Jazz Bars, Clubs And Events In London

Do the likes of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis get your toes tapping? Do you melt at the idea of a night spent lapping up live jazz in some of the city's most gorgeous locations? Then let us help. From music festivals and jazz clubs to nights of music held in secret locations, check out our guide to the top musical events and best jazz bars in London. 

For more music events in London, check out our guide.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 11th April 2024




Hidden Jazz Club

Fancy some fun jazz events in London for 2024? At several venues across the city, you and your pals can check out Hidden Jazz Club's great lineup, which showcases both local talent and internationally acclaimed musicians. We mean everyone including Cherise and Binker Golding to Jas Kayser or James Copus - performing everywhere from Hoxton to Soho. Tickets to their fantastic sessions cost just £20 each, promising an intimate environment for a few drinks and great tunes.

Sibin

Sibin is the sexy speakeasy bar that's hidden behind a bookcase at Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Not only does this beauty have classic cocktails and over 170 whiskies on offer, but also a roster of jazz nights on Thursdays and Fridays, which come accompanied by discounted drinks. Take a seat on one of their comfy sofas and listen to the likes of Andrea Vicari, Bethannie Hare and Robin Banarjee, but make sure to book a table as this is a pretty popular spot.

BENOIT VIELLEFON LIVE (Orchestra / Hot Club / Trio)

Be taken back to 1930s Paris with Benoit Viellefon's classy roster iconic Ronnie Scotts jazz club events. Expect American-inspired jazz and groovy swing tunes, including plenty of Django Reinhardt classics, romantic French melodies and more, all played to perfection by their live band. Tickets to these musical sessions start from just £17 per person, promising an entire evening of intimate performances on an iconic stage.

Powerplant Camden

Happy hour 4.00 pm- 7.00m every day. 2-4-1 cocktails and any beer/cider for £5

Powerplant Camden is not only offering up a fabulous range of events for jazz lovers, but also plenty of mouthwatering food. Enjoy their themed dinners with the smoothest live music, complemented by tasty Italian plant-based bites and wine. Canadian expat Chef Ben really knows how to cook up a feast to accompany the tunes, from pumpkin and sage tortelloni to parmigiana di melanzane. They host regular open mic nights as well, so you may even catch some emerging new artists here.

Blues Kitchen Camden

One of the best jazz clubs in London, Blues Kitchen Camden is a cool venue famous for both its live blues and jazz performances, as well as its wide Bourbon offering. Eat well, sample the many different types of bourbons or craft ales and enjoy live music performances at one of the most talked about venues in the city, with a stage that has been previously graced by artists like Seasick Steve, Pete Doherty, The Dirty Pretty Things and Mystery Jets. If you fancy making a night of it, then book one of their private booths where you can get cocktails delivered until late.

Rhythm & Rum - LIVE JAZZ @ The Street Easy

@ The Street Easy on Every 1st Saturday of the month

A top jazz show in London, The Street Easy in Clerkenwell presents a night of Rhythm & Rum on the first Saturday of every month. Expect this fun-filled venue to be serving up street food-inspired dishes and rum-based cocktails, alongside a live band 'til late. Expect the likes of a Papa's Old Fashioned, a Daq N' Black (with notes of blackberry and mint) and cherry flavoured Not In Manhattan to be on the menu. Tickets cost just £10 to this four-hour event, which promises some of the best jazz and RnB in the city.

Old Street Records

2-4-1 Cocktails and 1 other offer

The mix of EP launches, new bands and established acts at Old Street Records will probably grab your attention first, but there's also an intimate basement bar where things are a little more low-key. Head below street-level and settle in for intimate jazz nights with bespoke cocktails and authentic Italian pizzas for company. And if you come between 5 and 8pm, make sure to take advantage of their two-for-one happy hour as well.

Night Tales Loft

Jazz in a New York-style loft space that also has a gorgeous rooftop terrace? That's exactly what Night Tales Loft has in store if you head over on Wednesday nights, where their improvised sessions feature some of the city's finest musicians and great views to boot. Plus, tickets and walk-ins for tables are totally free if you get there before 7:30pm, and only £5 per person afterwards. If you're feeling thirsty on the night, secure yourself a refreshing cocktail like the Loft rum punch or a frozen negroni.

Jazz Notes – Jazz Jam @ Spice of Life, Soho

@ The Spice of Life on Every Sunday

Hosting a fantastic event every Sunday, Spice of Life in Soho is one of the best places to catch live jazz in London. Expect a brilliant performance from the talented Jazz, Soul, Funk Collective, with sumptuous Sunday roasts and other tasty bites to munch on throughout. You can either join the trio with an instrument or vocals, or kick back and enjoy the afternoon of entertainment, all for just £7.50 per person. What a way to end the week.

Eastcheap Records

#CheapDate and 1 other offer

Known for its cracking cocktails and top tier vibes, Eastcheap Records is also a great shout for your next jazz night in London. There's regular live music here from Inside Out, as well as funk and soul artists Superfly, with DJs keeping the party going every night of the week too. And to fuel all that dancing, sip on an Elderflower Fizz or a Sweet Strawberry Mule. The interiors here are pretty cool too, with bookshelves lining the walls and leather booth seating to relax in. Even better? You can nab two-for-one concoctions before 7pm every day of the week.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency

To listen to live jazz, swing and blues, look no further than unique, candlelit cocktail bar Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earl's Court. This secret spot sees you head through a hidden door to a Prohibition-style drinking den, where cocktails inspired by bootleg liquor are whipped up before your very eyes. Expect immersive entertainment and 1920s-style live music throughout, while you sip your illicit concoctions and tuck into charcuterie boards.

ROLLING STOCK EVENTS

Head to Kingsland Road in Shoreditch for Jazz Train at Rolling Stock, a totally free event that's ideal for live music lovers. Every Sunday under its arches there will be a range of talented musicians playing the blues, plus some top-quality food and drink. Feast on burgers and wings as you take in the cosy, vibrant atmosphere. This event takes place all afternoon and evening, the perfect way to spend a laidback Sunday.

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Looking for some of the best jazz events in London this weekend? Then head on over to Boisdale in Canary Wharf as this legendary music venue and bar promises a fun-filled roster alongside a plethora of smoky, romantic nights in the city. They host regular Sunday jazz lunches, complete with all the best Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin tunes performed live by tribute duo Stephen Triffitt and Mark Adams, as well as lots of other musicians during the week.

Live Music at The Terrace Bar

@ The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel on Wed, 3rd Jan 2024 - Tue, 31st Dec 2024

The Terrace bar in Mayfair is a favourite for listening to live jazz, with performances every Wednesday from a four-piece band, featuring resident pianist John Hudson who plays most other nights of the week as well. You can also catch various singers and pianists here every Friday and Saturday, so expect to hear smooth and classical tunes no matter when you visit. This relaxed venue serves an array of beautifully-presented cocktails too, with a cracking bar menu to boot.

Nightjar Shoreditch

This speakeasy prohibition bar features jazz from the 1930's in a grown up and classy environment, with high-quality cocktails and attentive service to boot. Nightjar was created as an antidote to the overcrowded bars of Shoreditch and Soho, providing a respite from the busy city in intimate surrounds. Come here for the varied live music and late nights on the decks from 9pm every evening, with a lineup of jazz and swing bands gracing the stage on a regular basis.

Fidelio Cafe

Live piano bar, restaurant and event space Fidelio Cafe is one of the best around for jazz. Think lineups of top musicians at the Farringdon spot, including their popular Django Reinhardt-inspired nights where talented musicians pay tribute to the renowned artist with a night of classic hits and more modern tunes. There's a fantastic menu here as well, featuring signature cocktails and small plates, alongside brunch in the cafe and private hire options if you're looking to host something special.

Ninety One Living Room

Experience the sweet sounds of old school jazz as this Shoreditch spot spins a soundtrack of smooth hits. With live music till the early hours and an impressive menu of bistro-style dishes alongside signature cocktails, this is one for you. It's not all about late-night fun here though, as their Saturday afternoon jazz brunches come with an intimate performance from pianist Bruno Heinen and others, alongside two hours of bottomless prosecco and a mouthwatering two-course meal of 100% plant-based burgers, tacos and mac 'n' cheese.

The Four Thieves

Discounts available on certain events

What better way to spend a Sunday than by listening to a load of live jazz over in Battersea? The Four Thieves makes sure you're well looked after, offering up sumptuous Sunday roasts, magnificent bloody Marys and cracking tunes to boot. This event is totally free to enter, taking place between 3 and 5pm with a fantastic house band providing the smooth backing track to your weekend meals. You can also find improvised jam sessions and DJ sets at this welcoming location, so there really is something for everyone.

The Montpelier

Pub Dance

Fancy your Sunday roast dinner accompanied by live jazz? That's exactly what's in store at The Montpelier, a charming and independent Peckham Rye destination where you can tuck into piled-high plates while listening to smooth and sultry tunes. The Sim Murrey Trio will be playing from 3pm onwards, while the menu features smoked ox cheek coated in horseradish sauce or a coal-roasted vegetable plate which pairs perfectly with the cauliflower cheese.

Jazz Cafe London

With artists like  Amy Winehouse, D'Angelo and Roy Ayers having performed here in the past, Jazz Cafe is a pretty well-established spot to catch live music in. They have been at their Camden location for over 30 years, with a capacity of 440 for intimate gigs. Their two-level venue lets you choose between elevated seats or getting up close and personal in the standing area, while the menu here features everything from miso marinated monkfish to vegan cheeseburgers, paired with a spiced margarita or espresso martini.

Brilliant Corners

Named after the iconic album from Theolonious Monk, the Dalston-based Brilliant Corners is an izakaya-inspired venue which hosts jazz-centric DJ sets and regular live musicians. This is a more modern twist on traditional London jazz bars, with a cutting-edge sound system and a menu that features deep fried spicy squid, dragon rolls with prawn tempura and chicken yakitori. 

Jazz Cruise

@ Westminster Pier on Friday 26th April 2024 and 31 other Fridays

Liven up your Friday nights with Jazz Cruise, the perfect way to unwind after a long week complete with a live band, a welcome glass of sparkling wine on arrival and a delicious three-course meal. Departing from Westminster Pier every Friday, tickets start from £99 per person and promise amazing views of the city while you dine on smoked ham hock, wild mushroom lasagne and an indulgent chocolate fondant for dessert.

Leopard Bar at The Montague on the Gardens

Head over to The Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury every Wednesday and Thursday, where The Leopard Bar brings you the goods with a live jazz band in their leopard print-covered venue. The perfect soundtrack to a date or drinks with friends, the band creates a wonderful atmosphere in which to enjoy a few theatrical cocktails or a light bite after work - think prawn stroganoff of mac 'n' cheese with a side of loaded fries.

Pizza Express Jazz Club

With a delicious Italian menu that we all know and love, the Pizza Express Jazz Club is bringing you live music and delicious eats. First opened in 1976, this jazz bar in London's Soho is considered one of the best across the whole of Europe, having hosted the debut shows of iconic artists like Gregory Porter, Diana Krall, Norah Jones and many more. Performances here start from around £20 per person, taking place seven nights a week in intimate surrounds.

Vortex Jazz Club

Vortex Jazz Club events are well known for bringing you some of the best musicians from the UK and overseas, having been established in Dalston for over 20 years. Their shows start from as little as £5 per person, with artists such as Stan Tracey, Tony Kofi and Evan Parker having graced their stage in the past. They've got everything from quartets to soloists here, with live performances taking place at this iconic spot seven nights a week.

Cafe OTO

Situated in Dalston since 2008, Cafe OTO is a great choice of jazz bars in London with free entry. These guys showcase music outside of the mainstream, with improv nights taking place every week and a regular lineup of live performances. This place flaunts cool decor full of vintage posters, plants and quirky lamps, as well as a menu of Persian dishes to compliment the tunes.

Jazz Nights At Americana

@ Americana on Every Tuesday

Inspired by the culture and cuisine of the USA's deep South, Americana provides an escape in the form of BBQ soul food, bold drinks and Southern hospitality right in the heart of London's West End. The haunt comes alive on Tuesday nights with live jazz performances to elevate your dining experience, brought to you by an in-house band featuring Paul Eldridge, Sandy Burnett, Rob Rickenberg and Greg Davis. You can sip signature cocktails throughout, while tucking into their menu of Colchester oysters, red brisket chilli, flamed venison burgers and much more.

606 Club

One of the most famous jazz clubs in London, 606 Club has been around in Fulham since 1976. They host live music every single night of the week from some of the city's best performers, whether its a lively band or a melodic singer, with a striking stage taking over the back wall of the bar. Secure yourself a table here for some cracking tunes, while munching on a menu of grilled goat's cheese ciabatta, pan-fried ribeye steak, slow-cooked duck leg and much more.