A Guide to London's Jazz Jams

Black and white image of a musician playing a trumpet. The scene is moody with smoke and a spotlight illuminating the musician, emphasizing his focused expression and the shiny surface of the trumpet. The background is dark and hazy.

Where to find the hottest jazz jams in London.

In keeping with the impromptu spirit of jazz, you don’t want to always plan, so here’s our guide to the finest jazz jam sessions in London. Just turn up and enjoy!

Firstly, we’d like to raise a glass to Mau Mau Bar - there were no finer jazz jams in West London, with Mau Mau hosting the game-changing Jazz Re:freshed nights where so many world-class London musicians regularly performed.

Effra Tavern

A group of musicians play various instruments in a cozy indoor setting. Four men are playing trumpets, one person is playing a double bass, and another is playing a saxophone. The room is warmly lit, and the musicians are focused on their performance. — Image © Facebook via The Effra Hall Tavern

The recently re-opened Effra Tavern in Brixton hosts one of London’s best jazz jam sessions featuring some of the area’s finest musicians. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the playing is accomplished. You know these musicians have been playing for years and, along with their army of regulars, they conjure an atmosphere with ease.

Effra Tavern is located at 38 Kellet Road, SW2 1EB

The Junction

A black and white photo of two musicians sitting and playing guitars in a cozy room. The musician on the left, wearing glasses and a long-sleeve shirt, looks at his companion, while the musician on the right, wearing a beanie and a jacket, smiles back. — Image © Instagram via @georgenelsonphotography

A bar owned by musicians, for musicians, The Junction attracts some fine players and has a genuine feeling of community about it. It’s a great venue for music all week, with jazz jams on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the food is tasty and generous with the helpings. The kitchen opens till 10pm, so we recommend heading down straight after work and grabbing a comfy seat at the front near the action.

The Junction is located at 171 Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9PA

Troy Bar

Black and white image of a musician playing an upright bass. He is wearing glasses and a suit with a light-colored shirt. His eyes are closed as he concentrates on the music. Another person holding a guitar is partially visible on the left. — Image © Instagram via @humlondon

This is the jam for those that know about jams. Troy Bar is a staple of every musician’s diet - from hip newcomers cutting their teeth to seasoned circuit-players cutting back and letting loose. If you’re looking for a friendly beginner jazz jam in London, their Wednesday session is ideal. The standard is high, but the audience and other musicians are laid-back and supportive throughout.

Troy Bar is found at 10 Hoxton Street, N1 6NG

Orleans Bar

A four-member jazz band performs on stage in a dimly lit venue. The musicians include a trumpet player, a double bass player, a guitarist, and a drummer. They are surrounded by blue and purple lighting, creating a vibrant atmosphere. — Image © orleansbar.uk

Another recent re-opening, Orleans is back on the scene, hosting jazz and funk jams every Tuesday and Wednesday evening. It’s a late one for a weekday, with the music continuing till 3am (!) but entry is free, the mood is lively and the music popping.

Orleans Bar is found at 259-261 Seven Sisters Road, N4 2DD

The Jago

Three musicians perform on stage. The one on the left plays conga drums, the one in the center, wearing a colorful beanie, plays an electric guitar, and the one on the right is on the drum set. The background is dimly lit with green lighting effects. — Image © Facebook via @TheJagoDalston

A newer East London favourite, The Jago holds a great midweek jazz jam - as well as one of the liveliest Sunday Jazz Jams in London. It’s a young crowd, full of great musicians and the music is superb everywhere you listen.

The Jago is found at 440 Kingsland Road, E8 4AA