If you close your eyes and take in the soul-drenched sounds, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in the basement of a downtown Manhattan jazz club. Open your eyes and you’ll find yourself in an intimate, packed bar in the heart of Hoxton.

The Venue
Blessed with a neo-soul vibe, Troy Bar is a jazz outpost oddly located in an area largley dominated by indie, electro and nu-rave venues. A relatively small bar tucked away on a side street off Hoxton Square, Troy Bar is a locus of experimental, envelope-pushing music. With little decoration beyond rickety tables and chairs and a smattering of wall hangings, this place lets the music set the mood.

A muted set of lights bounces off a deep red drape to create a warm, authentic jazz atmosphere. Think dark, smoky, late-night bar in Goodfellas, but be warned: glamourous it ain't. A trip to the grubby toilets is like going back to school. Still, this place has ample enough character to more than make up for it.

The Atmosphere
Pop into Troy Bar and you'll find yourself in the midst of a musically absorbed crowd of twenty to thirtysomethings sitting politely in anticipation of a good peformance. For the most part, they cheer on covers of Beyonce, funky originals or MC lyrics. This place attracts a close-knit crowd with a feeling that everybody knows everybody, but the vibe comes with a dose of friendliness that extends once the show gets going with a real solidarity from the audience who cheer and laugh in all the right places.

The Music
Jazz is popular during the first half of the week, as a high calibre of local players, including sensational pianist Oscar Stieler, leads open-mic nights on Tuesdays. Later in the week, recipes of all flavors ride a musical roller coaster from reggae nights, acoustic sets and blues, jazz and swing performances on the weekend. This isn't a cheesy karaoke bar or your shower, but even the most unlikely of amateurs can swing with promise at Troy Bar.

The Food
If you thought the singers on stage had soul then you’re in for a treat with the small yet highly desirable food menu. From curried goat to plantain and the most mouthwatering jerk chicken you're ever likely to taste, the mains are served with large lashings of rice, peas and salad. At £5 a plate you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value meal anywhere else in London.

The Drink
Unlike most drinking venues in the area, Troy Bar is relatively resonable. Expect to pay around £3.50 for a glass of wine. There’s a large selection of spirits on offer, too. Prices start from around £4.

The Last Word
If you like to sing - and no, not the tedium of karaoke but the kind of singing that would have Amy Winehouse quaking in her busted ballet pumps - then get yourself down to Troy Bar for more groove than grunge, more soul than tack and more of what the city is craving – seriously good live music!

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