10 Contemporary Jazz Venues in London

1. Jazz Cafe, Camden

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Camden, London, the Jazz Cafe stands tall as a timeless haven for music enthusiasts. This iconic venue has been serving up soulful sounds and captivating performances for decades, earning its reputation as a mecca for jazz lovers and live music connoisseurs.

As you step through its doors, you'll be embraced by the rich tapestry of history that adorns the Jazz Cafe's walls. From legendary jazz icons to trailblazing artists who have graced its stage, this venue has witnessed the evolution of music over the years, carving its place in the annals of musical heritage.

On the 27th of July, the Jazz Cafe will set the stage ablaze with an electrifying event brought to you by New Wave. This exclusive evening will be a celebration of contemporary sounds and cutting-edge talent that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. Prepare to be mesmerized by the soul-stirring melodies of Solomon, a rising star whose passion for music intertwines with the depths of his soul.Joining him on this unforgettable night is the sensational Kali Claire. Her velvety smooth vocals, paired with her effortless charisma, create a magnetic aura that envelopes the entire venue.Rounding out the lineup is Vinch, a true maestro of beats and melodies. With his innovative approach to music production and a penchant for creating immersive sonic landscapes

Purchase tickets to the event HERE

2. Cafe OTO, Dalston

Lurking behind the busy Kingsland Road and just before Ridley Road market, lands Cafe OTO - the heart of contemporary and alternative music in London.

During the day Cafe OTO operates as a light and friendly community hub, selling books, records, tapes, CDs and serving deliciously fresh food.

By night, OTO becomes the ‘coolest venue in Britain’, according to Vogue Italia. While known as a centre for free jazz, experimental music and improvisation, OTO also holds a space for folk, rock, noise and electronica music.

OTO was founded in 2008 by Hamish Dunbar and Keiko Yamamoto, its name is Japanese for sound/noise. The venue operates without funding, however, given the reputation of the space, has received multiple grants and prizes from both the Arts Council, art mentors and their membership scheme.

I highly recommend Cafe OTO for contemporary jazz and as an independent creative space to expand musical horizons.

Note, Cafe OTO only sell tickets online. One of their main policies is keeping ticket costs low and accessible - they are usually around £8 for an international musician and £6 for local artists. https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/info/

3. Karamel, Wood Green

Karamel is a venue hosting live jazz, theatre, poetry, and exhibition space. Focussed on capturing diversity and enhancing accessibility, Karamel has a warm aura. It is a creative space for emerging artists and creatives to collaboratively contribute and is open for all to enjoy.

4. Jazz at The Parakeet, Kentish Town (formerly The Oxford)

If you happen to be in Kentish Town on a Monday evening then The Parakeet is not just a great Victorian pub, but also a sweet spot for contemporary jazz. Hosting weekly jazz musicians, both locally and internationally, this is a beautiful location. I recently heard Mark Kavuma and the Banger Factory at The Parakeet, which was immense. If there is one thing to take away from this article it is Mark Kavuma.

Note, use Jazz at the Parakeet’s website not The Parakeets for jazz events. https://jazzattheparakeet.com/

5. Map Studio Cafe, Kentish Town

Map Studio Cafe is probably my favourite space on this list, there is something truly authentic and beautiful about this venue, whether on a warm summer evening or when rain is taking London hostage.

The downstairs of the venue is a cafe, with lots of chess boards, records, CDs and Camden Hells on tap. Meanwhile upstairs lives a small space for cosy gigs, also the perfect spot for a date. While mainly catering to free jazz, Map also hosts folk artists and more genre-bending music, especially improvisation. On one visit to Map Studio, I watched the saxophonist put down his instrument and blow into a beer bottle for twenty minutes, I learnt not to go to Map with a closed mind.

Check Map’s website for events, tickets can be bought at the venue. http://mapstudiocafe.com/

6. The Other - Stoke Newington

A space I recently discovered is the wonderful ‘The Other’ in the heart of Stoke Newington. While its exterior is humble, resting above Manor Snooker Club, internally this space is immense (words will fail to do justice!).

I went to one of their weekly open jam events and was not let down, from spoken word slam poetry to progressive rock and cyclically back into contemporary jazz - a jam night here can occupy most of the genres out there! It is a venue facilitating art and creativity in all its glory and dimension, capturing a psychedelic idyll like no other on this list.

Primarily, what I think also differs about this space is not just the music that is free, the audience is also liberated… on arrival we were told to grab a mic whenever we felt like it, regardless of ability. There is no stiffness: you can stand, you can sit (you could probably lie down if you wanted to), you can talk, you can socialise, you can be alone, you can shop for records, you can dance, you can join in. I appreciated the immersive and liberating anarchy of The Other - its lack of boundary between performer/listener - and that being reflected by the space’s physical equality.

Also, this space is home to characters, huge characters. From nudity, to live projected visuals, a night at The Other I doubt is ever routine. Truly, it is a world that never tires.

Note, The Other is cash only. There is also a record exchange and bar. https://www.theothers.uk.com/

7. Matchstick Pie House – Deptford

Another venue south of the river is Matchstick Pie House in Deptford, which is a space that has been reserved for experimental art and sound, paired with steaming-hot vegan pies!

Matchstick Pie House’s calendar is packed with jazz and other alternative music picks, such as folk, donk, happy hardcore, fusion, poetry, theatre and open mic nights. It is worth checking their calendar just to observe the wide audio spectrum being catered for. https://matchsticktheatre.com/

8. Avalon Cafe - Bermondsey

Avalon is a perfect location for those near the southeast of London. I think the images and clips demonstrate Avalon's enchantment, however, be sure to check Avalon Cafe's social media where most of their events are advertised.

9. Vortex – Dalston

Another spot in the northeast is Vortex Jazz Club.

Vortex began as the humble manifestation of David Mossman and Irving Kinnersley, thirty years ago. However, the space has evolved significantly throughout this period.

When Vortex first opened it was primarily an art gallery in the neighbouring Stoke Newington, later a café was opened to raise funds to keep the space open. The gallery developed to include a bookshop and art supplies, only later becoming a music venue.

Initially, the club focussed on giving local artists a space to perform, however soon became a platform for international jazz musicians to play. Yet following lease issues, the club was forced to move to Gillet Square in Dalston in 2005, recently being refurbished. However, the space continues to centralise community through council cooperative developments within Hackney and as a volunteer-led space.

While probably less exclusive than Cafe OTO, Vortex is an intimate, unassuming space devoted to experimental music. The listening experience is like no other, both transcendent and highly personalised. Vortex and OTO are truly Dalston’s hidden gems for leftfield jazz.

10. The Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s – Soho

Would a list of London’s jazz venues be complete without the ostensive Ronnie Scott’s?

Established in 1959 in Soho, Ronnie’s has since become a globally recognised name, hosting the likes of Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Jimi Hendrix.

Unfortunately, that means the venue has become more expensive due to its glamorous reputation and allure. Nonetheless, jazz at Ronnie Scott’s is definitely worth the financial bleed – in particular - the late late show is a good option and usually less busy (if you can stay awake until the early hours of the morning)!