I enjoyed live music in a lively atmosphere at the famously well known London Jazz Cafe. The evening was even more special because it was my birthday. This was a spontaneous stop while I was in Camden town, passed by LJC and couldn't resist going inside. There was a cover charge to enter ($30), which was completely overpriced for entertainment that was just okay. No review of the food as I did not partake; I arrived just after having dinner nearby. There isn't a lot of seating, mostly standing room. But a very chill/laidback vibe. I came I saw I conquered! Would I go again? Sure. If the musical entertainment is worth it, absolutely! read more

Jazz Cafe - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

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Most of us are suckers for beauty....and silly you I am not talking about just humans.....building can be beautiful too!! Check this beauty out! The beauty of the outside is a eye catcher!! Yes I like architecture so it truly caught my eye. Once you walk in the vibe is like most clubs. Not too much differences. They have two bars one on each side. They also have an upstairs where you can sit down and eat. It's very close seating. The food they have on the menu is decent. I had the vegan burger with fries and it was delicious!! Love when the bun is not bigger than the burger itself so that was a win. I also had a few drinks and they were all on point as well. Just as a warning the two nights I was there you are not able to get whatever drink you want, there are certain drinks they have available that they can make or of course they have well drinks as well. I was a bit disappointed by that because I really wanted to have a nice mixed cocktail. The staff were very nice. Didn't have any issues. All in all, just place to watch some great music from talented musicans! read more

Jazz Cafe - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

I enjoyed this intimate Jazz club. If you get there early and don't have a table seat for upstairs you can chill at the seats on ground floor until the main event. Pretty chill crowd but it is dependent on the artist playing. I saw Mancunian jazz singer Micah Millar and she was amazing! read more

Los Angeles to London. One of the coolest spots in London. Drinks and music were on point. Servers were really nice and super attentive. I will visit again and recommend this spot to anyone looking for a vibey atmosphere read more

Great venue to see live music. The bar was large and there were no lines. Prices were reasonable as well. Great sound too.

READ THIS!!! After seeing Queen Bey's Renaissance Tour concert in Cardiff, we headed to London and found this spot online. Should have checked the reviews first. My bad. Paid 7 pounds each online to enter before 11. They get you with that reservation system. Cause when you show up and it's a grimy little hell hole, you can't get your $ back. When you show up and there is no jazz. When you show up and the whole club is like one dark room. You have paid for the insult! We would not dare eat here. We didn't even like smelling the place. We stayed not quite 10 minutes. And we left. It was just a bunch of tourists looking thirsty to get lucky in London. Worse, Camden is a shit show at night. Somebody got stabbed or something in the Underground and we had to take a bus home. So much for our fun jazzy night out. Thanks for nothing Jazz Cafe. read more

I will always have fond memories of this iconic venue and have seen some incredible artists here including legendary Hip Hop group The Pharcyde, the late great Lynden David Hall and former sex god soul star (now morbidly obese) D'Angelo. However, that was then and this is now: over inflated prices, unimaginative programming and cancellations and postponements of several gigs have resulted in a complete lack of interest for this venue on my part. They are currently charging £45 a ticket for Angie 'feeder' Stone (the sole cause of D'angelo's demise). Hello? She hasn't been popular since the boot cut jean and Jamiroquai era and even then it was touch and go. I am a fan of all genres of music and am actually quite pleased that the Jazz Café are clearly focussing on an older crowd so that I no longer have to pay exorbitant prices to see international artists that used to come to London and play there. The sad thing is, this venue used to cater to several tastes and all ages and now seems to have slipped into a homogenous and rather dull programming pattern in order to push up the prices even more, sacrificing interesting new music and a dedicated fan base. read more

Jazz Cafe - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Please do not come here if you do not have a ticket. if you're in London for the first time they are not accommodating to people who do not have tickets. 1 hour 45 queue with bouncers who fully prioritise ticket holders. read more

I'm surprised to learn that I'm the first person to review 'London's famous jazz venue'. It's been pretty persisent over the years despite its small size. World famous acts as well as lesser known up-and-comers entertain the crowd here seven nights a week, encompassing Jazz, Soul, Funk, World, Dance and Hip Hop. I love how small and intimate of a venue it is. I've been here to watch legends Lou Donaldson, Horace Andy, Angie Stone and of course the inimitable Roy Ayers. It seems Roy Ayers just can't keep away as he'll be returning to the stage from the 27th of December to the 4th Jan, so book your NYE tickets now if you're stuck for something to do. I haven't tried the food but I can attest the Manhattan goes down very well indeed. read more

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We had a fun time coming here on a Sunday night to catch some reggae. Macka B was the headliner and he and his band were excellent. Macka B had a great stage presence and everyone in the crowd was having a good time. The venue is intimate and it'd be awesome to see a favorite performer here. The coat check thing was bit confusing since they had two different doors but that's just a minor quibble. Overall, a very cool venue and it was a great place to spend our first night out in London. read more

I'll admit it, I haven't seen any jazz here. Don't hate though! For some reason I thought this place was going to be bigger? I don't know where I'd got that preconception but upon entering I was little disappointed! Then I got over myself. And then I noticed there was an upstairsy bit. And then I put away my 10th cider of the day. Was here as part of the Camden Crawl - ended up seeing 3 cracking bands and having a good old time. We danced, we jiggled, we played drinking games? Anything goes I guess. I'd like to come back here again and check it out when it's back in jazz/funk mode. Maybe it's a little more refined? Maybe I will be too. Hmmm.... First impressions - very good. read more

Upon scouring line-ups for Guy Fawkes night at pubs and clubs around London, I came across General Elektriks at the Jazz Café. I saw that the venue was in Camden so I already gave the band some credit. Looked them up and liked their sound. Got their too late to see Souleance open, but what can you do when you're being wined (but not dined) but an attractive man with grey hair. You can't just leave!!! But, I did. And boy am I glad. Made it on time for GE and after a friendly greeting from a fellow ex-pat bouncer, I got myself a Carlsberg. I paid £13.50 for my ticket (way more than I'm usually willing, btw) and was pleasantly surprised by the £2.20 beckoned from me by the cute bartender. Bar was short and right in front of the entrance, but did it's job. There is another bar behind the crowd, facing the stage. And above that bar is upstairs seating. The show was excellent - do look them up! Didn't learn they were French until I met the guitarists mate. Anyway, good crowd, almost everyone was dancing. The only exception were these young ladies who were sort of standing there waiting for someone to talk to them... or they just didn't like the song as much as I did. Either way, I earned dirty looks with my sick dance moves and everyone else was jumping around with me! :) Downside A little crowded but not un enjoyable Drink spilled on my bag - Put your things in the coat check for £1.50 I opted out to save money for the next pint... only to have the next 2 bought for me Upside Fun band Met some French guys, spoke with them for a minute or two Great layout on the inside - diverse viewing/seating. Free beer ;) Easy to meet people, fun crowd Friendly/helpful staff Also 80s Night afterward was a bit weird for me, I couldn't decide whether to dance or watch Back to the Future... guess which one I chose. xx read more

This is one of my favorite live music venues in London! Jazz Cafe is conveniently located near Camden Station. It's surrounded by restaurants and market stalls to grab a quick bite before a show. There is also a restaurant in the venue (hence why it's a "cafe"), and you can usually buy tickets that combine dinner + a show. The restaurant, located on the second floor, overlooks the stage so you can watch the show from your table. But who goes to a live music show to sit?! I go to dance! So you can find me standing in the crowd in front of the stage. The standing area isn't particularly large and it's enclosed by two bars. I don't mind the smallness of the space because it creates intimate shows. I saw Shuggie Otis and Chrisette Michele there and I absolutely loved both of their shows, mostly because I got be so close to both performers. My main issue with Jazz Cafe is the flow of traffic down to the coat check and toilets and the basement. After a show, the main stairwell is jammed the Beltway. The crazy thing is, there are two stairways that lead to this area. I wish that the venue managers would make better use of the two entrances/exits and create a more cohesive flow of traffic. I shouldn't have road rage on my way to the bathroom! read more

I saw mica paris here and decided to eat in the restaurant upstairs. I chose the chicken and rice and peas and it was a rather large amount and very tasty. you need to choose the seats closer to the rail to get a good view but it is well worth choosing the meal option as i woulnd not want to stand downstairs as it gets packed. It does work out an expensive night with drinks etc but if there is an act you like i would recommend it read more

This is a nice music venue. BUT. It's neither "JAZZ" nor "CAFE". They don't play jazz. And it's not a cafe. They don't serve cheesecakes, do they? Do they? If we only allowed to use accurate descriptions, I guess this place should be called something like "R&B Club" or "Pop Music Bar" Hmmm, doesn't really work... I guess "Jazz Cafe" sounds a lot sexier after all. read more

One of my fave places to see music, so intimate. I can't wait to see AM & Shawn Lee there on Wed. April 18 as that will be a pure honor to see them that close and personal. Check it www.amandshawnlee.com Cover at a small club is well worth it to be supporting artists... or maybe you think we should download free mp3s and get to see free live music and musicians should just survive on air? read more

I went to this venue for the first time for Hairbrush Heroes - a karaoke/dance night - so I can't comment on how this place is for jazz, although the line-up at this place does look quite impressive. The Jazz Cafe has been around for a while, so it must be doing something right. The Jazz Cafe is really conveniently located; it's less than three minutes' walk from Camden Town tube station, and with plenty of night buses serving the area. The bouncers and staff were generally decent. None of the surly behaviour you see at some other clubs and bars. There were two bars servicing the room I was in, and I didn't not to wait too long to get served. Drinks were priced about the same as any other non-upmarket club (my Corono was £3.90, while shots were £3.20), and the rooms seemed to be of decent-sized. read more

Been to the Jazz Cafe many times over the years but I have to say, I love it more since it revamped and reopened. The set up of the space is much better, the flow of movement is way more efficient in the downstairs area. The restaurant upstairs is pretty much still the same but much more lush. And the food is seriously delicious. Good service, great food and excellent music, what more can you ask for? read more

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Legendary venue that helped me enjoy one of the finest, most intimate concerts of my life. David Gray did a concert on behalf of War Child in February and while the food was passable, the venue was so great I forgave them for that. I wasn't there for the food. I was there for the music, and they delivered. read more

Jazz Cafe? Sometimes? This past Sat night, it was just a normal club. I realise this is mostly personal taste... but this place was a bit too sloppy for me. I went on a Saturday night, £7 cover, which I normally wouldn't pay, but all my friends wanted to go, so I went with the flow. 80's night... and who doesn't like a lil' MJ whilst watching Police Academy with subtitles? I just wasn't feeling it though. The crowd was a bit too smooshed, it constantly smelled of farts (and it wasn't just one person I was standing near... or me, I promise), I had at least 3 drinks spilled on my throughout the night (on a great night, I am 100% fine with this, but not here). It wasn't miserably hot, but a little more stuffy and humid than I prefer (as mentioned in other reviews, I love well ventilated clubs...haha). A few hen party types (girls screaming at the tops of their lungs....*shudder*.....What they've classified in How I Met Your Mother as a "woo-girl."), that one drunk guy so wasted that he is just staring off into space with drinks all down the front of his shirt and falling all over people who push him off with a look of disgust, the one guy with the pea-cocking hat obviously halfheartedly settling for the semi-attractive way too drunk girl molesting him from behind (it was towards last call, after all...), the really cute, bubbly "look at me, and look how comfortable I am with myself!" brunette who my friend was hitting on earlier... now making out with the tall guy with a cute smile... the narration could go on forever. It would be ever better if David Attenborough were narrating. I'd maybe give it another shot if my friends were going, but I wouldn't choose to come back. read more

Went here for 80's night and was a total waste of time. There was a queue at the door which I thought was a good sign. But it was way too crowded and with the drunk frat boys and hen parties, no thank you. One point for the Fresh Prince playing in the background. read more

All around good venue for seeing a live band. I can't vouch for their club nights. There are 2 or 3 bars throughout the venue--all of very understaffed so prepare to wait. I had no issue with the doormen. The sound system was good and there was plenty of room to dance. I would be back.---Next time I'll try the food. read more

A friend recommended this place for New Years. The Cuban Brothers were scheduled to play. Showed up early, and had drinks while we waited. There's a nice seating area up front near the bar. Once the music started, this place heated up. Unfortunately, someone vomited all over the dance floor pretty early on, and the smell never went away. The Cuban Brothers put on a good show though, so all was forgiven. I think I would come back to this venue again for the right band. read more

Jazz Cafe - View of the stage from the dance floor. - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Great night tonight with friends eating good food.... we had all the starters and are stuffed... and listening to great Cuban sounds. read more

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Has a reputation of being one of London's best Jazz / independent music venues. I went there to see Freshly Ground (who were amazing!) and had a fantastic time, but I must say it wasn't what I expected, in comparison to other 'jazz cafes' I've been too. It was more of an intimate gigging area - a stage - black decor - most people standing, a few tables for diners along the top. Not the sort of place you'd sit and chill listening to some jazz music. It's a great venue to see a gig because you're so close to the musicians and that creates a really fantastic atmosphere. Down side: the drinks are extortionate and not that fantastic (it's a plastic cup kinda place). read more

Went to the Jazz Cafe tonight for the Jon B show and having been their before a couple of times I have very mixed views about the venue. The security and staff are always very polite and I like that the crowd is very diverse. I also like the building work you have done to make the venue bigger and moved the bar from the middle of the venue. The last time I went was when I saw Bridget Kelly performing and we had a great night. Tonight the acoustics was one of the worse I have ever heard. The whole night all I could hear was bass blasting out of the speakers and basically nothing else to the point it was giving me bad earache and I left before the end. If it wasn't for the brilliant performance of, I think her name was Tasha Rey and the brilliant performance and interaction of Jon B with the crowd it would of been an even worse night. I only hope the Management of the venue take this on board and speak to the sound engineers who are suppose to be the professionals. No artist performing or customer should have to listen to such a poor quality of music in such an established venue. Kind Regards read more

The live music venues in Camden are phenomenal and this of my favorite. Located right near the station, it is nestled amid numerous restaurants if you choose to eat prior to or after a show but they also serve food inside (dinner and show are popular). An advantage of the cafe is you can watch while you eat- meaning you can get a seat, which is always my preference - especially with how crowded it usually gets. Although it is big for dancing for those who want to move during the show. They always have great variety and provide nothing less than a lively night. It is a Must see for any music lover- check out their website to see upcoming shows. read more

Jazz Cafe - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Lovely little venue in Camden. Came here to see Cherry Lee Mewis. First time experiencing Blues music and I would recommend it to anyone! Drinks are a little pricey and it is standing only. If you would like a table you will need to book for dinner. The tables are up high and you get a great view of the stage. Even standing it was a great view from anywhere on the dance floor. read more

I went here to see DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, which is one of my favorite groups growing up, and he was AMAZING!! The venue was cool, with a dance floor and tables for those who ate there. I will say the coat check is on the pricier side, but other than that I was happy with the spot. I would be down to come here for a good performer anytime read more

Fun place for a night out. Saturdays are definitely the best with the 80s/90s music! However, I have a HUGE problem with how the place is managed. Last night there was a girl outside the venue lying in a pool of her own vomit. She was completely unconscious. We told the head bouncer that we thought she needed an ambulance. His response was, "Yeah, I don't care. She's probably fine." (direct quote) This girl was not fine. 3 different bystanders ended up calling an ambulance for her-- something the bouncers would not do for reasons I cannot understand. I cannot support an establishment like this. read more

Walking pass the line, picking up your tickets at the door feelin special (for a brief moment) walking in (reality check) going upstairs. the best.!! great intimate place to heard real good music.. Money well spent. read more

Saw John Scofield here a couple of years back after he did an album with MMW. The venue was great. We had seats on the upper level. Very small intimate setting. Great for the experiencing the genre read more

My latest visit was to see the great Ben E King on 12th April. Sound quality - good as usual. Prices - £5.10 for tepid Guinness or cider with a head! Or you could go for whisky in a chipped glass. Toilets - dirty, unpleasant and with a now obligatory beggar holding back the paper towel until you tip/pay him. Venue - Looks like it has been patched up a few too many times. a Mean fiddler indeed Vince. It appears that the management have changed and have also chosen to turn off the cellar cooling/multicirc early in the week to save costs. The amount of wasted beer really outweighs that and the staff sneakily trying to top up frothy beer from the waste was foul. I haven't seen such amateurish bar management for quite a while. Basically it's a shabeen that thinks it's a class venue. Sad. read more

I am a norwegian guy working in the rock`n roll-business. A very good stage, with a great overwiew for all in the audience. a great place, nice staff and doormen. Recommended when live at stage. read more

I was here during the week in Feb., and it was a pretty lively place! I was in the mood for a cocktail, and they have an extensive menu. I ordered a manhattan, which turned out to the be worst one I have ever had- WAYYY too much bitters. If I go back, I will stick to the standards. read more

totally agree with Katie B. went to the jazz cafe on a saturday night. as we were waiting in the queue, me and my friend had already a bad feeling as the crowd was only teenagers, no variety of ages whatsoever. I didn't really want to go in but as my friend said we had waited in the queue for so long we could as well try. We've read so many positive reviews about the cafe and wanted to dance the night away. So let be it. I thought we would pay £5 with a flyer but they called for £7 as it was past 11:30, it doesn't matter we spent 45 min in the queue. all right then. As we entered, such was my disappointment, the club was quite small, no room to move around, in the pictures it looked so big. I thought it would be something similar to KOKO, but no. It was nothing like it; at least half the size. What's more, we were hit by a wave of stuffiness and smell of sweat and more. As we were walking around to check the place out, the smell did not get any better, upstairs sitting area is nothing special with a few drunk teenage girls screaming on top of their lungs. And that was it, that's the whole Jazz Cafe. buuu. I didn't feel any vibe either, people constantly pushing around with their drinks, the songs could be better too. We moved to a few songs and left the place totally disappointed. I am definitely not coming back. read more

I paid 60£ for a concert with Ginger Baker and special guests. I got 50 minutes of music and one special guest. We saw the bands set list and it matched the numbers played, so The Jazz Café must have known that this was a minor gig, and still they demand 60£ entrance. Jazz Café could have arranged additional music or lowered the price. The band didn't even give the audience a chance for an encore as they left stage without a: Thank you and goodnight. This experience borders a scam, and I can't recommend this place to anybody! Unfortunately I have to give the place one star, can't proceed with this review any other way, but actually I would give it none! - SAVE YOUR MONEY DON'T GO TO THE SHOW!! read more

We went here for the I love the 80s vs. I love the 90s night. The venue was fine and we had fun dancing, but my god, the music was horrendous. Sure they played the token songs everyone knows the words to, but everything in between was absolutely awful. The DJ told us that Destiny's Child and Dr. Dre were too slow.... what?? Our search for a decent 80s/90s club continues. read more