The best jazz clubs in London in 2026 are Ronnie Scott's in Soho, the world-famous home of London jazz since 1959; PizzaExpress Live on Dean Street for intimate gigs with dinner; the 606 Club in Chelsea for a basement club atmosphere; the Jazz Cafe in Camden for soul and jazz; and the Vortex in Dalston for adventurous music.
London has one of the world's great jazz scenes, from the legendary Soho clubs to the experimental venues of Dalston. Most clubs sell tickets for each set in advance, and many expect you to have dinner or a minimum spend. Late shows and jam sessions are cheaper and often the most fun.
London's legendary jazz club, on Frith Street since 1965.
Ronnie Scott's opened in 1959 and moved to Frith Street in 1965, and has hosted many of the biggest names in jazz. The red-lit club, with table service and close-up views of the stage, is the classic London jazz night.
Upstairs, the smaller bar hosts late-night sessions.
Good to know: Book early for big names, or catch the cheaper late show.
47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT
An intimate basement jazz club under a pizzeria on Dean Street.
PizzaExpress Live's Soho club, in the basement of the Dean Street restaurant, has been one of London's key jazz venues for decades, with dinner served at your table during the show.
It suits a relaxed evening of food and music.
Good to know: Book a table near the front for the best view.
10 Dean Street, London W1D 3RW
A basement jazz club and restaurant in Chelsea, open late.
The 606 Club on Lots Road is a basement club where diners eat while British and international musicians play. It has a long history of supporting UK jazz talent.
It is a good choice for dinner with live music late into the evening.
Good to know: Check the booking rules on its website; music is often with dinner.
90 Lots Road, London SW10 0QD
Camden's live music venue for jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop.
The Jazz Cafe on Parkway hosts live jazz, soul, funk, R&B and hip-hop, with an upstairs restaurant balcony overlooking the stage and club nights after the gigs.
It suits a lively night out rather than a quiet listening session.
Good to know: Book the balcony restaurant for a seated view of the stage.
5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG
A not-for-profit club for adventurous, contemporary jazz.
The Vortex on Gillett Square in Dalston is a small, not-for-profit club known for modern and improvised jazz, and for championing new UK talent.
It is the place to hear where London jazz is heading.
Good to know: Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland stations are a short walk away.
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
A café by day and a venue for experimental and free jazz by night.
Cafe OTO in Dalston is internationally known for experimental music, free jazz and improvisation, in a simple, intimate room.
It suits curious listeners who want something genuinely different.
Good to know: Some evenings sell out; buy ahead for well-known artists.
18–22 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL
A Soho pub with a basement jazz and music venue.
Spice of Life is a Victorian pub at Cambridge Circus with a basement venue hosting jazz and other live music.
It is an affordable, informal alternative to the bigger Soho clubs.
Good to know: Combine it with dinner in Soho or Chinatown.
6 Moor Street, London W1D 5NA
A French brasserie with a jazz club upstairs, in Kennington.
Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington combines a French brasserie with an intimate jazz club, hosting live music several nights a week.
It suits a relaxed dinner-and-jazz evening south of the river.
Good to know: Kennington and Elephant & Castle stations are nearby.
140 Newington Butts, London SE11 4RN
Ronnie Scott's on Frith Street in Soho, which opened in 1959 and has hosted many of the greatest names in jazz.
Yes for Ronnie Scott's and PizzaExpress Live, especially at weekends. Smaller venues and late-night jam sessions often have tickets on the door.
Some bars and pubs host free jam sessions, and the Southbank Centre runs free foyer events. Check listings, as programmes change.
Ronnie Scott's, PizzaExpress Live on Dean Street and the Spice of Life on Moor Street are all in Soho, within a few minutes' walk.
See our cocktail bars guide for bars with live music, and the West End shows guide.