The Jazz Cafe, Camden: London’s Iconic Live Music Venue
Experience world-class live music and vibrant nightlife at The Jazz Cafe, Camden’s legendary venue blending soulful sounds with intimate charm.
Nestled in the heart of Camden at 5 Parkway, The Jazz Cafe is a legendary live music venue renowned for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic programming. Hosting jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and more, it combines top-tier live performances with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, offering an immersive cultural experience in one of London’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
A brief summary to Jazz Cafe
- 5 Parkway, London, NW1 7PG, GB
- +442074856834
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 7 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 7 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 7 pm-11 pm
- Friday 7 pm-3 am
- Saturday 7 pm-3 am
- Sunday 7 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets in advance for popular shows to secure the best seats, especially for restaurant-level dining with stage views.
- Arrive early to enjoy the full dining experience upstairs before the live performances begin.
- Check the event schedule online as the venue hosts a wide variety of music genres and club nights throughout the week.
- Dress comfortably but smartly, as the venue blends casual and upscale atmospheres.
- Use public transport to avoid parking challenges in busy Camden; Camden Town Tube station is the closest.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Camden Town station on the Northern Line. From there, it’s a 7-10 minute walk to 5 Parkway. Trains run frequently, approximately every 2-5 minutes during peak times. A single journey costs £2.80-£4.90 depending on your travel card or contactless payment.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Camden, including routes 24, 27, 29, 31, 88, and 134. Buses stop within a 5-10 minute walk of The Jazz Cafe. Expect journey times from central London of 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fares around £1.75 per ride.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to The Jazz Cafe typically takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Prices range from £10 to £25. Note that parking in Camden is limited and expensive, so a taxi is often more convenient for evening visits.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Camden or central London, walking to The Jazz Cafe can be a pleasant option. From Camden Town station, it is about a 10-minute walk on mostly flat terrain, suitable for most visitors including those with limited mobility.
Jazz Cafe location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Jazz Cafe
A Storied Venue in Camden’s Musical Landscape
The Jazz Cafe stands as a cornerstone of Camden’s rich musical heritage, located at 5 Parkway. Originally a jazz-only venue, it has evolved into a diverse hub for live music, showcasing genres from jazz and soul to hip-hop, funk, and world music. Its intimate setting, housed in a converted Barclays Bank, ensures audiences are never far from the stage, fostering a close connection between performers and listeners. Over the decades, it has welcomed legendary artists and emerging talents alike, cementing its reputation as a must-visit spot for music lovers.Atmosphere and Acoustics that Elevate the Experience
The venue is celebrated for its warm, inviting ambiance, featuring intimate lighting and excellent acoustics that highlight the nuances of live performance. Upstairs offers a restaurant with views overlooking the stage, while the downstairs area provides standing room that brings fans close to the action. The sound quality is frequently praised for its clarity and balance, allowing every instrument and vocal to shine. This blend of comfort and sonic excellence creates an engaging environment for both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles.Eclectic Programming and Cultural Significance
The Jazz Cafe’s calendar is packed with nightly events, ranging from jazz jams and R&B showcases to club nights featuring UK garage, house music, and drum & bass. It also hosts special themed events such as Motown Christmas celebrations and tributes to iconic artists. This diversity reflects its commitment to honoring musical traditions while embracing contemporary sounds, making it a cultural beacon in London’s live music scene. The venue’s role extends beyond entertainment, fostering community and activism through music.Dining and Social Scene
Complementing the music is a well-regarded restaurant serving a menu that pairs well with the venue’s soulful vibe. Guests can enjoy meals while watching performances from the mezzanine, adding a layer of sophistication to the experience. The bar offers a variety of cocktails and drinks at moderate prices, contributing to the venue’s reputation as a social hotspot. Friendly staff and attentive service enhance the welcoming atmosphere, making it a favored spot for both locals and visitors.Legacy and Notable Performances
Throughout its history, The Jazz Cafe has hosted an impressive roster of artists, including blues legends, jazz greats, and contemporary stars. Memorable performances by artists such as Otis Rush, Emmylou Harris, Baaba Maal, and more recently, hip-hop luminaries like Brother Ali and GZA, showcase its versatility. The venue’s ability to attract both established names and rising stars underscores its importance as a platform for musical excellence and innovation.Location and Accessibility
Situated in Camden, one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods, The Jazz Cafe benefits from excellent transport links, including the nearby Camden Town Underground station. The area’s lively streets, markets, and cultural attractions make visiting the venue part of a broader exploration of London’s creative heart. Whether attending a late-night gig or a special event, The Jazz Cafe offers an immersive experience that captures the spirit of London’s music scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iron Footbridge over Regent’s Canal (Camden)
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Historic iron footbridge offering scenic canal views and vibrant access to Camden’s lively markets and cultural heart.
Hawley Street Art
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Discover Camden’s vibrant Hawley Street Art, a dynamic outdoor gallery celebrating creativity, culture, and iconic urban murals.
Euston War Memorial
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A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
St Pancras New Church
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A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Caithness House
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Experience the vibrant residential life of London at Caithness House, a modern flat complex perfect for tourists seeking comfort and convenience.
London Central Mosque
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London's iconic Islamic cultural landmark blending spiritual tradition with modern community engagement.
221B Baker St
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Explore the iconic 221B Baker Street, the legendary home of Sherlock Holmes, and immerse yourself in the world of detective fiction and Victorian charm.
University of Westminster Marylebone Hall
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Experience the vibrant academic life at Marylebone Hall, a historic university in London surrounded by iconic attractions and rich culture.
Sherlock Holmes Statue
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Discover the charm and intrigue of London at the Sherlock Holmes Statue, a fitting tribute to the legendary detective and a must-see tourist attraction.
Upper Wimpole St
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Discover the quiet elegance and rich history of Upper Wimpole Street, a Georgian gem in the heart of Marylebone.
Middlesex House
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Experience the blend of modern business and historical charm at Middlesex House in London, a vibrant hub for tourists and professionals alike.
Statue of Thomas Coram
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A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
St. John's Wood
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Explore St. John's Wood, a charming London neighborhood known for its historic landmarks, vibrant atmosphere, and rich cultural experiences.
Goodge St
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Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
Baker St
2.2 km
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Baker Street, home to Sherlock Holmes and a hub of London’s iconic attractions.
Unmissable attractions to see
Camden point
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Discover Camden Market, London’s vibrant hub of culture, cuisine, and independent shopping beside the scenic Regent’s Canal.
Camden Town
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Experience Camden Town’s vibrant market culture, eclectic shops, and canal-side charm in the heart of London’s alternative scene.
The Underworld
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Experience the electrifying atmosphere of The Underworld, Camden's iconic live music bar and nightclub, hosting unforgettable performances and vibrant nightlife.
The Music Walk of Fame
0.1 km
Celebrate Camden’s legendary music icons on a unique walk of fame honoring decades of musical innovation and culture.
Camden High St
0.1 km
Camden High Street pulses with vibrant markets, eclectic shops, and a rich cultural vibe that defines London’s alternative spirit.
The Camden Eye
0.1 km
Warehouse-chic Camden pub with craft drinks, pizza comfort food and a first-floor lounge for gigs, comedy and private parties.
Electric Ballroom
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant energy of Electric Ballroom, Camden's premier nightclub and live music venue, where unforgettable nights await.
Inverness Street Market
0.1 km
A vibrant Camden Town street market blending local charm, diverse stalls, and cultural gems in the heart of London.
Rokit Camden
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Discover unique vintage fashion treasures and sustainable style in the heart of Camden’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Good Mixer
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Camden's legendary Britpop haunt where music history was made and rivalries were born.
BOXPARK Camden
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A vibrant Camden hotspot blending street food, independent shops, and cultural events in a unique pop-up mall setting.
Green Note
0.3 km
An intimate Camden basement venue blending soulful live music with vibrant organic vegetarian cuisine in a cozy, bohemian setting.
Saint Martin's Gardens
0.3 km
A peaceful Camden garden with historic gravestones, family playgrounds, and tranquil green spaces just steps from the vibrant town center.
Camden Lock Market
0.3 km
London's legendary bohemian marketplace where 1,000+ independent vendors sell vintage fashion, global street food, and handmade treasures.
Jongleurs Comedy Club
0.3 km
Experience live stand-up comedy in the heart of Camden Lock’s vibrant nightlife at Jongleurs Comedy Club, London’s intimate comedy hotspot.
Essential places to dine
Goodfare Italian Restaurant
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Cozy Camden Italian eatery serving authentic pizzas, pastas, and seafood with warm hospitality and a lively street-side vibe.
Jamon Jamon
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a lively NW1 London setting with rustic charm and inviting atmosphere.
Laz @Camden
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Discover authentic Turkish cuisine and warm hospitality in Camden’s cozy Laz restaurant, where tradition meets vibrant London vibes.
Daphne Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Greek-Cypriot dining in Camden with warm hospitality, cozy ambiance, and generously portioned traditional dishes.
Il Sugo
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A cozy family-run Italian restaurant in Camden serving hearty, authentic dishes with generous portions and warm hospitality.
Mildreds Camden
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Discover vibrant international vegan cuisine and lively atmosphere at Mildreds Camden, a cornerstone of London’s plant-based dining scene.
wagamama camden
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Fresh Japanese-inspired dishes and vibrant communal dining in the heart of Camden’s eclectic market scene.
Rossopomodoro Camden
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Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza and classic Italian dishes in the vibrant heart of Camden, London.
Alexander The Great Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Greek hospitality and generous Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Camden’s vibrant dining scene.
Frida Camden
0.4 km
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Portland
2.1 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Fitzrovia, blending seasonal British ingredients with refined, creative flavors in an intimate setting.
The Ninth
2.3 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Blanchette
2.7 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Inamo
2.8 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Starbucks Coffee
2.8 km
A vibrant Starbucks café in Carnaby offering expertly crafted coffee, fresh food, and a lively urban atmosphere in central London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Frinky
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and cheeky — a Camden Lock stall for witty signs, magnets and small‑batch souvenirs with retro flair.
KESKIN GIFT
0.4 km
Discover handmade wonders at Keskin Gift, where Camden's craft spirit shines through chess sets, masks, and artisanal jewelry in the iconic Lock Market.
Camden Gift
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Quirky Camden souvenirs, stylish gear, and luggage relief on vibrant Chalk Farm Road—a slice of alternative London in one eclectic stop.
To Home From London
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Camden's go-to for handcrafted London souvenirs: witty mugs, sturdy totes, and homewares that pack whimsy and quality into every piece.
What Goes Around Comes Around
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Dive into Camden's retro Americana vault at What Goes Around Comes Around, where vintage varsity jackets, Levi’s, and 80s tracksuits await in the Stables Market.
Camden Threads - An online shop for the best independent brands and vintage boutiques
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Discover curated vintage and indie fashion treasures in Camden Stables Market's historic heart – where retro meets rebellious style. (112 characters)
Zakka Camden
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Discover artist-designed cushions and design-led gifts at this quirky Camden Market gem, blending Japanese zakka charm with London's creative pulse.
Cyberdog
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Step into Cyberdog, Camden’s neon-lit rave shop where futuristic fashion meets pounding techno beats in a vibrant club-like setting.
Shop
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A compact, ever-changing Camden Market shop serving eclectic vintage, designer finds and small-run curios in the Stables’ maze-like atmosphere.
London Beatles Store
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A vibrant Beatles memorabilia haven on Baker Street celebrating the timeless legacy of the Fab Four.
The Brunswick Centre
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Iconic brutalist shopping and cultural hub where modernist architecture meets vibrant urban life in Bloomsbury.
Goodge Place Market
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Persephone books
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Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Church Street Market
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A bustling multicultural market in Westminster offering fresh produce, antiques, street food, and vibrant local culture from Monday to Saturday.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The World's End
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Simmons Bar | Camden Town
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Neon-lit, budget-friendly cocktail bar in Camden with teapot cocktails, karaoke and a chaotic, retro-packed interior for groups and nights out.
Bucks Head
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Lively Camden pub with roof terrace views, pub grub, real ales, and festive vibes opposite Buck Street Market—perfect for soaking up the neighborhood's electric energy.
Camden Head
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A Victorian‑charm pub on Camden High Street — hearty plates, rotating ales and comedy‑night energy that turns lively after dark.
The Elephants Head
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All About Eve
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1950s cocktail glamour meets Camden's karaoke chaos in this retro-inspired bar with inventive drinks and heated terrace vibes.
The Devonshire Arms
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A cosy NW1 pub where grilled dishes and small rock gigs meet—intimate evenings, unpolished energy and classic pub bones in the heart of Kentish Town Road.
Canalside Bar
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Sip cocktails by the Regent's Canal in King's Cross, where trendy lounge vibes meet waterside serenity in London's revitalized heart.
Be At One - Camden
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Ignite your night with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and Camden's fiercest bartenders shaking up classics and wild inventions.
The Hawley Arms
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Camden’s intimate music pub — cosy sofas, punters and live gigs in a scuffed, music-filled setting.
Sunlight Lounge
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An intimate Camden Road lounge serving relaxed drinks in a softly lit, conversational setting for small groups and neighbourhood evenings.
Spiritland
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Immerse yourself in exceptional sound, creative cocktails, and a vibrant music culture at Spiritland King's Cross.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
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A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
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A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Fitz's Russell Sq.
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Soul City
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A Saturday-night Camden basement party celebrating soul, disco and funk with DJ-led, record-minded sets in The Jazz Cafe’s atmospheric room.
Club Swizzle
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Dive into acrobatic cabaret mayhem at the Roundhouse: Swizzle Boys flip chairs, Reuben Kaye slays with wit, and the bar becomes your front-row thrill ride in Camden's hottest 2018 spectacle.
Lockside
0.4 km
Canal views, craft cocktails, and DJ-fueled nights atop Camden Market's vibrant West Yard—a daytime diner turned electric nightlife escape.
Max's Other Flat
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Discover a vibrant nightlife experience at Max's Other Flat, a must-visit nightclub in London offering electrifying music and unforgettable moments.
Club Stable
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Historic Camden stables turned electrifying nightclub: dance in Victorian horse stalls amid live music, cabaret, and pulsing beats in London's nightlife epicenter.
Monster Queen
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Dive into Camden's dark heart at Monster Queen: intimate club nights pulsing with goth electronica, historic vibes, and non-stop energy till dawn.
Egg London Nightclub
1.3 km
Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
101 Nightclub London
2.6 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
2.6 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
Carwash Nightclub
2.7 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
St Moritz Club
2.8 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Sunset night club
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Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
La Capannina Club
2.8 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
2.9 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
The Roxy
2.9 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly