London is famed for its jazz bars – and anyone who is well versed in the capital’s soulful scene will know there’s much more on offer here than Ronnie Scott’s. While it continues to be one of Soho’s biggest historical draws, and regularly hosts a stellar array of artists, venture further afield to Bank, Chelsea and Dalston and you’ll find equally excellent spots to get your jazz fix. Go inside London’s best jazz bars below. 

The Parlour at The Ned, Bank

While many frequent The Ned, it’s only a select few that know about its subterranean jazz bar, The Parlour. Squeeze past the dancers twirling around the banking hall’s main podium, scoot downstairs and walk past the Vault bar to discover an intimate dining room paying homage to Europe’s Art Deco jazz and cabaret bars of days gone by. Adorned in dark floral wallpaper, velvet sofas and featuring low lighting, hotly-tipped acts such as Ronnie Scott’s sell-out performer Judi Jackson and Jazz FM’s Vocalist of the Year, Cherise Adams-Burnett, will take to the stage. Listen to soulful sounds while dining on chef Lee Kebble’s Jazz It Up menu, featuring steak au poivre, lobster thermidor, chicken kyiv as well as a luxurious shellfish selection. 

27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ, visit thened.com

Brasserie Zedel, Soho

Harking back to Paris’ heyday as the world’s jazziest destination, the ritzy Brasserie Zedel is a go-to for those after fine French fare accompanied by the soothing sounds of live music. The main brasserie is lined by a lit stage which regularly hosts a plethora of cellists, pianists, saxophonists and vocalists, while the snug Crazy Coqs bar is home to cabaret, theatre and live music every night of the week. Serviced by a cocktail list that shines a spotlight on the daring individuals who lit up the Parisian cabaret scene, from La Belle Epoque to Les Années Folles, upcoming shows include a Marilyn Monroe tribute, vocalist Gary Williams (famed for his portrayal of Frank Sinatra on the West End) and Moulin Rouge cast member Ben Richards. 

20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED, visit brasseriezedel.com

Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

It goes without saying that this is one of the best jazz bars in London, if not the world. Famous for attracting artists including the Beatles, Peter O’Toole, Harold Pinter and Jimi Hendrix, who performed his last public show here in 1970, the club was first opened in 1959 by up-and-coming tenor saxophonist Ronnie Scott and former tenor sax player Pete King. The club quickly went from strength to strength, and is now deemed the ‘spiritual home of British jazz’. Book today (highly recommended, the club gets especially busy on weekends) to be wowed with performances by the likes of legendary trombonist Fred Wesley, sought-after jazz player Rachael Cohen and Jazz FM’s award-winning vocalist Georgia Cécile. 

47 Frith Street, W1D 4HT, visit ronniescotts.co.uk

Louie, Covent Garden

This Paris-meets-New-Orleans party palace on West Street is always a good spot for sumptuous food and live entertainment but Tuesdays in particular are a real treat for jazz lovers. Head upstairs to Louie’s golden-hued Alligator Bar to discover a roster of live artists playing timeless melodies, with previous programmes including performances by Louie’s in-house jazz band, Robin Katz and James Larter, and SOL Collective. Pair with a shuck load of fresh Callingford oysters and lobster rolls alongside decadent serves – we love the Dozen for a Nickel, featuring white rum, pistachio, sweet black tea, citrus – and you’re in for a jolly good knees up. 

13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE, visit louie-london.com

Nightjar, Shoreditch

The epitome of speakeasy sophistication, you can find the golden hues and classy vibes of Nightjar behind a hidden door near Old Street. This understated bolthole has a reputation for delectable cocktails – divided into themes of pre-prohibition, prohibition, post-war and Nightjar Signatures – but those who wish to linger a little longer can enjoy live performances from some of the UK’s best jazz, soul and blues musicians every night from 9pm (with late shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 1am). To give you a taste of the old-school glamour, former acts include Cuban-influenced Sugar Kings, The Fallen Heroes Quartet from New Orleans and jazz vocalist Miss Jones. 

129 City Road, EC1V 1JB, visit barnightjar.com

Vortex, Dalston

Vortex is more spit-and-sawdust than Golden Age glam – but anyone with an ear for jazz will know this is certainly a sign of a good night. Home to London’s experimental jazz scene, Vortex has been open Tuesday-Sunday until 11pm every week since 1984. Top innovative musicians, such as Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor and Norma Winstone, were regulars in the 1990s, as was saxophonist Elton Dean whose weekly avant-garde music night paved the way for Vortex to become a collaborative music space where aspiring artists would get together, jam and listen to new works. Today, the template is pretty much the same, with the two-storey building featuring rehearsal spaces, catering services and a concise bar. Visit here to watch the next generation of jazz artists perform, with Vortex instrumental in the launch of many careers, such as Mercury Prize-nominated bands Polar Bear and Portico Quartet.

11 Gillett Square, N16 8AZ, visit vortexjazz.co.uk

Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho

Fancy funk and soul with a side of margarita pizza and spaghetti bolognese? It may seem unlikely but this Pizza Express outpost on Dean Street is first and foremost a jazz bar – one that opened in 1976 and has steadily built on its reputation to become one of Europe’s best jazz clubs. Having hosted debut shows for the likes of Gregory Porter, Diana Krall, Amy Winehouse and Van Morrison, anyone worth their salt on the UK’s soul music scene has graced this stage. World-class musicians perform here every night, seven days a week, so if you’re looking for a reliable choice in Soho, this is your best bet. 

10 Dean Street, W1D 3RW, visit pizzaexpresslive.com

606 Club, Chelsea

Another London institution can be found tucked away on Chelsea’s Lots Road – but despite its unassuming appearance, it’s actually one of London's most diverse live music venues, having presented jazz, soul, groove, latin, R&B, gospel and blues seven nights a week since 1976. Decked out with white-clothed circle tables featuring low-lit lamps and a large stage, 606 is nothing short of atmospheric, and regularly hosts the likes of Dan Reinstein, Tim Whitehead and Hamish Stuart. 

90 Lots Road, SW10 0QD, visit 606club.co.uk

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