This none too polite jazz and blues venue at the centre of identikit Islington is a refreshing change and sure to have you bebopping around whether you’re a four piece fanatic or just a first timer.

The Venue
Just up from the crossroads of Angel station, on the intersection of Liverpool Road and Chapel Market, it’s surprising how this cornerstone venue sneaked in so quickly and quietly. That might be the chilled blues vibe for you, or it could just be the simplicity of Round Midnight.

A no frills room with basic benches along sheet windows and teeny tea lit tables strewn along the middle haphazardly is what to expect. Black and white photos of famous jazz and blues artists sit alongside red walls, the odd plant and some stained glass lamps. Done.

The Atmosphere
Although the bar is a bit slow on the uptake, the staff smooth over any gaps and imperfections, practically tripping over themselves to be nice. Enough about the bar though, the obvious focus is the music. What gives it away? The whacking great stage in the window is something of a hint. As are the guitars on the wall. If you’re not a fan then for one night a week at least, you can head to Round Midnight for a night without live music and talk softly whilst still appreciating the rock and gentle jazz selection.

The talking point is still the music, of course. In fact, it’s an ideal fourth date place with a familiar, comfortable atmosphere, but still some conversation material if you get stuck. If it’s Thelonious Monk you’re after, you’ll be waiting a long time, but Round Midnight certainly isn’t short of talent. Six nights a week talent of all types swing in and rock out, packing the bar with toe tapping jazz fans.

The Drink
The drink at Round Midnight is very high street, with nothing particularly unusual or interesting. The creative juices flowing around the venue are the only inspiring liquids you’re likely to get. Stage proximity is of far higher importance than the drink, but the musos' vodka coke slash Barcardi coke slash rum and coke request is more than catered for, in particular with Bison grass vodka and Havana Club.

Magners on tap, Guinness and Grolsch give an interesting gig feel and are reasonably priced from £3. Wines are painfully cheap. A floral Cuvee des Vignerons at £3.35 a glass or £11 a bottle can be chilled with ice if you’re fussy. Best not be too fussy here, though.

The Last Word
Round Midnight doesn't provide a note of sophistication and is far more a gig pub than an intimate jazz club, but it’s laid back and hasn’t been tarted up to the point where it’s pretending to be something it’s not. Brilliant for making these genres accessible to the masses, Islington couldn’t be a better place for introducing things to the mainstream.

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