Top 5 Jazz Nights in London

The London Jazz Scene is alive and well, with a whole host of regular jazz nights throughout the city. Here are our Top 5:

By Charlie Walker | Updated Aug 30 2023

A dimly lit lounge with people seated on sofas and chairs, and a band playing brass instruments near the back. Warm, yellow lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Patrons are engaged in conversation and one person is using a laptop while having a drink.

Nu Jazz Generation - at CLF Art Lounge

The image features a promotional poster for Nu Jazz Generations, a live jazz event at the CLF Art Lounge. The text, Championing the new wave of live jazz, is prominently displayed below the event title. Stylized artwork of musicians playing instruments frames the text.

CLF Art Lounge - 4a-12a Station Way, Peckham, London SE15 4RX

On the first Wednesday of every month, the CLF Art Lounge celebrates the new, young faces in jazz.

Bussey building's top floor is one of our favourite spots at Culture Calling, hosting numerous, free events from Latin Jazz brunches to Rooftop DJ sets, and their Nu Jazz Generation series is another string to their bow.

The event is seated, so book a free table and enjoy some jazz in the old way: sat down, with a drink and a meal.

See their upcoming events here.

Wednesday Night Jazz Jam - Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's

A black sign with neon lights hangs on a building. The sign reads ronnie scott's in red, 6:30 pm - 3 am in white, and OPEN NIGHTL in green. A neon saxophone lights up in blue next to the text. Red-brick architecture is visible in the background.

Ronnie Scott's - 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT

While Ronnie Scott’s all-seated downstairs is one of Europe’s most famous and celebrated jazz clubs, their upstairs sharply contrasts it with a nightclub-like, youthful atmosphere.

Their regular Wednesday night Jazz Jam is one of the most talked about events upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, with Andy Davies on the trumpet, hosting high-energy sessions featuring the newest and oldest in jazz.

Tickets are £10 on the door and there is no booking in advance. Pop in if you’re hanging about Soho on a Wednesday night.

See their upcoming events here.

Momoposa - at Vortex

A band performs live at the Vortex, a jazz club. Five musicians play various instruments: guitar, percussion, trumpet, double bass, and violin. The stage is dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere, with the audience seated in front of the stage.

Vortex Jazz Club - 11 Gillett Square, N16 8AZ

Dalston's Vortex is home to an intimate, old school, downstairs space, hosting huge names across the London jazz spectrum and further afield, including the brilliant Jas Kayser, Poppy Daniels, and Riley Stone-Lonergan.

The Dalston club holds a midweek jam session, where attendees can bring their own instruments for a sesh, and a regular Saturday afternoon session holding a rotation of London-based performers.

Their Momoposa monthly session, however, is the most exciting, self-described as “the UK’s longest running concert series dedicated to freely improvised music”.

Held on the last Sunday of every month, Vortex boasts hosting the most exciting improv jazz session in the nation. Tickets are £12, and £8 for members, and for any jazz fans tired of the same spots, this might be the crown jewel.

Check out their upcoming events here.

Live Music - at Evans & Peel

A dimly lit bar with a warm ambiance, featuring a backlit cabinet of small drawers. The counter is adorned with a variety of fresh fruits, glasses, and bar tools. A tall candle burns in the center, casting a soft glow over the setup.

Evan's and Peel Detective Agency - 310C Earls Court Road, Earls Court, SW5 9BA

Here’s an interesting one. A 'secret' cocktail bar and jazz lounge masquerading as a detective agency, asking customers to submit a case file in lieu of a reservation, menu’s in the form of handwritten profiles of suspects, and bounty’s as prices.

Maybe a bit overboard on the theme for some, but every weekend it holds regular, prohibition era-style jazz nights, complete with flappers and othersuch pre-depression affects. A perfect fit for lovers of old school jazz, who want the complete old school experience to boot.

See a list of their upcoming events here.

Spice Jazz - at the Spice of Life

A cozy, dimly lit bar with a small stage set against a brick wall. A neon sign reading The Spice of Life hangs above the stage, which has musical instruments and microphones set up. Tables and chairs for guests are scattered around the room, creating an intimate atmosphere.

The Spice of Life - 6 Moor Street, W1D 5NA

Soho’s Spice of Life pub is known for its live music space downstairs, but their Thursday jazz night is a strong addition to Soho’s bustling nightlife. The last few months have seen Noemi Tutti on the harp, Tony Kofi with a tribute to Thelonious Monk, and the Thad Jones Legacy Orchestra.

Usually a cheaper and less busy option than Ronnie Scott’s, usually with a similar share of artists, the weekly Spice Jazz sessions come with a huge variety of styles across the ever-wide sphere of jazz.

See the list of their events here.