Iconic Blue Note Jazz Club Set to Open First London Venue with Robert Glasper

The legendary Blue Note jazz club brings its famed vibe to London, launching a stellar lineup featuring Robert Glasper and more.

A Legendary Jazz Icon Arrives in London

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking in the soul of jazz in an intimate, legendary setting, your moment has arrived. The iconic Blue Note Jazz Club, a cornerstone of the jazz world with venues in New York, Los Angeles, and Milan, is finally landing its very first UK location right in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. The opening date? September 23, 2026 — a fitting tribute coinciding with what would have been the 100th birthday of the groundbreaking jazz titan John Coltrane.

Nestled on St Martin’s Lane, this brand-new venue promises to capture the essence and atmosphere that the Blue Note name has reverberated worldwide for decades. It’s not just a club; it’s a vibrant cultural hub where jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and other boundary-pushing genres intersect and thrive.

Two Stages, One Passion: Jazz and Innovation

This Covent Garden spot is designed with a dual spirit. The main performance room, boasting a cozy 250-person capacity, will host two shows nightly at 7 PM and 9:30 PM, primed to deliver electrifying live experiences every evening.

But that’s not all. Later in the year, a second space called the ‘B-Side’ will open its doors. This intimate 100-capacity room is dedicated to emerging talent, offering a fresh platform for the UK’s up-and-coming jazz stars to shine. It’s a nod to the future of jazz, nurturing new sounds alongside the legends.

And for those of us who like a bit of culinary flair with our music, the club’s contemporary food menu and signature cocktails will keep the vibe alive throughout the week, turning nights into full sensory celebrations.

Robert Glasper: The Heartbeat of the Opening

To herald this monumental occasion, none other than Robert Glasper, the five-time Grammy-winning jazz maestro, will headline the grand opening shows on September 23 and 24. Glasper will also return for an extended residency in November, performing seven more shows — a real treat for jazz aficionados.

Glasper’s involvement goes beyond just performing; he’s also taking on the role of creative ambassador for Blue Note London. Speaking on the new venture, he shared:

“London has been a big supporter in my career from the very beginning, and I’ve always had so much respect for the musical culture of the UK past and present. There is a deep love for music that pushes boundaries, and Blue Note has always been a home for that same spirit. Starting this new club is about creating a space where jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and everything in between can meet, evolve, and surprise people. I’m excited to build something in London that feels intimate, fearless, and alive, a place where artists can take chances and audiences can experience the music up close.”

— Robert Glasper

Glasper’s vision perfectly captures what the new Blue Note will be: a vibrant melting pot of sounds, fearless creativity, and authentic connection.

A Star-Studded Lineup to Set London Alight

Robert Glasper kicks off the opening, but the lineup continues to dazzle with an array of world-class artists. Neo-Soul icon Erykah Badu will grace the stage, alongside jazz-pop luminary Jamie Cullum. Saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia, legendary drummer Yussef Dayes, the vibrant Afrobeat collective KOKOROKO, and London’s own Hak Baker are also slated to perform.

The program is a rich mix, celebrating both homegrown British talent and international stars, promising nights filled with soul-stirring sounds and unforgettable performances.

Tickets and Membership: Get Ready to Experience Blue Note London

Tickets for the inaugural shows went on sale August 14, 2026, with eager fans snapping them up fast. If you want to secure your spot at this historic moment, early booking is key.

Beyond regular tickets, Blue Note London is also launching two exclusive membership programs:

• Founding Membership: Offers priority access, exclusive experiences, and a front-row seat to the club’s unfolding story.
• Founders Society: Limited to just 100 members, this elite group offers a chance to play a lasting role in shaping Blue Note London’s inaugural chapter.

These memberships promise insider access to a club that wants to be more than just a venue — it’s a community, a family, a home for music lovers.

Behind the Scenes: Bringing Blue Note to London

Tsion Bensusan, co-owner of Blue Note Entertainment Group, described the launch as a landmark moment, not only for the company but for London’s musical heritage.

“London has always been one of the world’s great music capitals, with an extraordinary jazz heritage and an incredibly diverse creative community. Bringing Blue Note to London is something we’ve envisioned for many years, and opening our doors here marks one of the most significant milestones in our company’s history.”

— Tsion Bensusan

Nick Lewis, director of Music & Programming at Blue Note London, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the venue plans to celebrate both world-renowned jazz artists and the fiercely talented UK jazz scene that has been on fire recently.

“We’ll be welcoming some of the greatest jazz artists worldwide whilst shining a light on our exceptional emerging homegrown UK jazz scene which has been on fire in recent years. Audiences will experience the very best of jazz and adjacent genres, nightly in the heart of London. We look forward to making a significant and meaningful contribution to the UK live music scene.”

— Nick Lewis

Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Opening

The path to opening wasn’t without its hurdles. Earlier in the year, the Metropolitan Police and local residents voiced concerns about the venue’s late-night hours, fearing potential increases in crime and disorder around the club’s closing times. There were worries about attendees becoming targets for phone theft or unsafe taxi services late at night.

Some residents requested that the club’s closing time be limited to 11 PM to reduce these risks. Despite these challenges, the venue’s plans were ultimately approved, buoyed by strong support from the Music Venue Trust. Sophie Asquith, Venue Support Team Manager at MVT, praised the license approval as crucial for allowing Blue Note’s world-famous jazz operation to flourish in central London.

Blue Note London 2026: What to Expect

Here’s a look at some of the exciting shows scheduled for the opening months:

September Highlights

• 23-24: Robert Glasper
• 27: Yussef Dayes
• 28-29: Jamie Cullum
• 30: Nik West

October Highlights

• 1: Nik West
• 2: Nubiyan Twist
• 3: The Banger Factory
• 8-9: Jamie Cullum
• 10-11: IMEHO – An Intimate Experience with Erykah Badu
• 14: Emily Bear
• 15-17: Nubya Garcia
• 18: Hak Baker
• 19-20: SHABAKA
• 22-23: Steamdown x NYJO
• 24-25: Keyon Harrold
• 26: The Soul Rebels
• 31: Milena Casado

November Highlights

• 2-3: Richard Bona
• 8: Brandee Younger
• 9-10: James Carter (Coltrane 100)
• 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22: Robert Glasper
• 27: Jazzanova Live feat. Wayne Snow
• 29: Tank and the Bangas

December Highlights

• 3: New Regency Orchestra
• 4: Waaju x Majid Bekkas
• 5-7: Cory Henry Trio
• 13-15: The Brand New Heavies
• 16: KOKOROKO
• 20-22: The Brand New Heavies

A New Chapter for London’s Jazz Scene

The arrival of Blue Note London feels like a fresh breath for the city’s rich jazz tapestry, blending legendary prestige with contemporary energy. It’s a place where the spirit of past icons like John Coltrane lives on through dynamic new voices and fearless genre-bending performances.

For fans like me, it’s genuinely thrilling to imagine those classic Blue Note nights—sultry saxophones, soulful vocals, and that unmistakable intimacy—now unfolding right here in London.

FAQ

• What makes Blue Note London unique?
  Blue Note London brings the legendary New York club’s authentic jazz vibe to the UK, offering intimate spaces for both legendary artists and emerging UK talent.
• Who is headlining the opening shows?
  Robert Glasper, the five-time Grammy-winning jazz maestro, headlines the grand opening on September 23 and 24, with additional shows in November.
• Where is Blue Note London located?
  The club is situated on St Martin’s Lane in Covent Garden, a cultural hotspot in central London.
• What kind of music will be featured?
  The venue celebrates a broad spectrum including jazz, R&B, hip-hop, neo-soul, Afrobeat, and adjacent genres, showcasing both UK and international artists.
• Are there membership options for fans?
  Yes, there are two memberships: Founding Membership for priority access and exclusive experiences, and the Founders Society, limited to 100 members with special roles in the club’s history.

Ready to bring a piece of jazz history home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and celebrate the timeless spirit of Blue Note at our store here. Elevate your space with iconic music art that resonates with every beat.