The best jazz clubs in London

Ronnie Scott’s cuts an authoritative figure on the global jazz scene, having hosted some of the biggest acts in the genre over more than six decades of operation. The main club area is where you can enjoy a menu of British-tinged fine dining while listening to acclaimed acts, while the upstairs bar, a 1950s speakeasy venue, is known for mixing some of the most sophisticated cocktails in Soho and showcasing promising new talent.

An offshoot of the 28°-50° restaurants and wine bars, 28°-50° by Night is an intimate jazz club in a Marylebone basement. The elegant 1920s-style speakeasy programmes live jazz, blues, swing, stomp and Dixieland every night, pairing fine musicianship with fine vintages off its award-winning wine list. The late-night kitchen serves a range of pleasing, simple European classics, for example burrata, rib-eye steak and cod.

One of Europe’s busiest jazz clubs, the 606 Club dates back to 1976 and puts on live music seven days a week. This intimate basement speakeasy has hosted many a future star over the years, and is also the biggest employer of British-based jazz musicians in the UK. The venue gets around licensing restrictions by serving alcohol only with a meal, so plan on eating from a creative European menu of classic favourites and fish.

Located in a basement in South London, Oliver’s Jazz Bar boasts a fully stocked bar, cosy vintage furniture and a crackling open fire in winter. Very popular among the city’s jazz fans, the snug venue presents live music seven days a week, hosting acclaimed international musicians and local talent alike. The regularly scheduled jam sessions are a particular programme highlight.

Those in the know consider this not-for-profit, volunteer-led venue to be one of the best jazz clubs in the world, not just London. The intimate Vortex Jazz Club puts on almost 400 performances of jazz, improvised and experimental music per year. The club has been instrumental in the rise of acts such as Portico Quartet and Polar Bear, and programmes everything from creative jam sessions to exclusive performances by acclaimed musicians.

Another Dalston gem, this jazz bar has several unique features going for it. For starters, it’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays, though the opening hours go late enough that there’s a very real possibility the night turns into a legendary drinking and jamming session. Moreover, the Dalston Jazz Bar serves sharing plates of seafood, some vegetarian options and desserts, but there are no set prices. Instead, you donate what you think it’s all worth, with the suggested amount including the price of the live music as well.

The dimly lit, intimate Jazz After Dark in Soho is a popular live music venue that puts on nightly jazz, blues, funk, soul and RnB concerts. The late, great Amy Winehouse is among the club’s more famous guests. You can order well-executed cocktails from the bar while you enjoy the music, and if you’re hungry, there are tapas-style bites and larger dishes available as well. During the day, the venue showcases resident artist Sam Shaker’s celebrity art portraits.

Louie is a glitzy townhouse restaurant, located in the heart of Covent Garden. Combining the atmospheres and culinary heritages of New York, New Orleans and Paris, the restaurant serves highlights from the three cities’ cuisines and counts celebrities such as Zendaya and Jason Momoa among its guests. Louie is also known for its live jazz music, including regular Tuesday jazz nights and special events.

“Sting playing in a basement club” probably isn’t what comes to mind when someone mentions Pizza Express, but the franchise’s award-winning jazz club in Soho is no ordinary pizzeria. The Pizza Express Jazz Club is one of the best jazz venues in Europe, having hosted debut shows by future stars such as Norah Jones and Gregory Porter. Household names such as Jacob Collier, Sam Smith, Amy Winehouse and Charlie Watts have also played here during the venue’s almost 50 years of operation. You can drop by for a slice and live music seven days a week.

As big on music as it is on food, this dimly-lit Dalston joint accompanies its set menus of tasty Japanese specialities with live jazz music and rotating DJ sessions. Between the music, the set menu of Japanese specialities, and the evolved takes on classic cocktails, Brilliant Corners is a trendy and comfy spot for indulging in life’s finer things.

The Nightjar cocktail bars sprinkle a hefty measure of vintage, Prohibition-era glamour on the average night out, serving renowned concoctions in an old-school, intimate setting. Live jazz, blues and swing from top London musicians is on every night at the Shoreditch location and most nights at the Carnaby one, accompanied by small plates, bar snacks and the aforementioned cocktails.

Uniquely situated beneath St Giles’ Church in Camberwell, the live music nights at Jazzlive at The Crypt have a distinctly Gothic feel to them. The award-winning venue is run by one of the most respected promotors in the UK and supports jazz and jazz education in the capital. Numerous British and international musicians have played here, and Jazzlive has gained recognition for its contributions to the local community.

Toulouse Lautrec brings a taste of 1920s Paris to Elephant and Castle, including a dedicated upper-floor jazz club, a piano bar and a stylish brasserie. Expect to find contemporary takes on classic French gastronomy on the menu, from escargots and foie gras to steaks and confit duck. Brunch options are available as well. There are live music or other events on most nights.

Situated in Barnes by the Thames River, The Bulls Head is a cosy-looking gastropub that complements the usual offer with live jazz in the venue around the back. There’s the expected range of ales, beers and spirits to be found at the bar, as well as a concise wine list. The kitchen serves textbook favourites such as burgers and fish ‘n’ chips, with Sunday roasts and a kids’ menu available as well.

There’s plenty of good live music going on at these boisterous Scottish restaurants, though most will be pleased bagpipes are nowhere to be seen. Instead, the music ranges from live renditions of Frank Sinatra bangers to American rock, reggae nights and much more. Jazzheads will want to stop by on Sundays, when the Jazz Lunch features classic jazz music played live, as well as a menu packed with hearty Scottish staples.

By day, Café OTO is a cosy spot for a quick bite or a hot bev. In the evenings, however, it becomes a vibrant live music venue with a varied programme of bold, adventurous music. Jazz and free jazz are just a couple of the many more avantgarde genres performed here, with the programme compiled by a team of knowledgeable music fans. Don't forget to pay a visit to the café's shop, stocked full of exclusive releases, merch, publications, limited editions and more. Some of the titles are even released by Café OTO's in-house label OTOROKU.

Nestled beneath a North London pub, Hampstead Jazz Club is an intimate and atmospheric venue where you can listen to live jazz performances. Renowned acts from around the world play gigs here. Drinks are available to enjoy alongside the show, plus you can have a pre- or post-show dinner upstairs in the pub.

The New Evaristo Club aka Trisha's in Soho is a classic jazz club that is open seven days a week. It's a humble spot hidden behind an unassuming blue door, decorated with old-school decor and boasting a fiercely loyal clientele. Enjoy a drink from the fully stocked bar while listening to live music until late. Jazz features heavily, but other genres on the stage here include blues and soul.