Jazz Café

Overview

The Jazz Café is an intimate live music venue in Camden Town, presenting jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and world music since 1990. Its mezzanine-and-stage layout gives every seat a good view of the performers.

Highlights

• Eclectic programming: Beyond jazz, the venue hosts soul, Afrobeat, reggae, and emerging electronic acts — a genuinely diverse lineup.
• Intimate scale: Capacity of around 430, meaning every show is a close-up experience.
• Club nights: Weekend late-night DJ sets run until 3 am after the live shows.

History

Opened in 1990, the Jazz Café quickly became a key venue in the 1990s acid jazz and rare groove scene. It was relaunched in 2017 with an expanded food and bar offering while maintaining its music-first identity.

Visitor Tips

• Standing venue: Most shows are standing-only; arrive early for mezzanine views.
• Dinner option: Book a mezzanine dinner table for a seated experience with food.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.