The velvety murmur of a clarinet has a unique way of lifting the atmosphere at any restaurant. While many places opt for jazz as background music, I set out to discover the top venues where it takes center stage, perfectly paired with great food and exceptional drinks. Here’s my curated list of the finest spots for an unforgettable soirée filled with brass, strings, and smooth rhythms.
Quaglino’s is a vibrant tribute to the glamorous era of the 1920s. Perhaps its most notable fact is that it was the first public restaurant Queen Elizabeth II visited after her coronation in 1952. Well, the setting still feels unapologetically regal, with the sweeping staircase leading into the main dining room giving you a moment in the spotlight. Inside, the space dazzles with Art Deco charm, lavish floral displays, and a layout that’s impressively spacious.
You can take a central seat around the striking circular bar to be in the heart of the action or, like me, retreat to the cozy sofas for a touch of intimacy. The ambiance is lively, to say the least. Every night features a live performance of jazz, blues, or soul, with the schedule available online, but I randomly wandered in and was treated to a fun and energetic band. I’d definitely suggest checking out the special 95th anniversary cocktail list. As for their brasserie-style food, it’s satisfying enough, as long as you’re not expecting haute cuisine.
Lady D cocktail — £18
A whole wall stacked with prime whiskey bottles, the ceremonial glow of cigars, and elegant Art Deco lamps casting long shadows across dark mahogany paneling — this is Boisdale. In the hushed, refined atmosphere of this old-school gentlemen’s club, the hum of jazz is practically inevitable. Well, maybe “hum” is an understatement — the music is actually quite loud, just in case you’re hoping for a quiet conversation between the gentle clink of crystal glasses.
I was here for a wonderful Sunday brunch, with free-flowing wine and blues flowing softly through the room. Oak-smoked Scottish salmon was absolutely amazing and buttermilk chicken was tender, perfectly paired with a fresh salad, while sticky toffee pudding was delicately finished with a touch of rum sauce. I love that their whiskey list is called the Whiskey Bible — because for connoisseurs, it certainly is. All in all, I’m already looking forward to coming back for a reggae evening!
Sunday Blues Brunch — £39.50
Pizza and jazz aren’t something I’d typically think of together, though I love both. That said, I truly appreciated this fun mix right in the heart of Soho. The laid-back basement spot isn’t particularly fancy in terms of decor, yet it’s an acclaimed venue with the likes of great names from the music world. I caught a night of the Latin Jazz Festival, which was an interesting discovery.
Speaking of food — sure, I’ve had better pizzas, but I wasn’t about to be a killjoy to myself, so I genuinely enjoyed it without overthinking. Both Padana and American Hot were satisfying and actually fit the overall vibe perfectly. They’ve got vegan and gluten-free options, too. As if I hadn’t had enough carbs already, I tried dough balls, since they’re so popular here, and paired it all with a pale ale from a local craft brewery — simple, delicious, and down-to-earth. Live performances are a daily feature, so I suppose coming after work for a nice bite and some entertainment is definitely a solid plan.
American Hot pizza — £18.25
I knew that at 28-50 By Night, I’d find a savvy and exquisite wine list, even without checking it beforehand — just based on the signature style of the hospitality group behind the venue. I was right, but still pleasantly surprised by the oenophilic expertise they’ve infused into this place. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about wines, and the pairings with the dishes are sublime. The ambiance is intimate, not overwhelming, and I would say it’s the ideal setting for a date night, especially with a small stage hosting some of London’s crème de la crème artists. The classic European food is equally impressive. Their top-notch ribeye with French fries was pure perfection, and apple strudel with caramel sauce was just as sweet and indulgent as the tunes.
Ribeye steak — £38.95
Theatrically sumptuous, Crazy Coqs is tucked away in Piccadilly, within the iconic Brasserie Zédel. Inspired by French cabarets, it’s an opulent venue perfect not just for top-tier jazz but also for other cultural events like burlesque performances or literary soirées, enjoyed amidst a charmingly aristocratic crowd. It doesn’t feel like a big, lively concert but rather a private and intimate close-up experience. I was completely captivated, watching the saxophonist framed by those lavish red velvet curtains.
Admittedly, the service wasn’t quite on my side that evening, but I was far too wrapped up in my role as the star of a Belle Époque dream to let it bother me. Mon Homme cocktail was a refreshing and romantic burst of citrus, while a bit bolder Snake Charmer proved a delight paired with some exquisite snacks. And then I thought, why not pop into Brasserie Zédel for comforting onion soup or decadent coq au vin? That’s exactly what I’d recommend you do, as well.
Mon Homme cocktail — £12.75
