The best jazz bars and clubs in London

Opened in 1959, this legendary Soho institution made its name as the first club to host American jazz musicians in the UK. It was founded by two musicians – Pete King and, yep, you guessed it, Ronnie Scott himself – and, unsurprisingly given its long run, is steeped in history. It’s the site of many live album recordings by artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Nina Simone, Chet Baker, and Jamie Cullum. Its legacy extends to non-jazz circles, too, being the location of Jimi Hendrix’s last public performance in 1970. These days, the venue is still going strong, with a packed calendar of shows throughout the week.

Catering to a diverse crowd of serious jazz types in search of late-night sounds, this club has been part of London's musical landscape since 1976. It has curated a ‘speakeasy’ atmosphere, and it boasts that 606 is ‘where characters hang out’. Put that slogan to the test by paying it a visit. You’ll only find British musicians here, which has been the policy since its early days when that rule was put in place in a bid to support the local scene.

Sometimes, the one thing a good, dimly-lit jazz club is missing is pizza. That’s presumably what the top boss at Pizza Express was thinking when he opened the restaurant chain’s jazz club in Soho back in 1969. Turns out, he wasn’t wrong – why wouldn’t you want to nosh away on dough balls and Romano Padana while experiencing bonafide or soon-to-be legends whisking you away into a jazzy wonderland? Over the years, the likes of Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith, Gregory Porter, Jacob Collier and Sting have all graced the stage so this is the place to be for surprise showings from big names.

This Dalston restaurant-bar has a strong Japanese theme running through it, serving dishes inspired by the country’s izakayas – small, casual pubs serving cooked snacks. There’s also regular live music (mostly jazz) and jazz-centric DJ sets played through a top-notch soundsystem. It's probably not the place for old-school jazz purists, but Brilliant Corners is definitely a cool spot for beats and eats.

The Vortex has developed a strong profile on London's improv jazz scene and is now well known for its consistently exciting programming. Mopomoso is the improv club night to catch here. A monthly, it was founded in 1991 by guitarist John Russell and pianist, trumpeter and composer Chris Burn. Its aim was to 'promote improvised music and, where applicable, its relationship to other forms of contemporary music-making, with practitioners coming from backgrounds in jazz, rock, folk, classical, electronic, world and computer-generated music'. Expect instrumentation to range from the traditional to the newly invented, and there are occasional collaborations with artists working in poetry/spoken-word, dance, film and performance art, too.

This large, open space, which opened in 2008 and is tucked away down a side street behind Kingsland High Street, provides a fine home for a wide range of experimental music – including free improv – that exists well outside the mainstream. Operating as a relaxed, light and airy café during the day and a live music space in the evenings – pretty much seven days a week – Oto puts a strong emphasis on the more out-there underground artists. It's the kind of place you visit when you want to discover something completely different, regardless of genre. 

Sunday nights are jazz nights at this traditional pub on New Cross Road. Programmed by Good Evening Arts, you can head along and hear traditional and contemporary jazz, folk and world music for free. Picture New York’s Greenwich Village in the '60s, and you’ll have nailed the freewheeling, anything-goes vibe here.

Tucked away in a quiet part of Mile End Park, The Palm Tree is both a treasured boozer and a unique music venue. On weekend evenings, proudly old-school publicans Val and Alf Barrett invite a tight-knit troupe of jazz musicians to perform Great American Songbook favourites for loyal punters and curious passers-by. Because The Palm Tree occupies a fantastic standalone spot right by the Regent’s Canal, there are no uptight neighbours to whinge about noise.

The Jazz Cafe has long been a must-visit spot for jazz lovers in the capital – and for good reason. Its played host to some of the most iconic names in the modern jazz scene and continues to do so, while also putting a focus on rising stars of the genre. It also now boasts its own festival, which takes place in Burgess Park. Back at the Camden venue, though, you have two choices – get sweaty in the downstairs standing area, or book an upstairs table for a bit of luxury and a guaranteed good view.

This swanky gentleman's club-style venue offers live jazz, blues and soul music seven nights a week. On the calendar, you’ll find tributes to dearly departed legends of the game alongside performances from new stars on their way up and everything in between. Look out, too, for intimate gigs from some pretty big names.