Best Jazz Clubs in London

Best Jazz Clubs in London

21 July, 2008
by: Marcus

"London Jazz... Nice!"

Yes, thanks to The Fast Show, an entire generation has viewed this most misunderstood of musical genres with bewilderment and amusement. Yet now, thanks to a rejuvenated scene led by the likes of Polar Bear, Acoustic Ladyland and the Portico Quartet, (whisper it) jazz is cool again.

These days, the London jazz scene is in rude health, with every branch of the genre's tree represented. Here, in no particular order, we present the ten best bars and clubs to take in some top quality swing, be-bop, fusion, ragtime, gypsy jazz and whatever else might take your fancy, with contemporary and traditional given equal importance.

Le Quecumbar
The Quecumbar offers a full wine and dine experience, with oodles of jazz thrown into the bundle. The diverse menu and unequivicable selection of wines makes this place a winner even without the music, though the music is pretty good...Their unique inhouse gypsy swing is often interspersed with a showcase of new jazz artists from around the globe, making the quecumbar a great venue to spot talent. This place has it all, good food, great music, and to top it off the setting is perfect: a touch of nostalgic Parisian swing and the 1930s charm of pre-war France.

The Vortex Jazz Club
Established in 1987, The Vortex was originally located just around the corner in Church Street, before moving to the Dalston Culture House in 2005. Renowned for an open minded booking policy, this place has become a second home for London's nu-jazz fraternity, with the likes of Acoustic Ladyland and Polar Bear regular performers. Plus, they have Il Bacio pizza restaurant downstairs, a Spoonfed favourite.

Bulls Head Barnes
Barnes itself is a treat; an oasis of countryside in the middle of west London, with a picturesque pond and the shrine to Marc Bolan under the tree where he met his end in 1977. The Bulls Head is another integral part of the area, with a pub on the site from 1684, and the best jazz musicians, seven nights a week, from 1959 to the present day.

Ronnie Scott's
A longstanding institution on the London jazz scene, Ronnie Scott and Pete King opened the first incarnation way back in 1959, before moving to the larger current address on Frith Street six years later. All the greats have played here, and they've even hosted the likes of Pharcyde, Supergrass and Amy Winehouse recently, proving their eclecticism.

606 Club
This Chelsea stalwart (originally at 606 Kings Road) has been serving up the very best jazz stars of the last four decades, with everyone from Ronnie Scott to George Melly gracing the stage. These days they have a show every night, with lunchtime sessions most Sundays, and still attract top names.

Cafe Oto
Cafe Oto is a little gem in the heart of Dalston, combining experimental art with good music. The intimate setting makes this a perfect location for those laid back evenings of jazz; settle down with an exotic beer and a japanese snack and watch the talent. Cafe Oto aspires to provide a platform for performers that are having a hard time of it, making it a perfect place to see the stars before they hit it big and give you an excuse to use the line "i liked them before they were mainstream...".

Pizza Express Jazz Club
Not content with providing the nation's chavs with a sophisticated date venue, those guys at Pizza Express put on live music every night of the week at their Soho branch, allowing you to dine out in central London on a budget and catch some great blues, soul and jazz in the process. They've had the likes of Van Morrison and Amy Winehouse perform in the past, and how many pizza chain restaurants can boast that?

Jazz Café
Camden has been instrumental in the development of just about every other genre of popular music of the last half century, so it was appropriate that the Jazz Café sprung up on Parkway in the early '90s. The mezzanine restaurant, with perfect views of the stage, is a winner, and with a diverse programme encompassing everything from soul and rock to drum 'n' bass and house, this place is so much more than its name suggests.




Click here to see all London live music.
Click here to see all London jazz.
Click here to see all things to do in London.

Marcus