5-7 Parkway,
Camden Town,
London,
NW1 7PG
(020) 7688 8899
The ViewLondon Review
Located in the heart of Camden, the Jazz Cafe is a cool, laid back club and restaurant - a great place to visit for a head nodding, toe tapping night out.
The Venue
The great thing about Camden is the variety of nights on offer. In the space of a half mile radius you can practically hear any type of music, attracting the weird and wonderful from all over London. Jazz Cafe can be found in the heart of Camden and is unmissable with its tall white pillars and long black glass standing proud and marking its territory.
As you enter and approach the bar, you won’t be able to help but notice the main stage where you’ll see the band tuning up. After ordering your drinks, you can take a seat on the raised platform behind. However, if you’ve planned ahead you can book a table in the upstairs restaurant, allowing you to enjoy food whilst watching the band over the balcony. This great vantage point definitely gives you an air of VIP status. A further bar is located upstairs behind the restaurant, but is not suitable if you want to watch the music, it is, however, a great place to chill out and escape the hustle and bustle of the main room.
The Atmosphere
The usual crowd at Jazz Cafe is 25 and over, which is to be expected given the nature of the music; however, younger patrons are welcome as long as they bring the right attitude. The team is very helpful including the door staff, managers and flair bartenders, who dazzle and astonish with their tricks.
The Music
Expect a heady mix of bands performing live. Unsurprisingly, jazz is the main focus here, but not to the exclusion of those not into harder genres - check ahead and choose listings best suited to your tastes. The bands usually start about half nine, and it is worth arriving before as after 10.30pm the place is always full with a large queue outside.
The Drink
You’ll find all your favourite top shelf spirits at Jazz Cafe, ready to be mixed. An average selection of lager on tap is available, including Carlsberg and Carlsberg Export, as well as a very nice house red. Lagers start at around £3 and house wine is £15 a bottle. From the cocktail list you can choose from drinks such as long island ice tea, which is OK but nothing special. Cocktails are £6.95 and are drinkable but could be better.
The Last Word
Jazz Cafe is an excellent choice for enjoying a great night of live jazz. Book in advance to take benefit of the balcony overlooking the stage.