The Iconic Jazz Venue Blue Note Expands with New Location in London

The renowned Blue Note jazz venue has announced plans to open its first location in London, despite initial objections from local police earlier this year.

New Venue Details

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The press release indicated that a two-room venue with a capacity of 350 people will be established in the basement of Hotel Star Lane in Covent Garden. Their license will permit operations until 1 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and until midnight on Sundays. The club is expected to open in early 2026, with more detailed information to be released this year.

Community Concerns and Support

The announcement followed a meeting where police and local residents expressed concerns over the proposed closing times. During a hearing on February 12, members of the Westminster City Council communicated apprehensions that the late hours of operation could lead to increased crowds and disturbances in the area, particularly from concert-goers leaving the venue late at night and potential issues with illegal taxis targeting vulnerable individuals.

Local residents also voiced objections to the proposed operating hours, urging the council to limit the closing time to 11 p.m.

Despite these concerns, plans for the club were supported by The Music Venue Trust (MVT). Sophie Askvit, a manager at MVT, expressed in her statement: “Music Venue Trust is pleased to learn that Blue Note has received a license that is essential for maintaining its world-famous jazz operation in the heart of London.”

She added: “The charity organization looks forward to collaborating with the team to help them achieve their vision of showcasing local and global jazz talent in their new London home.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19DH1Z7O4MY

A representative from Westminster City Council commented: “Westminster is home to some of the most beloved music venues in the capital, and we are committed to supporting late-night entertainment. Each licensing decision is carefully considered based on the evidence presented by the Committee, while keeping resident needs in mind.”

He concluded: “In this instance, it was evident that the venue management engaged with local residents to address their concerns and those raised by the police. We are pleased that, following this approval, jazz enthusiasts will soon have the opportunity to enjoy the Blue Note jazz club.”

This announcement comes in 2024, during a period when Great Britain has experienced the loss of one musical venue every two weeks—nearly half of its total, with 200 remaining in a vulnerable state as the nation grapples with a “collapse in tours.”

Presenting their findings in the 2024 annual report at the Houses of Parliament on January 24, Music Venue Trust welcomed new patron Kate Nash, who has been vocal about the challenging conditions facing most recording artists. She highlighted the struggles artists face regarding live shows—advocating through her appearances to raise awareness of the industry’s difficulties. In the House of Commons, she described touring as “one of our favorite activities, but it is becoming increasingly difficult.”