Blue Note Jazz Club Receives Late License Approval to Open Flagship Venue in London

Blue Note Jazz Club has officially announced that it will be opening a new venue in London, England after receiving a late license approval from the local council. The 350-capacity venue, set to be the first Blue Note Jazz Club in the U.K., is scheduled to open its doors in early 2026.

The decision to grant the late license comes after initial opposition from the Metropolitan Police Service and local residents. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on crime and disorder in the area, leading to a licensing debate. However, the Westminster City Council has now overturned its objections, stating that the venue management has addressed the raised concerns and engaged with the local community.

Located in the basement of the St Martins Lane hotel in Covent Garden, the Blue Note Jazz Club will feature two performance spaces: a main room with a capacity of 250 people, and a secondary space for 100 people. The venue will offer a full-service kitchen and beverage menu, with plans to serve dinner throughout the week.

The opening of the London venue marks a significant expansion for Blue Note Jazz Club, known for its original establishment in New York City in 1981. The club has since expanded to locations in Milan, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, hosting renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Ezra Collective, and more.

In a statement, Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group, expressed excitement about bringing the club to London and emphasized the cultural contribution it will make to the city’s nightlife. With a focus on world-class jazz performances and a rich cultural legacy, the Blue Note Jazz Club aims to become a prominent player in London’s vibrant music scene.