Best Jazz Bars In London

If jazz fuels your evenings, Downstairs at 180 is a must-visit. This Clerkenwell hideout hosts live performances every Monday and Friday, showcasing top-tier talent in an intimate, acoustically warm setting.

The curation leans into the genre's depth - from smoky classics to contemporary, soulful runs - paired with cocktails that nod to old-school sophistication. When there's no live set, expect playlists that honour jazz's past and present. 

Jazz lovers looking for something understated will feel right at home at Sem's of Mayfair. Wednesday nights are dedicated to live jazz, performed in an intimate setting that lets the music shine without overwhelming the room. You can look forward to plush seating, low lighting, and expertly made cocktails.

It's the kind of place where you can actually talk between sets, making it perfect for dates or relaxed catch-ups that still feel cultured and special.

Looking for some of the best jazz events in London this weekend? Then head on over to Boisdale in Canary Wharf or Belgravia, 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.

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.

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.

Sem's of 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.

Tucked away speakeasy-style in the heart of Soho, Jack Solomons Club serves up sophisticated nights out. We're talking expertly crafted signature cocktails, decadent small plates and soulful sounds.

With a backlit bar, cosy seating and grand columns, it gives off old school elegance any day of the week. Get down here when the band's in full swing and you can sip your favourite tipple to the sounds of live piano and smooth jazz.

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 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.

Located close to the Thames in Richmond, The Bootlegger is a cool bar and live music venue inspired by the Prohibition era. They've got dedicated jazz nights ever Thursday, and there are a range of other live musicians and DJs playing throughout the week.

There's a fantastic cocktail menu to get stuck into while you're here. Feeling peckish? They also serve everything from roasted lamb shoulder to chicken and waffles or a vegan chilli ragout.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take a step back in time to the golden age of jazz at Larry's. Expect speakeasy glitz and old school Hollywood glamour within the historic vaults of the National Portrait Gallery.

Every night from Wednesday to Saturday, Kitty & Nick take to the stage for a session of standards with their big band sound. It's the perfect soundtrack to old fashioneds, negronis and all kinds of signature cocktails.

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.

Part of the elegant Bloomsbury Hotel, The Bloomsbury Club Bar is a sleek space that hosts free live jazz sessions every Wednesday and Saturday. They showcase talented musicians from all over the city, which you can enjoy while sipping on a carefully crafted cocktail from their Egyptian-themed menu.

The stunning surrounds here include indoor trees wrapped in twinkling fairy lights, as well as exposed brick walls and comfy sofas - creating the feel of a cosy, magical garden space. And if you're feeling peckish, they serve bar snacks such as 28 day-aged beef sliders, truffle fries and gorgonzola arancini.

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.

Sibin Speakeasy is the sexy secret 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.

London's longest-running independent music venue, The 100 Club has seen the great and the good of all things jazz take to its stage since the 1940s. B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Ronnie Scott are just some of the legendary names to have stopped by over the years. 

Today, its event listings see regular blues and jazz nights as well as gigs by the best bands and touring musicians on the scene today. With low-ceilings, a stage within touching distance and a whole lot of history, gigs here are live, loud and live long in the memory.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Winning a DesignMyNight award in 2024 for being London's best late-night guilty pleasure, Ronnie Scott's is one that you won't want to miss. This historic spot can be found on Soho's Frith Street, claiming its place as one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world - having been around since 1959. They welcome international jazz artists, predominantly from the USA, while showcasing British talent too in the form of support acts. And for something a little earlier in the day? Check out their Sunday jazz lunches too.

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.

An immersive evening of live jazz, complete with a talented band on board, this fantastic Jazz Cruise takes place every Friday. Set off from Westminster Pier, before seeing some of London's most iconic sights as you journey along the Thames.

This three-hour event promises amazing music throughout, as well as a sumptuous three-course meal as you listen.

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.

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.