Feel the rhythm come alive at the best jazz clubs in Edinburgh!
I’ve always been into jazz, mostly thanks to my gran, who loved playing stuff like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Charlie Parker around the house. That kind of sound just sticks.
These days, I like finding places around Edinburgh that keep jazz alive. I know I can just make a ton of jazz playlists on my smartphone, but there’s something unique about hearing it in person.
Since I don’t want my fellow jazz fans missing out on the fun, I’ve put together a list of the best jazz clubs in the city.
The Jazz Bar
– Photo credit: thejazzbar
Website: https://www.thejazzbar.co.uk/
Address: 1a Chambers St
Contact details: +44 131 305 1120
Operating hours:
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (MON)
6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (TUES)
5:00 PM – 2:00 AM (WED and THURS)
5:00 PM – 3:00 AM (FRI)
2:00 PM – 3:00 AM (SAT)
5:00 PM – 12:30 AM (SUN)
It wouldn’t feel right to leave out The Jazz Bar when talking about the best jazz spots in Edinburgh. It opened back in 2005 thanks to Bill Kyle, a jazz drummer who wanted a place where live music could thrive every single day.
It’s one of my regular go-tos because the lineup always keeps things interesting. Some nights it’s mellow piano and double bass; other times it’s funk, soul, or reggae. You never really know what you’ll walk into, and that’s part of what makes it special.
Beyond the music, the atmosphere is another good reason why I frequent this place. It’s got that classic basement setup with low ceilings, warm lights, and a cocktail menu that pairs beautifully with whatever is playing.
Pro tip: If you want to level up your visit to The Jazz Bar, check out their official live music listings before heading over. They update it regularly with details on who’s playing, what time the sets start, and how much the tickets cost.
The Voodoo Rooms
– Photo credit: thevoodoorooms
Website: https://www.thevoodoorooms.com/
Address: 19a W Register St
Contact details: +44 131 556 7060
Operating hours:
5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (MON-THURS)
3:00 PM – 1:00 AM (FRI)
1:00 PM – 1:00 AM (SAT)
4:00 PM – 1:00 AM (SUN)
When I’m in the mood for jazz with a side of velvet chairs and fancy cocktails, I head to The Voodoo Rooms. It’s tucked just off Princes Street in a grand old Victorian building, and the vibe leans more to a cabaret lounge than an underground bar.
The setup is elegant, with plush seating and stylish decor throughout. If you want something more private, they’ve got themed rooms like the Speakeasy, the Carte Blanche, and the Ballroom, each with its own charm.
It’s not a jazz-only spot, so you won’t catch jazz every night. But when it’s on, the acts are great. La Dolce Vita Swing Collective brings that classic swing feel, and they often host touring artists like Erin Harpe and Jim Countryman to keep things fresh.
Pro tip: On top of catching live jazz performances, you can also learn to mix your own drinks by joining one of The Voodoo Rooms’ cocktail masterclasses. It’s a hands-on experience led by professional bartenders who’ll walk you through making standout cocktails like an espresso martini from start to finish.
Give them a call to learn more.
Whighams Wine Cellars
– Photo credit: whighamswinecellars
Website: https://whighams.com/
Address: 13 Hope St
Contact details: +44 131 225 8674
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (MON-WED)
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURS-SAT)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SUN)
Sipping good wine while listening to live jazz? Count me in! Whighams Wine Cellars is another spot worth checking out, with its stone walls, cosy corners, and warm lighting that give it a proper cellar vibe without feeling too cramped.
I usually head over on Sundays when the jazz club takes the spotlight. It kicked off in 2009 and has grown into one of the strongest weekly jazz nights in the city. You get a good mix of sounds too, like classic swing, gypsy jazz, and bebop.
The food is a nice surprise, especially if you’re into seafood. I often go for their Goan fish curry; it’s rich, spicy, and packed with tender chunks of cod and coley, all in a coconut-based sauce. Even better with a glass of Hugel Gentil to round it out!
Pro tip: Want to help your friends catch some live jazz at Whighams Wine Cellars? Their gift vouchers make it easy. You can choose an amount between £20 and £100, add a personal message and pick between email delivery or their stylish physical packaging for that extra touch.
Henry’s Cellar Bar
– Photo credit: henryscellarbar
Website: https://henryscellarbar.co.uk/
Address: 16A Morrison St
Contact details: +44 131 629 2992
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM (MON-SUN)
Henry’s Cellar Bar on Morrison Street is a gritty basement spot that has earned its place in Edinburgh’s music scene. It has been around for years, and, while the lineup now covers all kinds of genres, jazz still plays a strong part in the mix.
The jazz styles here are broad. You’ll hear bebop, swing, and bold experimental sets. One act that really stood out to me was Orange Claw Hammer. They mix psychedelic rock with free jazz, and it brings a raw energy that’s tough to forget.
The venue itself is simple and relaxed, and that’s exactly why I like it. Low ceilings, a tucked-away stage, and simple seating help keep things focused on the music. It has a laid-back vibe where you can enjoy great performances without spending a lot.
Pro tip: Jazz nights at Henry’s Cellar Bar don’t happen every evening, so it’s worth following their Instagram and Facebook pages to stay in the loop and catch the next jazz performance when it rolls around.
The Shore Bar & Restaurant
– Photo credit: the.shorebar
Website: https://www.fishersrestaurants.co.uk/shore-bar-and-restaurant/
Address: 3 Shore, Leith
Contact details: +44 131 553 5080
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (MON-SAT)
12:30 PM – 11:00 PM (SUN)
Whenever I’m planning a romantic night out, The Shore Bar and Restaurant is one of the first places that comes to mind. It’s a cosy spot tucked inside a centuries-old building with warm wood panelling, open fires, and a lovely view of the waterfront.
Jazz sets happen a few times a week, usually on Sundays in the bar. Talented local musicians fill the space with mellow standards and swing, and the intimate setup with upright bass, piano, and guitar, just a few feet away, makes it feel more relaxed.
And the food is just as inviting as the music. After dining here a couple of times, their Spicy King Prawn Burger has become my favourite. The sriracha mayo and pickled cucumber bring out a lively mix of sweet and spicy flavours that really hit the spot.
Pro tip: When booking a table through their website, be sure to mention in the “Comments” section that you would like to sit in the bar area instead of the main restaurant. That’s where the live jazz performance takes place, and being near the musicians makes all the difference in how well you hear and enjoy the music.
Dirty Martini at Le Monde Hotel
– Photo credit: lemondehotel
Website: https://lemondehotel.co.uk/
Address: 16 George St
Contact details: +44 131 270 3939
Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (MON-SUN)
Dirty Martini at Le Monde Hotel is one of my go-to spots when I want a jazz night with a bit of style. It’s up on George Street and looks pretty fancy, with velvet seats, big mirrors, and soft lighting that makes it feel warm and inviting.
The music is usually swing or cabaret, and they often bring in great performers like Ian Shaw and Guy Barker. Whether it’s smooth vocals or lively tunes, the sound always feels clear and close.
I like coming here because it feels like a proper night out. The jazz is good, the atmosphere is calm, and the drinks are well-made. Everything just fits together for a great time.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to enjoy live jazz while celebrating a birthday or hosting a corporate event, you can reserve Dirty Martini directly through their website. Just visit the page and follow the steps to secure your spot.
Edinburgh Jazz ‘n’ Jive Club
– Photo credit: edinburghjazz
Website: https://www.edinburghjazz.com/
Address: Heriot’s Rugby Club, Inverleith Row, Goldenacre
Contact details: +44 7598 580557
Operating hours: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM (FRI)
Price:
Members – £10.00
Non-members – £12.00
When I feel like dancing to live jazz, the Edinburgh Jazz ‘n’ Jive Club is usually where I end up. It’s a relaxed spot with a wooden dance floor, comfy chairs, and a bar that serves wine, beer, tea, and coffee.
The club has been going since the early 2000s and always brings in great local bands. You’ll hear swing, jive, and blues from groups like The Joys of Swing, Colin Steele’s Kings of Swing, and Mike Daly’s Rhythm Kings.
Everyone is welcome here, whether you’ve been dancing for years or just want to give it a try. I’m no expert myself, but the energy in this place makes it easy to forget that. I just get up and join in, and it always turns into a fun night.
Pro tip: Want free entry to the Edinburgh Jazz ‘n’ Jive Club? Volunteer for door duty. You’ll help with payments, raffle tickets and the draw, then enjoy the rest of the night plus a free pass for another visit. Just email the club or ask at the door to get started.