The Parakeet, Kentish Town
There is beauty to Kentish Town’s Parakeet, especially in the dining room, with its open kitchen and faintly saintly stained-glass windows. Every Monday night, there’s jazz from 8.30pm, with tickets at £12. Found upstairs, it’s a cosy, tucked-away vibe, with some serious musicians calling in: next month expect the likes of James Allsopp and the award-winning Robert Mitchell. You can book, but tickets are often available on the door.
Lesser-known than the Spaniards Inn, the Holly Bush or the Wells, the Duke of Hamilton is in itself a hidden gem of Hampstead. But hidden within that, downstairs, is the Hampstead Jazz Club. The black-walled, red-candled space is straight out of the prototype jazz-club playbook, with more than a whiff of a Fifties feeling. Music covers all sorts, contemporary and classic: upcoming is both the Donovan Haffner quartet and a tribute to Gerry Mulligan.
The Priory Tavern, Kilburn
Kilburn’s Priory Tavern is what politely might be called an unassuming pub — little about its looks suggest a trek to NW6 is worthwhile. But this honest spot loves its jazz, as evinced by the black-and-white piano keys stencilled on the walls, and hosts live music every Sunday evening, as well as a jazz jam every second and fourth Thursday of the month (this draws an astonishing calibre). In between, every third Thursday of the month has a blistering night of rhythm and blues.
Priory Tavern
Technically, the Spice of Life is a famous Soho pub — it appears in films such as I Give It A Year — yet it is often forgotten about. It’s in the shadow of the Coach & Horses for one thing, and, in its corner spot as some sort of Soho vanguard, amid much chaos as out and out-out types come and go, it is easily passed. The pub ought to be granted more respect, because in the backstage cellar bar there’s almost always something happening. Every Sunday at 1pm is the Jazz Notes Jazz Jam. Just about anyone might turn up.
Kingston might be a schlep for many Londoners, but the Grey Horse is worth it. Situated on the former Ram Jam Club, which, in the early days, hosted Jimi Hendrix when he was in town, the pub today makes for an intimate juke joint. Players include big names and those breaking through. Keep a lookout for a changing roster of music nights. Otherwise, turn up at 3.30pm for the 4pm open jazz session each third Sunday of the month. Entry is £5, or £10 for performers.
Larry Pryce has been a jazz promoter in London for more than 40 years — he ran the old wine bar on Dover Street for many years — and his Live Music To Go nights are held at the George IV every Thursday night (bar a break in July and August). Pryce has an enviable little black book, with London regulars and touring musicians from the US and beyond. Find sessions in the pub’s Boston Room, an intimate, lively space with table service for both food and drink. It feels a little like a slapdash cocktail bar. Dates vary and booking is necessary. Gigs usually begin at 7.30pm.