Jazz might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of London. But, is there a better match for ‘the big smoke’, than some smooth tunes to tap the night away? The locals certainly seem to agree, with London’s jazz scene alive and kicking. Whether you’re looking for glitz and glamour, or avant-garde, at JazzCafe we’ve got countless recommendations for the perfect jazz bars in London. We’re going to take a tour of the Jazz bars in London, to see what kind of thing the city has to offer.
A Short History of Jazz in London
The original ragtime musical stylings were imported to London in the late 1890s. This huge influence on jazz music as a whole, came about as a result of the widespread dissemination of piano sheet music from American orchestras. The community of black musicians in the states, namely the Dixieland Jazz Band, who had discovered the perfect blend of ragtime and blues, released what is widely considered the first jazz record in 1917. Just in time too, as ‘Jass’ was about to gain a huge British fanbase.
At this perfect juncture in British history, the war was ending, and the roaring 20s were about to begin. The cosmopolitan centre of London was primed for the Southern Syncopated Orchestra to take the city by storm. This group of British West Indian, West African, and American musicians were a mainstay in the dance clubs of the time. As the 1920s wore on, many more jazz ensembles joined their side, playing “extremely difficult” arrangements in the new jazz bars of London.
It wouldn’t be until the 1930s that jazz took full popular hold of Britain, with the No 1 Rhythm Club opening in London in 1933. After this first jazz bar in London, countless more followed, and soon jazz would motivate a nation in the Second World War. The 1950s saw jazz take root in the youth culture of the time, and immigration ensured there were plenty of players from the Caribbean. In 1959, Ronnie Scott opened his eponymous jazz bar that still thrives today. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for jazz’s popular appeal, which began to fade as the 1960s passed.
Finally, in the 1980s new musicians helped to rekindle the love for jazz in Britain. During the following two decades, many mainstays of the jazz bar scene opened their doors for the first time. Thankfully, the modern love for jazz is yet to fade, with new jazz bars London opening every year…
Where to Look for Jazz in London…
Soho – This district has always been at the forefront of new trends, and it was no different when it came to Jazz. The Big Apple, Club Panama, The Blue Lagoon, and Shim Sham were all established in Soho in the 1930s and 40s. Although not one of these clubs remains, there are a range of jazz bars in Soho that pay homage to their late and great predecessors, and take the art form in new directions.
Camden – This youthful suburb was slightly late to the jazz trend, with the Jazz Cafe opening its doors in 1990. Although this was almost a decade removed from the first jazz records that took Britain by storm, Camden certainly helped push the popularity of modern jazz bars in London. Nowadays, there are countless cafes hidden down alleys and in basements, that provide great atmosphere and greater music.
Dalston – This east London locality has always helped budding musicians push the boundaries of their genres. When it comes to jazz, 1988’s Vortex Club takes the top spot. This popular haunt hosted famous jazz musicians of the 50s and 60s, like Evan Parker, and Kenny Wheeler, and of the 21st century. Now, this area of London even pioneers nu-jazz, but it definitely still has more than enough historic flavour.
JazzCafe’s Top Picks for Jazz Bars in London
Some suburbs might have more of an affinity for jazz than others, but there are jazz bars in London spread far and wide across the city. To save you a lot of searching, we’ve compiled our favourite jazz bars in London, below:
1. Jazz After Dark – This London jazz bar opened in 1985, and has hosted some incredible acts over the years. The eclectic decor hints at their playlist, with a range of stylings in jazz, funk, and soul. The snug bar offers live music from Tuesday to Saturday, every week, accompanied by tasty food, and a range of classic cocktails and wines.
2. The Luggage Room – Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, jazz, swing and other classics ring out around this marble-floored bar in Mayfair. Once a luggage room at the Marriott Hotel, this cosy bar has since been refurbished, but still carries centuries of history in its walls. Relax in white leather chairs, with a signature short or highball, and soak up the speakeasy soul.
3. Nightjar – It’s easy to miss this beautiful jazz bar, placed between a KFC and a café, on Shoreditch’s City Road. Nightjar is open 7 nights a week, with late night, live jazz sets ringing out until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Bringing forgotten cocktails to the forefront of their menu, you can sit at the bar at sip the night away to the sound of saxophones, surrounded by prohibition New York theming. They also have a second location in Carnaby, if you find yourself in the West End.
4. 606 Club – Bringing jazz to London since 1976, 606 Club is housed in upmarket Chelsea, on Lots Road. The low lighting, and large stage set an unbeatable atmosphere. However, with a serving of Sunday lunch to accompany the soothing sounds, this jazz club in London is refreshingly grounded. With in-house bands gracing the stage every day of the week, there’s no shortage of brilliant jazz behind 606 Club’s unassuming front doors.
5. BYOC – An incredible experience in the heart of Covent Garden, this jazz bar in London asks that you ‘Bring Your Own Cocktail’. Simply hand your best loved liquor over to the expert barman, and they’ll do the rest, presenting you with your own personalised cocktails. When it comes to music, soft jazz sounds out across the bar, but you won’t find much by way of live acts here. Instead, go for the easy-going, West End jazz vibe, and stay for the fabulous drinks and friendly hosts.