Blue Note Jazz Club granted license to open first ever UK branch in London

Today (7th May) the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club is proud to announce they have been granted a license to open their first UK club, with plans for the club to open its doors in early 2026. Set within the basement of the St Martins Lane hotel in Covent Garden, the license will allow the club to open until 1am on Monday to Saturday and Midnight on Sunday, offering a unique and intimate atmosphere for world-class jazz performances – from celebrated icons to rising stars and genre-defying collaborations that reflect the evolution of jazz.

The club will boast two performance spaces: a main room with a 250 person capacity as well as a secondary room with a 100 person capacity. There will be a full-service kitchen and beverage menu, open for dinner throughout the week.

Commenting on the news, Steven Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainment Group said “We're excited to be coming to London and grateful to Westminster Council for recognising what Blue Note can bring to the city's nightlife. As we prepare to open in early 2026, we're looking forward to bringing world-class jazz and a deep cultural legacy to one of the greatest music cities in the world.”

Sophie Asquith, Venue Support Team Manager at Music Venue Trust added: “Music Venue Trust is delighted to learn that Blue Note has been granted a license with the hours needed to enable its world-famous jazz operation to flourish in central London. Their plans and commitment have been thorough and conscientious throughout, and so we were very pleased to speak in support of the application at their recent hearing. The charity is excited to continue to work with the team, and wish them every success in their vision, bringing the very best in global and local grassroots jazz talent to their latest home in London.”

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said “Westminster is home to some of the capital’s most loved music venues and we want to ensure late night entertainment can continue to thrive. Every licensing decision is carefully considered, based on the evidence presented to committee and keeping in mind the needs of residents. In this case it was clear that venue management have engaged extensively with local people to improve their application and address the concerns that were raised by the police. We’re pleased that, following the approval of this application, jazz lovers will soon be able to enjoy the Blue Note Jazz Club.”

Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Geoff Barraclough said "This is exactly the kind of venue we want to see more of in Westminster and which is encouraged in our After Dark strategy as part of a more varied evening and night time offer across the city. As a jazz lover I can’t wait to visit.”

Blue Note Jazz Club London is due to open its doors in early 2026, with further details to be announced later this year.