Jazz After Dark

5★ – Absolute atmosphere, great music, legendary venue! Jazz After Dark is a real treasure in the heart of London. The intimate setting full of colours, artwork and Amy Winehouse memorabilia creates an authentic atmosphere that will instantly captivate you. The live music was top notch – great musicians, a great singer and an energetic band. The staff were very friendly and the personal touch and soul of this place was felt throughout the evening. Perfect for a glass of wine and a complete break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visiting this bar is not just about the music – it’s an experience! I recommend it to anyone who loves jazz, atmosphere and London nightlife with a soul.

+6

Truly shining star within the black sky of soho ☆ so sweet just brimming with joyful song and dance and laughter. It's small but it's genuine, candlelit and heartfelt, the owners truly care about preserving a real sentiment for the arts, indicated by the portrait-lined walls of the space. Service is wonderful, you feel truly cared for, and the atmosphere is to die for. Absolutely visit if you want to smile and sing and laugh. Take someone you love.

Lovely place and live music

Great night had at Jazz after dark. Band and singers were great

Amazing place! Absolutely loved it. Small cute and with that amazing smell of rock and roll. I went on a weekend evening. The place is small, so you might need to wait for a decent seat, but the live music and blues session in there are amazing. And the crowd is a complete part of it.

Based on my personal experience and opinion. The place is small so obviously it’s not gonna get too crowded which is a plus for me it’s a small cozy jazz club it’s not a techno club. The staff were lovely to us. Can’t comment on food as we didn’t have any. The owner was kind to us and his wife as well and he made efforts to make us feel comfortable and welcomed. The live music was amazing, bouncer was kind and helpful and Amy’s room was so lovely I would definitely recommend.

A wonderful bar where Amy Winehouse first started off and spent ok at days of her life at. We had a wonderful chat with owner tom shaker who was very close to Amy and admires all his portrait work. Service was great. See you all again soon

This place is a hidden gem. We stumbled into this place after for a boogie and we weee not disappointed. Despite the £10 entry, it became worth it by the end. The jazz singer was super lively and had a fantastic voice. The band were also incredible. As for drinks they went down easy too!

This is the spot! They have a chilled but uplifting vibe here. There is a rich history regarding a very talented woman who was known as Amy Winehouse. The artwork on the walls (which are for sale) are beautiful portraits many of Amy, but I also noticed other known faces on the wall again in a beautiful style of painting. The floor/table space is utilised to bring the audience to the stage, but it is also known to have seating outside at times. This was my second visit here in 2024 (I originally popped in with a friend around 2010/2015) Both visits hosted a very talented group of people from the band playing everything put their way to the bar staff, flipping mixing flasks, and blending some amazing flavours from the cocktail menu. This is a great place to chill and soak up some homegrown talent and good old Soho,London culture. I haven't tried the food as of yet but have already made plans to head back and indulge and see what's on offer. Honestly, I can't wait!

There was a great quartet playing here on Saturday May 25th. They had a super singer, keyboard player and drummer but the saxophonist was just out of this world, amazing. It's a small place, the staff were friendly and the atmosphere was very relaxed and fun. Great late night out. We only had drinks, no food.

Went to Jazz After Dark last night and was mesmerised by the place. It is steeped in history, having a close affinity to Amy Winehouse (RIP), as she performed there a lot during her career. I had a great conversation with the owners who were very approachable and the staff & service was excellent. The jazz band and vocalist were superb and played some great jazz, soul & dance classics. If you've never been here I would really recommend going along for a real old London feel about how things should be done, with a lovely informal family feel.

I went yesterday on a date, completely randomly. Best experience ever, starting from the most welcoming door man, all the way to the staff and the band playing, everyone was so nice, I felt like home instantly. The waitress gave us a sit literally next the drummer, he was so cool and nice. Can’t wait to go again!

Based on several visits, the service is always excellent and the music is fantastic. We love going to watch Soraia perform in particular. If you make a reservation, expect a phone call to check you're still coming as the venue is very intimate so it's important to advise if you arent able to come anymore. Coming here is always a lovely end to an evening.

This is the BEST jazz bar in London, no questions asked. This is a small and intimate jazz bar for true music fans, booked with the best artists on the scene. The owner is passionate, kind and patient, and to those who are respectful will share the history about the bar. I recommend this place to all my true music fan. Do not give this place a miss.

Always enjoy this cozy spot that's an Ode to Amy Winehouse. The owners and staff are brilliant and attentive. The performances at 9 p.m. are worth the small added cost. Cheers

First time visiting London and I love jazz. When we got to this place, Sam charged us 20 pounds per person for entry (over $50 USD) which sounds very high compared to other reviewers who only paid 10 each. We did go on a Friday night but I still questioned the price because it seemed extremely high. He insisted and I didn’t want to pass up the experience. This place is definitely a dive bar feel which was fine and I thought the musicians and singers were lovely. I just didn’t appreciate the high door fee. It seemed like a tourist tax which sucks because now I would hesitate to go back even though I absolutely love jazz and love supporting a local place like this. Just wanted to give my honest review. We spent over $50 USD just to get in and were only able to stay an hour because of an early flight the next morning.

Well the only reason to visit it is because of Amy. But it is an interesting place though. The stuff is friendly

Great place for a drink in Soho - somewhere with a calm atmosphere and without very loud music, so you can actually speak at normal volume and be heard. Very bizarre interior but I would definitely recommend it for a peaceful pint before dinner.

Had a great time. Slightly off the main strip in Soho, but a lovely little jazz club, with a retro feel, and Amy Winehouse style. Cool murals on the walls. A good band with reggae, soul, and pop live music. Came up from Cambridge for theatre, and was looking for something interesting to do in the West End. Was beautifully looked after by the hostess, Kirsty, who bought drinks to the table, and was kind and helpful. Highly recommended.

Currently on my first trip to London and happened across jazz after dark by chance. Am on my 2nd visit as I am writing this. My only critique is its priceiness to get in and for a pint, but i understand the reason as we all need to make a living and the cost of living crises isn't making that easy. In terms of the venue itself, no complaints. It is quite small, but that adds to a nice and chilled atmosphere. The blonde waitress/barmaid who has served me tonight and last night is an absolute treat. Very welcoming and very warm smile. Seems more than happy and keen to help all customers. The band playing last night and tonight are fantastic, the singer in particular is absolutely amazing. Overall a pleasant experience and if I am in London again, I shall definitely visit jazz after dark again. Just a nitpick here, the music that's playing while the band is resting should be more jazz classics as opposed to popular songs.

Small pub, a bit overcrowded and not much fresh air. Place itself nothing special, but live music was perfect! In addition: Didn't know that the place was Amy Winehouse favorite hiding place.

We were sitted on the private small red room next to the stage. We were able to see only the butt. Of the guitarist. Little respect to people who pay for listening to you wouldn’t hurt. Otherwise they play wonderfully

Way hot inside sweat guaranteed mediocre band with great staff

A bit pushy to buy the 10 pound entry fee, but you can only get a drink in the first part of the pub and still listen to the music. And no draughts beer, only canned!! Nice place otherwise, great music (they're very VERY proud of Amy winehouse)

Cool vibe, cabaret lighting and many wall portraits - most of Amy Winehouse. We, a group of 4 sat by the corner closest to the "stage" (couldn't really understand if it was a stage or more seating). Got an espresso martini in a beer glass, which I thought it was funny. Many staff members to such a small place, 2 young girls, 2 young men, 1 old lady and 1 old man. The young girls were just walking aroung it seemed. The old lady and one young man were very pushy on us getting more drinks, although we were clearly not even finished with the ones we had. Old lady kept being a bit petty with things such as making my friend move her chair because it was "in the way", when clearly the seating was placed that way, and was rude by later saying to get a bag out of a chair so other people could use it - of course we get that, but there's ways of saying things specially to patrons.

The band was really good, but the service was really bad. I ordered a bottle of cider, and they asked me if I wanted another. I said no, and then I stood up to dance for 2 minutes, but the staff brought another customer to my table while my bag was still on the chair. I had already paid a £10 door charge!

Very small place the long bench seat was split and tapped up the table and chairs looked like they came from some ones garden, it needs a bit of TLC, Amy Winehouse pictures on all the walls £ 20.00 entry after the session one of the musicians put out a large glass for anyone wanted to tip I never heard that before it's a bit rich after paying £ 20.00 entry the only thing going for this venue is the jazz that was good ( final thought don't bother) 👎

SCAMMERS, liars and just nasty owners! Went here for the music and my partner and I paid the entrance fee no problem. After ordering our first drink they forced us to move seat to an over crowded corner seat where we couldn’t even see the band. After a total of 11 min in the bar we got up and left and asked for our entrance fee back. Between the two owners and the main bartender, they lied to us, treated us like criminals, insulted my partner and threatened to call police. All this while laughing in our face and saying: Relax, relax… it’s only 40 pounds!

First timers here at "Jazz" after dark. Had to do a bit of a double take because we thought it was the back of a kebab shop. The lovely bouncer at the door told us it was "good value for money" at the door. £10 entry. Unfortunately by the end we thought they should've paid us. Bouncer ensured us a "good time". We had to ask whether the music was downstairs because we saw the guy through the window looked like he was singing with a total of 6 in the audience (probably family of the good act that was on after them, the only redeeming factor of this whole evening). We were seated at taped up, upholstery leather seating that apparently Amy Winehouse sat at. The bass player had gloves for some reason. Watch out for a guy called "Will". Don't get me started on the toilets, more like sex dungeon. Convinced this place used to be a strip club. The stage looks like the top of the top of an escalator with a carpet that's just been pissed on. Wonderful original artwork going for £300 a piece will leave you stunned. Highly recommend. Have to see it for yourself. Only shout-out goes to the female act who was in for one night only. I personally had to ask the band if they needed help with the electrics and they asked me to ask the staff to sort it. And the drink back to black was just lemonade so watch out. A night you'll never forget but you'll definitely want to.

Jazz After Dark might just be the worst bar I've ever been in. Their Manhattan is made with Jack Daniels. That alone should tell you're in the wrong place. I had the worst pornstar cocktail ever. They have no beer on draft and just a few brands of beer in bottles. All the booze is cheap and what very little mixers they have are bottom of the barrel. Obviously the only reason to be in this joint is the music...which we never heard. We came hoping to enjoy drinks and listen to some live music. Originally we were told a ticket was required to sit in the section where the band would cost ten quid. We don't know if we'd like them or not so we chose the other area. Just before the band was to play we were told that this area would now require a ticket too. We didn't like those games so we left. The loo was as sad as the bar. I've given over 600 reviews on Google maps. I can count on one hand how many times I've given one star. This place solidly deserved it.

+1

They charged us £10 entry, as I was with a friend of Amy winehouse and then an hour later a rude old waitress came up to us and said we had to pay another £10 as Amy is dead? Very strange

Bouncer was great but when we entered the owner kicked us out before we had even drank our first drink.

Incredibly rude service. We sat down and were continously pushed to hurry and order by multiple staff, even though we hadn't been there for more than 5 minutes. After requesting a little longer they threatened to kick us out. After this they further wanted payment for the live music about to happen. I was under the impression this would be charged open entry if there was a charge at all. This meant we had to hurry our drinks with harassment from staff so we could exit before the band came. Not only this, the drinks were mid. £11 for an espresso martini with more foam than liquid? And not to mention after ordering our drink, they definetly underpoured. Couldn't advise against more.

Don’t come here. The bar is full of pictures and artwork of Amy winehouse for sale that just comes off as an attempt to capitalise off of her death rather than honour her memory. The owners are ridiculously pushy and forceful about ordering drinks, insistent on you leaving if you don’t. They have a reputation with people from London for this, no local would recommend this place. Also had the smallest pornstar martini I think I’ve ever had. Despite having been there and buying drinks long before the band arrived, we were still hassled to pay a fee before they started which we refused and left, i don’t know if this is the standard here but in Scotland, if you’re there before entry fees are charged, you don’t have to pay. Met two super sound guys named Tom and Craig tho they were good craic

An American referred to this place as a dive bar though I would not even give it that credit. Setting the music aside, which was actually quite good, the venue needs to sort itself out. I agree with other reviews. The moment you walk in someone pounces on you with a card machine. £20 per person. Really?! They should have paid me to come in. The venue is dated. The chairs are ripped and tatty. There is more foam in sight than chair covering. Awful. The walls are plastered with ‘art’ by the owner. The menus have not been updated in years. All the laminate had come away. Drinks were passable. There is also many a photo of Amy Winehouse who was a regular at the bar before her passing. I couldn’t decide whether this is a distasteful effort of keeping her memory alive or trying to capitalise on her status. Either way it isn’t good. Overall a poor experience. Maybe use some of the money you’re rinsing from customers to invest in a refurbishment. The bar hasn’t seen a lick of paint in decades.

Absolutely awful experience — avoid this place at all costs. I’m genuinely shocked that a venue like Jazz After Dark is still running the way it does. From the moment I arrived, I felt like everything was designed to squeeze money out of customers rather than offer any real experience. They charge an entry fee supposedly for the live music, but it’s obvious that the musicians aren’t getting the respect or fair payment they deserve. It’s frustrating to see talented performers being used to draw crowds while the management pockets most of it. The atmosphere inside is unpleasant and uncomfortable. The drinks are overpriced and taste terrible — cheap spirits, poorly mixed, and served with attitude. The two owners are incredibly pushy, constantly hovering around tables, pressuring people to keep ordering drinks or leave. There’s no warmth, no hospitality, and certainly no sense of respect for guests or performers. This place has completely lost its charm and authenticity, and it feels more like a money trap than a jazz bar. There are so many amazing music spots in London that actually care about their artists and customers — please, save your money and go anywhere else but here.

This was my second time visiting your bar. As a lifelong jazz listener, I was truly enjoying the atmosphere, the music, and a beer on my own. Unfortunately, my evening was ruined by a very inappropriate and discriminatory comment made by one of your staff members (an Irish woman, approximately 50–60 years old, working at the bar). She asked me where I was from, and when I replied that I was Turkish, she told me: “I have an English friend who really doesn’t like Turks.” When I asked her why, she added: “Because our cultures are very different.” I found this comment extremely hurtful and offensive. It felt neither professional nor well-intentioned. London is a multicultural city where people of every nationality, culture, and background live together. As someone who has been playing piano since childhood, speaks three languages, plays tennis, and rides horses, I am proud of my background and I know that cultural diversity is a strength, not a reason for division. I had considered Jazz After Dark to be a modest and authentic jazz bar that I truly appreciated. However, after this experience, I was left very disappointed and saddened. I strongly believe no guest should ever face such treatment in your venue. Also hygiene of the toilet is terrible. I ask that this matter be taken seriously and addressed appropriately, so that no other customer has to experience what I did.

Don’t pay more than £2 per person entry. The service once you’re in is alright, but the owners were on the door and tried to charge us £20 per person. We walked away and they talked us in for a fraction of the price. Upon entering, the owners were judging us and made sure to sit us at the back. I’m guessing this bar is owned by people who holiday is Spain and think “we can rip of the British tourists too” and have gone for it in London.

Really bad music and not worth the £20 per person entry fee. The singing and band were not aligned and off key a lot. I was effectively charged 20 quid to watch some karaoke with a poor backing band. One of the singers (the lady) was good, but the band was really bad. Seats were also rubbish. We couldn’t see anything. We were inundated with stories about how Amy Winehouse loved the place and wrote one of her famous songs there. There is a picture of her and the owner outside. She looks hammered and the caption is about how she is tired after writing back to black. There was also some campaign to “save Amy’s VIP space”, the seats we were sitting in. The whole thing felt exploitative and cheap. The cocktails were also really bad and there was no fresh air inside the venue. I actually struggled to breathe inside. Too warm.

Horrible place, forced us to keep drinking and kicked me and my 18 year old friend for not ordering "fast enough" (we had 2 drinks within 30 mins). Couldn't see the live band without paying extra. Didn't show us where the toilets were and drinks overpriced. The waiters were rude and forced us to tip!!! Please don't go they will pressure you and make you uncomfortable. All the tables around us complained and walked out

The Jazz on offer at this place is a karaoke standard, not even worth the £20 we had to pay to get in. The singer did not have a proper voice, and the less said about the music, the better it is…. The food was awful, the burgers seemed to have been reheated from the lunch, the chips were hard and dry, probably frozen, and were the worst we ever had. The rest of the food was appalling, and they did not even have some Tabasco! We had to run away…. Wonderful name for the place, but worse than a pit hole…. AVOID!

update to review..... the place is very tired, the chairs are very frail and extremely dirty, the tables were sticky, the drinks were overpriced, there was no atmosphere, there is literally no space in there, we were sat arm to arm with others and it cost £40 for a table, with nothing but the music included. However, the singer on the night was very good and doing her best to drum up an atmosphere but to no avail due to the unhappy customers. The band were Soul Vibes and the singer was very good. If you like it tight and squashed and close up, perfect!

Awful high cover charge for awful music and terrible service and little seating. They keep talking about Amy Winehouse because she was the best thing that happened to this place. Really really regret coming in here. Would never do again.