Brighton’s Best Jazz Nights to Fill Your Week
Brighton's Jazz scene is thriving and evermore present. Being impartial to a glass of red and the smooth sounds of jazz, I've done the hardhitting research ready for your next Jazz night.
The weekly run-down:
Monday
The Paris House on Western Road hosts regular jazz nights, usually on Mondays between 7-9pm. A monthly lineup is listed on their website to navigate the selection of performers in-store each week. This French-styled pub features gypsy jazz, blues, jazz fusion, and more. The jazz is said to be of high quality, and with live music up to five times a week there's sure to be something for everyone. This bar is full of character and invites individuals alike.
Also on Western Road, The Bees Mouth holds jazz afternoons on Mondays. This free jazz event includes a mix of scheduled bands and improv too. This is another vibrant and quirky bar with a staged basement room for performances. With a cosy and collective feel you’ll feel at home amongst a host of music lovers.
Tuesday
Tuesdays at The Brunswick, Holland Road, Hove, allow for weekly 8pm jazz sessions. These are free entry but you can also pre-book tables to ensure a seat. The room off of the main pub is cosy and primarily allows for seating with space for a few standing stranglers around the edges of the room. The vibe is intimate but sophisticated, people remain sat and composed, bobbing their heads along and clapping both at the ends of sets but also during. The bands on-stage have a list of musicians who are also in the crowd who are routinely called up to join the band.
Wednesday
Wednesday 8pm at The Wick Inn nestles a speakeasy jazz club above the Victorian pub on Western Road. The weekly jazz is performed by trumpeter Chris Coull and his Quartet, with a new special guest each week. With a range of seating, group tables and more intimate spots. This location offers a more relaxed drinks and Thai dining experience alongside an evening of hard-swinging jazz.
Thursday
Saint James Tavern is the place to be on Thursdays. Situated in the lanes with a range of food and live music, normally jazz on a Thursday. The tavern’s unusual shape holds much character and hosts the perfect intimate vibe.
Friday
Every Friday between 2:30-5pm you can find jazz at The Better Half, Hove Place. The dog-friendly pub hosts what they call ‘top-notch swinging jazz’ with a side of local and seasonal dishes, wines, and ales. They prioritise local and inspiring musicians and have the space to encourage a dance along. They suggest booking but it is not necessary.
Another Friday night Fringe special, promoting local talent is St Andrew’s Church on Church Road, Hove. Doors open at 5:30pm and jazz is played between 6-8pm. As well as Brightoners they also have top players from around the country to join in the fun. They hold a weekly theme or tribute which can be found on their website with tickets costing £10 or £8 on concessions.
Saturday
Saturday must be the night for other types of fun and sound, as Brighton lacks a dedicated Saturday night jazz spot. Instead, here are some of the best spots that offer jazz often but not on set days. The Verdict, Kemptown, comes out as top contender and is a fan favourite that is highly raved about by locals. The grassroots music venue earned its title the Jazz Club Of The Year back in 2024 and has scheduled events and artists from ensembles to solos and connecting to the root of jazz. The deep history of the performers is displayed on their website for all to see. The venue is larger and offers a range of seating with tickets starting at £25 for the rows of seats towards the back, and £45 for tables of four closer to the stage.
Sunday
Sunday is a jazz heavy evening with Easy Tiger, Upper North Street, offering it from 5:30-7:30pm. With different trios playing each week, fresh Indian street food, and bookable tables, this pub is a central jazz spot.
The night moves straight to Hand in Hand, Upper St James’ Street, weekly from 8-11pm. The independent pub with its own microbrewery is a more intimate site that hosts local and international players. They have information about their line up on their social media but recommend getting there early for seats.
The Stirling Arms, Stirling Place, also has a weekly jazz night on Sundays at 7pm. They focus on great gin and jazz, a popular Hove hotspot. With their lineup posted on their website, you can easily suss out your next jazz hit.
Written by Isabel Meszaros
Cover Image by @dolodol