Toulouse Lautrec

Delight in London’s Premier Jazz Experience

Nestled inconspicuously between Kennington and Elephant and Castle, Toulouse Lautrec is a hidden gem that harmoniously marries old-world French brasserie charm with the electric pulse of live jazz. When you first step over its threshold, you're immediately greeted by an array of vintage flair — warm lighting, wooden accents, and art-flecked walls whispering sweet secrets of Parisian nights. Nolan and his team orchestrate an environment rich in hospitality, featuring a diverse menu embedded in French delectations like the warmly comforting pork collar and classically rich escargots, known to evoke a particular pastoral nostalgia for France’s enticing culinary landscape.

Beyond the ornate dishes, Toulouse Lautrec boasts a talent-infused three-tier architecture dedicated to both dining and musical delight. The ground floor offers an intimate escapade where melody complements your meal; the second floor slightly disrupts time with lively piano timbre; and on the topmost level, the establishment offers itself as a proper venue for jazz lovers. An enchanting roster of musicians like Asha Parkinson and Kalpadruma fills the atmosphere with captivating performances that should not be missed. While the occasional complaint surfaces — perhaps a dish too salty or a touch too commercial jazz act for purists — the boundless positivity from frequent visitors sways scale firmly into favor. Whether you’re chasing a subtle echo of Paris or simply thereafter an evening imbued with lyrical merriment, Toulouse Lautrec is a spirited soirée waiting faithfully beneath the chiming terrace breeze. — Audrey Al Dente