The legendary New York jazz club Blue Note has announced the opening date for its first London venue, along with a stellar roster of inaugural performers. The club will open its doors on St Martin's Lane in Covent Garden on September 23, 2026, a date that coincides with what would have been the 100th birthday of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. The venue's licence was granted back in May 2025, and its opening marks a significant expansion for the iconic brand.
Opening Lineup Features Grammy Winners and UK Jazz Stars
The opening performances will be headlined by five-time Grammy-winning artist Robert Glasper, who will take the stage on September 23 and 24. The initial lineup also includes Erykah Badu, Jamie Cullum, Nubya Garcia, Yussef Dayes, KOKOROKO, and Hak Baker. The venue promises a diverse programme that extends beyond traditional jazz, incorporating R&B, hip-hop, and other genres, reflecting the eclectic tastes of its opening acts.
Blue Note Jazz Club London will feature two distinct performance spaces. The main room will have a capacity of 250, comparable to Ronnie Scott's main club in Soho, while a second area named B Side, with a capacity of 100, is scheduled to open later in 2026. Each night, the venue will host two shows, at 7pm and 9.30pm, with a food menu available for dinner throughout the week and a bar offering cocktails, wines, and spirits. The club will remain open until 1am from Monday to Saturday and until midnight on Sunday.
Design and Atmosphere: A Carefully Crafted Jazz Experience
The venue's design aims to create an immersive jazz experience. Renders depict classic jazz club aesthetics with intimate tables, subdued lighting, and portraits of musicians. According to the venue, 'Every detail, from the sightlines to the lighting and acoustics, has been carefully considered to create an immersive environment where every seat feels connected to the stage, making each performance both personal and unforgettable.'
Tsion Bensusan, co-owner of Blue Note Entertainment Group, expressed his hopes for the London venue: 'Our hope is that Blue Note London becomes more than a venue, it becomes a home for musicians, a gathering place for the community, and an integral part of London's cultural landscape.'
Tickets and Membership: How to Secure Your Spot
Tickets for all shows will go on general sale on Friday, August 14, with presales available from Wednesday, August 12. The club will also offer membership schemes, with details available on the Blue Note Jazz Club website. The original Blue Note Jazz Club, which is not affiliated with the iconic record label of the same name, opened in New York's Greenwich Village in 1981 and has hosted legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Ray Charles, and Chick Corea. The brand has since expanded to cities including Tokyo, Milan, Rio de Janeiro, and Shanghai.
Blue Note Jazz Club London is located at 42-49 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4EJ, and opens on September 23, 2026. This addition to London's vibrant music scene is eagerly anticipated, promising to become a cornerstone of the city's cultural offerings.
