Jazz music in London is continuously evolving. Believe it or not, there are plenty of spots available in London to catch live jazz music.
So, whether you are an amazing jazz lover or a newbie, you can find your spot at one of the best jazz clubs to soak up some serious vibes.
From the legendary Ronnie Scott’s to lesser-known new openings, this scene is one of the best night-outs in the city.
I just hop to one of the city’s most exciting jazz venues to treat myself to a piece of soulful music me. So, if you are looking to grab one of the best jazz music spots in London, then this article is for you.
Here, in this article, I am going to list down the top 10 live jazz music bars in London.
Check out my list.
Top 10 Live Jazz Bars in London:
1. Jazz Cafe:
Location: 5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG
Jazz Cafe is one of the most crowded jazz bars compared to others across the city. No table-dwelling, and the head is bobbing.
Here, you will get a decent-sized dance floor that can get quite raucous during the weekends.
If you want to catch the action without being overly committed, then you can book a table at the restaurant. You can watch the shows alongside good food and delicious cocktails.
I just make frequent visits to this spot, and all of my stress goes away.
The music covers a host of genres, with the likes of Kelis, Bobby Womack, and Roy Ayers having all graced the stage.
So, just visit this spot to grab the best jazz shows performed by great musicians.
2. 606 Club:
Location: 90 Lots Road, London SW10 0QD
The 606 Club has been one of the overcrowded jazz bars in the city since 1976.
This bar features jazz, soul, groove, Latin, funk, R&B, and blues artists with live music. It offers musical shows seven nights a week, plus Sunday lunches. It has a 120-seat capacity.
The intimate basement club and the restaurant are known for their great ambience and speakeasy atmosphere.
Besides an array of renowned jazz musicians, this bar provides the opportunity to show off the talent of young jazz artists in their formative years. These include Liane Carroll, Polly Gibbons, Jason Rebello, and more.
3. Ronnie Scott’s:
Location: 47 Fifth Street, London W1D 4HT
Ronnie Scott’s is greatly considered the best jazz bar in London.
There is also a good reason. This bar was opened in 1959 by Ronnie Scott himself, and since then, he has been trying to establish this pub as one of the best live jazz music pubs in London.
Some of the biggest jazz artists in the industry participate and show off their talent during the jazz concerts.
This bar is not as small as some, but you will be amazed by its great atmosphere and spend some quality time with your group.
So, plan to visit this spot this weekend and please your soul with some great music.
4. Soho Live:
Location: Soho Live Music Club, 6 Walker’s Court, London W1F 0BT
There are various spaces to enjoy live jazz music at Soho Live Music Club, but the Shed is certainly the jammiest.
There is a wide range of great performances offered to its guests from Wednesday to Saturday.
You can enjoy jazz and its subgenres such as bebop, hard-bop, or hard swing. Additionally, you will be amazed by its table tops, moody lighting, and sumptuous interiors.
Soho Live is an award-winning, intimate live jazz music venue where you can enjoy great live performances with amazing cocktails and great dishes.
Soho Live is my other favourite jazz spot, and I love its ambience. You should try curated wine flights once in your life. So, just grab upstairs to catch live jazz at the Piano bar.
5. Vortex:
Location: 11 Gillett Square, N16 8AZ, London
If you want to experience jazz, then this is the place to head to.
With seven nights a week of live music, Vortex is one of the city’s most prolific venues. It organises almost 400 performances all around the year, from traditional to Avant-garde.
For 25 years, this jazz club has been serving as a platform for jazz, experimental, and improvised music.
Vortex offers the opportunity to show the talent of upcoming as well as some of the city’s renowned performers. This live jazz music in London focuses on offering top-class musical concerts.
So, it became one of the favourite jazz clubs in the city among the fans as well as top-rate players.
6. Pizza Express Jazz Club:
Location: 10 Dean Street, W1D 3RW, London, UK
Do not be fooled, as pizza is not the focus here. This live music jazz club has been pumping out top-notch jazz since its opening. It was opened in 1976.
It has various venues across the UK, however, the Dean Street venue is considered one of the best jazz venues in the entire Europe.
It has been hosting debut shows from the likes of Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Gregory Porter, Brad Mehldau, and countless others.
Various music legends such as Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith, Jamie Cullum, and Van Morrison have all graced the stage of the club over the years.
These legends have made this club a part of the very heart, soul, and sound of the city. It will be a great experience to catch the jazz shows from not too far from the stage.
So, no need to look further than this Central London location in Soho.
7. “mu”:
Location: 432-434 Kingslaand Rd, London E8 4AA
If you desire live jazz with delicious Japanese food, then this place is for you. “Mu” opened in 2022 with a bang, and it is home to nightly live music and some of the most unique Japanese dishes.
Jazz live music draws on global influence. This bar presents live music every night, and this music is performed by a rotation of guests and residents.
Each night, they offer two live music performances, and booking is essential. But they also allow walk-ins.
So, just combine watching a jazz performance with a great array of small, curated menus.
Experience watching jazz performances, having a glass of a great cocktail in your hand. Isn’t it amazing?
8. Nightjar:
Location: 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
It is not a jazz bar, instead, it is a small, speakeasy-style cocktail bar. It is considered one of the best cocktail bars in the world.
You will be amazed at its cosy and glamorous interiors, which are 1920s. Further, the cocktails come with additional garnishings. You will be offered an amazing service from the team at this bar.
The music will not disappoint you, of course, they offer top live jazz music and blues seven days a week.
Just look out for Calamus Root, pinesap, and Acerola are some amazing cocktails to be found at Nightjar.
9. The Wellesley:
Location: 11 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LY
It is a glamorous five-star hotel all day, but translates into an amazing jazz bar by night.
The Wellesley is one of the favourite jazz bars for the fans. It offers live jazz performances every Friday and Saturday evening.
It converts its tribute to its history as the former home to the famous pizza at Hyde Park Corner.
You can see some of the famous jazz performers such as Jamie Cullum, Amy Winehouse, George Melly, and Barbara Cook rock the stage.
This is a great place for special occasions with its stunning live music and sumptuous surroundings.
Here, you can have some of the city’s great Italian cuisine from the Oval restaurant.
It will be the perfect accompaniment to the smooth sound of live jazz music. You can pop into the legendary cigar room afterwards.
10. The Blues Kitchen:
Location: 111-113 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JN, UK
The Blues Kitchen London is the city’s own home of BBQ, blues, and rock n’ roll.
It offers an array of live music performances, including live Blues, soul, funk, and jazz until late every night.
Here, you can see some of the city’s best jazz performers, also this venue offers an opportunity for new talents to showcase their talents.
Besides, you can taste some delicious snacks, including chicken wings, smashed avocado tostada, and more.
This jazz venue is open late on Fridays and Saturdays for the night owls like you. I just love its amazing vibe and ambience.
It is such a great place to spend some quality time, having a glass of great wine. Look no further than this jazz spot to catch the best live jazz in the city.
FAQ:
Where can I watch live Jazz in London?
Ans: There are plenty of places to catch live jazz in London. Some of them come with delicious food and stunning cocktails. So, you can enjoy live jazz by sipping a glass of your favourite cocktail. Some of the great venues offering fantastic live jazz include Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club, The 606 Jazz Club, and more.
What is the most popular jazz club in London?
Ans: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is one of the most iconic jazz clubs in London. Here, you can catch some high-profile jazz performers, including some new talents from across the globe.
What is a Jazz venue?
Ans: A jazz club is a venue where the primary entertainment is focused on offering live jazz music to its guests. A jazz venue is primarily a type of nightclub or bar that has a license to sell alcoholic beverages.
Conclusion:
As one of the largest cities in Europe, there are plenty of places to catch live jazz music in London. These jazz clubs cover everything from swinging singers through to contemporary and modern jazz.
Here, in this article, I have listed together the 10 best live jazz music venues in London, all of which regularly host live jazz programs.
Some of the above-mentioned jazz venues program international artists, including domestic ones as well.
So, just catch one or more spots from my list to treat yourself to a grand musical concert and have a sip of a great cocktail.