The best hotspots for jazz and dining
Don your spats and chase your steak down with a Jack Daniels as you listen to some great jazz.
Not that it ever really went away, but London's jazz scene is experiencing something of a resurgence, of late. Whether it's the popularisation of jazzophanists such as Jamie Cullum and his Radio 2 show or the mass of crowd-pleasing speakeasies popping up across the capital which has borne a nostalgia for prohibition-era nightlife - one thing is for sure: we've got a thirst for jazz and we can't get enough.
What, therefore, could be more civilised than coupling some great music with some great food? Well, very little.
So don your spats and chase your steak down with a Jack Daniels as you listen to some of the capital's best jazz.
Nice.
Really nice.
This historical venue is a must-visit for fans of jazz. There is a quiet, appreciative atmosphere, as although dining tables face the stage, an announcement before each show warns the audience to switch mobiles off and keep talking to a minimum. Now over 50 years old, line ups continue to feature the biggest names in jazz, but be warned, it’s a pricey experience.
There are over 35 varieties of gin on offer at the stylish Arch Bar, where this fortnightly event takes place. There is a concise, suitably chic menu of sharing plates (tuna sashimi, beef steak empanada) and the music focuses on the sounds of the 1920s-40s.
This Scottish whisky bar and restaurant has live jazz every night, as well as Cuban cigars and a large selection of champagne. Artists range from the Congo Faith Healers to Billie Holliday tribute acts. There are three branches, in <a href=”http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant-16566.php”>Canary Wharf</a>, <a href=”http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-8384.php”>Bishopsgate</a> and Belgravia.
This Mayfair venue is ideal for late night jazz and dancing, as it’s open till 3am every night of the week. The food is a little on the pricey side however (mains cost around £20) and it’s a firm favourite for corporate nights out.
As well as their nightly performances, Spice of Life host live jazz every Friday lunchtime. It’s an intimate venue that has seen the likes of Jamie Cullum and Soweto Kinch turn up to play. Food is hearty pub fare.
This veteran basement club south of Chelsea is for those who are serious about their love of jazz. UK performers are favoured and the entirety of the cover charge goes to them. The menu has Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, all made on the premises.
The Mediterranean tapas aren’t the best here, but most people don’t go for the food. Cramped and bustling, this late night venue has bags of atmosphere; Amy Winehouse once turned up with a group of friends and did an impromptu set.
This award-winning Italian is a City favourite, but aside from the discerning menu there is live jazz from 7pm onwards every Tuesday to Saturday. Expect agreeable, slightly middle-of-the-road sounds and a moneyed crowd.
The jazz club and restaurant are separate at Streatham’s Hideway, but it’s worth stopping by for a bite to eat first, and there is even a sommelier to hand. The line ups feature a mixture of big names like Courtney Pine and up-and-coming performers.
