Low-lit bars, whisky cocktails, and husky voices over bluesy melodies, there’s something innately sexy about spending an evening in a jazz bar. Although synonymous with New Orleans, London has long boasted a vibrant jazz scene. With the Soho Jazz Festival set for next month, we’ve rounded up the best the capital has to offer.
The Best Jazz Clubs in London
Words by
Clara Taylor
7th August 2025
From Amy Winehouse’s beloved Ronnie Scott’s to the intimate 606 club in Chelsea, these are the best jazz clubs in London that you should have on your list.
Saxophonist playing to an audience at The Piano Bar. ©Ilhan Beyazay.
Once described as a “private members’ jazz and cocktail den”, the Piano Bar is one of Soho’s hidden gems. Set beneath a working recording studio, this cosy spot is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. Expect a curated cocktail menu and intimate performances from a roster of talented singers like Kitty LaRoar, or the Piano Bar’s own music director, Nathan Britton. This is where artists come to play freely. Events are open to members or those with a ticket.
No walk-ins allowed, so be sure to book ahead info.soho.live/pianobarsoho
The Parlour at The Ned, The City
Best for food
The Parlour's luxurious shellfish selection.
If you take your jazz with a side of beluga caviar or Jersey oysters, The Parlour at The Ned should be your go-to. This decadently styled bolthole provides live entertainment from Thursday to Sunday with performances ranging from jazz and soul singers to cabaret and burlesque acts. Executive Head Chef Lee Kebble has designed a comprehensive menu featuring Steak Au Poivre, Chicken Kiev, as well as a luxurious shellfish selection. Paired with the extensive wine and cocktail list, it’s the perfect place to lock in and enjoy the stylings of household names and hotly tipped new acts alike.
You can book ahead or email [email protected] for private events thened.com
Cabaret performer at The Parlour, The Ned.
Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
Best for nostalgia
Soho is the beating heart of London’s jazz scene and Ronnie Scott’s is its unmistakable pulse. Opened in 1959 by Pete King and Ronald Schatt, this institution is steeped in London lore, including welcoming the Kray’s who may have taken Pete and Ronnie “for a little drive”. It’s home to recordings from industry titans Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Miles Davis, and famed for its surprise appearances from the likes of Lady GaGa, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. You never know who you’ll see, but you’re guaranteed a night of great music.
Tickets can be booked in advance or can be bought on the door if you find yourself at a loose end late in Soho ronniescotts.co.uk
606, Chelsea
Best for discovering new artists
An intimate evening at 606, Chelsea. ©Derek Nash.
In the 60s and 70s, 606 was the go-to late-night jazz hangout for British musicians. Once a modest basement with only seven tables and a log fire, it hosted impromptu performances from various transient artists. More than 50 years and a location change later, 606 hasn’t lost its original charm. Concealed by the towering luxury hotels in Chelsea, it is still small enough that it feels like you're being personally serenaded. 606 owner Steve Rubie is insistent that the club be a place where musicians can road test new ideas, so expect to see up-and-coming artists. Live performances are seven nights a week, and Sunday is the “special” singers’ night.
Capacity is limited to around 120 seats so reserve your space ahead of time 606club.co.uk
The Leopard Bar at The Montague, Holborn
Best for luxury
Three piece jazz band playing at The Leopard Bar, The Montague on the Gardens.
With its signature leopard print wallpaper, the Leopard bar is a refreshing departure from the hotel’s otherwise classic British elegance. Typically, from Thursday to Saturday, the bar hosts live jazz entertainment with special performances from the likes of Big Marty on the sax. While you're in the building, you can also book a sabrage lesson and a champagne tasting session in the adjacent wine cellar - a decadent nod to the hotel's old-world glamour.
Book a place at the bar at montaguehotel.com
Nightjar, Shoreditch
Best for cocktails
The bar at Nightjar, Shoreditch, known for some of the best cocktails in London. ©Paul Storrie.
Behind a hidden door in Old Street, Nightjar is the quintessential roaring 20s speakeasy. Recognised by Pinnacle as one of the world’s best cocktail bars, its menu is far from regular. From Singapore Slings to a Horse’s Neck, Nightjar is known for breathing new life into forgotten drinks. There are nightly showings of 20s, 30s, and 40s era jazz, swing and blues, making it the perfect date night spot. If you’re West-London way, you can also visit the second site, which opened a few years ago just off Carnaby Street.
Book into either location via barnightjar.com
Jack Solomon's Jazz Club, Soho
Best for a boogie
Drummer performing at Jack Solomon's in Soho. ©Jackson Mathod.
If you were to peer into Jack Solomon’s from the street, you’d likely assume it was just a deli. But as with any good jazz bar, what lies beneath is a different story. Slip downstairs and head straight for the piano room where there will be live jazz every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Be it Latin specials or smoky vocals, there’s a bit of everything. Once the live music ends, DJs take over, so stick around for a late-night boogie.
For your next night out, tickets can be reserved at jacksolomons.com
Vortex, Dalston
Best for jazz snobs
After moving to Dalston’s Culture House 20 years ago, Vortex has solidified its position in London as a proper jazz club. With well over 400 performances a year and the city’s longest-running improvised series, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the sound. Run by a passionate team of volunteers and jazz enthusiasts, the venue is a true labour of love for a genre that remains both experimental and accessible. As a not-for-profit dedicated to providing a stage for musical performances outside the mainstream, it's a great place to scout for something new.
To experience real jazz alongside connoisseurs, book a ticket via vortexjazz.co.uk
Quaglino’s, St James’s
Best for brunch
The iconic restaurant and jazz club, Quaglino's in St James's.
Descending the grand staircase at Quaglino’s, or ‘Quags’ as Patsy from AbFab would call it, feels like you’re entering a Great Gatsby party. It was once a former stomping ground for the Royals, Princess Margret even had a permanently reserved table. Although there are no longer any roaming cigarette girls, the live music is still a permanent feature. From smooth jazz to brassy big bands, Quaglino’s offers a full spectrum of performances. And you don’t need to wait until the evening to experience it, thanks to the Saturday jazz brunch.
Reserve a table at Quaglino’s via quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk
Alfie’s, Soho
Best for a relaxed vibe
Jazz band performing at Alfie's in Soho.
In the throng of jazz bars in Soho, Alfie’s stands out for its unpretentious charm and laid-back ambience. Guests are seated at candle-lit tables and served the club's signature Soho vodka martini, while listening to mellow saxophone riffs. Part of the Soho Live Club, Alfie’s producers match established industry players with emerging performers for a unique lineup. Performances run from Wednesday to Saturday, 6 pm – 1 am.
Strictly no walk-ins. Membership or tickets can be bought via info.soho.live/alfies
