A Connoisseur's Guide to London's Best Jazz Spots

London has a huge jazz heritage and the most iconic names of the genre have been lighting up the scene in the big smoke since the early days. Most of London’s jazz venues pay tribute to the only true American art form almost every day.

1. The most famous one of them all is the swanky Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street in London.  Created by music-lovers for music-lovers, it has played host to almost half a century of the biggest names in jazz. A place for young and old, Ronnie’s place in Soho is going strong since 1959.

2. Tucked away behind the antique shops and auction rooms in Chelsea is the 606 Club on the Lots Road. For a true authentic jazz experience and a totally unpretentious vibe this is the place.

3. Another favourite in Soho is Pizza Express on Dean Street by Soho Square. Construction on the Cross Rail has obscured the venue from view but is still bopping with delicious jazz every night of the week.

4. The Bull’s Head, or the Bull as it is known to the inner circle, is situated beautifully on the river Thames in Barnes and is regarded as one of London’s best loved jazz venues and has been visited by the likes of Ben Webster and Maynard Ferguson.

5. The Boisdale is the upmarket cigar smoking, whiskey drinking and tartan wearing restaurant and bar in Belgravia. More a gentlemen’s club than a jazz hangout, it has occasionally some little gems playing.

6. A real secret is The Haggerston on the Kingsland Road in Dalston. From Sunday’s 11pm onwards it is “jazz time” and jazz is served in many formidable shapes and forms. 

So get out there, grab yourself a whiskey and a cigar and soak up the capitals best blue note spots.