The Best JAZZ Venues in London

Get your skibadeedoo on with our definitive list of the very best London venues to visit for the very best jazz. Whether you likes the classics, big band, bebop, free jazz, fusion, or something more modern, we've got you.

📷 @nightjar

10. Nightjar

We love a trip to Nightjar. The inventiveness of their cocktails is legendary. Not in a gimmicky way, no no. Just fun, creative, surprising, and consistently delightful. Whether it’s the hand-warming flaming Young Man’s Delight, the fog-spewing Lighthouse Punch whale, or the Toucan Colada, which erm is exactly what the name implies, their whole cocktail list is an absolute hoot (and yes they do have an owl cocktail too so pun very much intended).

And live music is on every single night from 9pm, whether that be blues, swing, or of course jazz. So settle in for the long haul as it’s going to be an amazing experience.

📷 @606club

9. 606 Club

Tucked away in a cosy corner of Chelsea, the 606 Club, an unassuming yet iconic spot, stands as a testament to the thriving jazz scene of West London. With its unmarked entrance adding an air of mystery and excitement, the club has been the beating heart of jazz music for over 42 years, making it a must-visit destination for jazz aficionados and music enthusiasts alike.

Every night, the 606 Club comes alive with a diverse array of performances. Here, you can immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of classic jazz singers who keep the spirit of this timeless genre alive. On other nights, you may find yourself swaying to the pulsing beats of Brazilian samba, exploring a whole new culture through the rhythm of music.

📷 @theoriolebar

8. Oriole

After a two year hiatus the Oriole is back baby! With style, swagger, and undoubtedly some sweet new moves! Kicking off with a three month pop-up aptly named Prelude to Oriole in Covent Garden which will show off everything that’s heading your way, and then finally re-opening in Summer 2024, this is one of the big events for your calendar.

If you've never been before, this cocktail bar speakeasy is one of the very best places to go in London for cocktails, orchestrating some of the most creative and unusual selections you’ll find. And alongside these inventive concoctions you can find stunning jazz piano sets every night of the week. The charisma of this place makes it well worth the trip so make sure to head on over once the big re-opening happens.

📷 @thejazzcafe

7. The Jazz Cafe

…or more commonly know as Camden Jazz Cafe, is one of the very first names anyone will mention when you talk about Jazz and London. But this isn’t your normal run-of-the-mill venue with low ceilings, down in a basement, cramped tables, jostling for space. For a start there aren’t any tables. This place gets HECTIC. And fun, bustling, joyful, alive.

You will find all the normal jazz vibes here but the music does often become very jazz-adjacent so if you’re up for discovering some interesting new music niches away from the traditional you’re going to find it here. This is live music at its best and most intriguing. And if you’re all danced out you can always grab a seat on the mezzanine floor and take it all in.

📷 @brilliant_crns

6. Brilliant Corners

So first and foremost, Brilliant Corners is a helluva Japanese restaurant. Sushi, sashimi, tartare, karaage. The food is just delicious. Yum. And washed down with some sake, or any number of their fantastic cocktails from a damn well stocked bar, the evening keeps getting better.

But also Brilliant Corners is a bit of a hidden gem music venue on the sly. Most of the time you’ll be getting weekend DJs into the wee hours, which is great, however every so often you’ll get some amazing jazz evenings. The charisma of this place just works for this. And because two is better than one, you can even head on over to their new venue “mu“ which also ticks the jazz box with live music every single night. Can’t get much better than that.

📷 @officialronnies

5. Ronnie Scott’s

Ronnie Scott's is one helluva jazz club right in the heart of London. It's known for its chill vibes and amazing jazz gigs. If you're thinking about swinging by, it's probably a good idea to book ahead of time, especially if you want a spot in the main room. You can kick back with some good food, have a few drinks, and let the awesome jazz wash over you - it's a feast for all your senses!

But the fun doesn't stop there, there's also a cosy little space upstairs, called Upstairs @ Ronnie’s, that you definitely need to try out as well. It's got this cool 1950's vibe and functions as a speakeasy, with a killer selection of late-night cocktails. And with live music playing most nights, it's the perfect spot for all you music lovers and night owls.

📷 @hiddenjazzclub

4. Hidden Jazz Club

Popping up in random funky venues all across London (and Tokyo, Barcelona, NYC, etc.) pretty much every week you’ll find this wandering jazz series bringing you a mix of local and international musicians performing jaw-dropping music. Even if you don’t know anything about jazz this is still for you as of course music is in the eye of the beholder.

Head over to the hidden location in Soho or Hoxton or Marylebone, and cosy up with your significant other, get a drink in (or two or three), and let the tunes whisk you away to another world and another time. But shhhh don’t let anyone else in on this secret London gem, keep this one to yourself…
Aint Nothin but

📷 @aintnothinbutblues

3. Ain’t Nothin’ But

A music institution in London, Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues Bar is the only place that you need to go to if you want some blues in your life. Or in this case jazz too. Regular gigs pretty much every night of the week mean you can just turn up (no reservations so get there early) and be entertained. And you don’t need to know anything about the music - once the tunes starts the whole crowd gets rocking and you will get lost in the place.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer modern or traditional sounds, this is a great venue to watch inspirational musicians performing on stage right in front of you. Expect the unexpected or just enjoy some classic tunes as you sip your drink. The late night atmosphere is electric and there are often impromptu jam sessions with the best musicians.

📷 @sjq_dalston

2. SJQ

SJQ, otherwise known as Servant Jazz Quarters, is that jazz venue that you think of in your mind’s eye when thinking about going to watch some live music. A small venue that guarantees you a super personal experience, but also keeps the vibes high, the lights low, and the music insanely good.

Obviously jazz is front and centre here, but you’ll also find DJ club nights, indie, soul, house, funk, and plenty of other niche genres. Right in the centre of Dalston, surrounded by an amazing selection of bars, this is a great place to end an evening after cocktails around the city.

📷 @jazzlivese5

1. Jazzlive At The Crypt

Every Friday evening you can head on over to an unmissable and unique experience in the Crypt of St. Giles Church in Camberwell, a really underrated area of South London that deserves some exploration. Run by a passionate team since 1995 this gothic masterpiece is the backdrop for a true hidden gem, putting on some of the best jazz gigs you’ll find in London. Even better the tickets are really affordable, and the food and drinks even more so!

This is the perfect place to while away an evening in an intimate yet mindbogglingly unusual venue, with some of the best curated jazz performers playing every week. This is the real deal.