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The Atlas Insider: The EFG London Jazz Festival brings the swing to Shoreditch
November 9, 2016We’re now well into Autumn, which means falling leaves, fireworks and…jazz.
The EFG London Jazz Festival is the capital's biggest city-wide music festival, celebrated from the 11th to the 20th of November. The Festival has long been known for showcasing new talent and rising stars to a huge audience, making it the highlight of the year for many jazz fans.
There are a number of music venues across London that are taking part in the Festival – Rich Mix East End near Shoreditch High Street to name just one. But, if you’re interested in celebrating jazz throughout the year, we’ve put together some of our favourite East London music hotspots.
The Night Jar, City Road
Conceived as an antidote to overcrowded West End bars and flashy nightclubs, The Night Jar is the bar you wish every bar could be. The interiors are inspired by the 1920s and reminiscent of the set of The Great Gatsby. The drinks are inventive without being an effort to drink and the service is flawless. But it’s the live music that draws in the crowd - every night, the best jazz players perform to an enraptured audience. Cosy and glamorous but without the gimmicks, this speakeasy-style Shoreditch bar ticks all the boxes.
Old Street Records, Old Street
Old Street Records exudes Shoreditch cool and attracts a buzzing crowd come the weekend. Yet, in the basement, Old Street Records keeps a secret – an intimate bar where things are a bit more low-key. Serving up bespoke cocktails and authentic pizzas, this venue is the ideal spot for a chilled-out evening of jazz. Of course, the basement bar line up varies, so be sure to check the website for listings before heading out for the night.
Troy Bar, Hoxton Street
Troy Bar is part of the fabric of Shoreditch and was well-established as part of the local scene long before the area became a nightlife hotspot. Famed for its Tuesday open mic sessions and legendary Friday “Word of Mouth” jam sessions, jazz, funk and vintage soul lovers alike flock to this special venue. Also on offer at Troy Bar are an array of homemade Caribbean dishes – from jerk chicken to curry goat. Troy Bar relies on word of mouth to bring in customers, and does a pretty good job. Although it markets itself as London’s best kept secret, we doubt London will keep the secret of this historic and honest jazz bar for long.