazz scene?
Ans: As London’s unconventional community advances into the mainstream, there are various jazz music talents pushing things to the next level. So, London genuinely has the original cosy and colourful jazz scene.
Conclusion:
London has various jazz venues that offer different styles of jazz music. Whether you prefer traditional jazz music or something contemporary jazz music; the jazz venues of London do not make you disappointed. From famous jazz clubs to some lesser-known jazz clubs, everything we have included in this list lets you dive into soulful melodies.
Here, in this guide, we have put together the 10 best jazz clubs in London, so you can choose one or more venues from the list to have a fantastic night’s entertainment.