The world-famous Blue Note Jazz Club is expanding to the United Kingdom for the first time, establishing its newest international venue in London’s West End. Situated in the basement of the St Martins Lane hotel at 42-49 St Martin’s Lane, the new destination follows the brand’s historic establishment founded in Greenwich Village, New York City, in 1981, alongside subsequent expansions across the United States, Japan, China, Brazil, and Italy.
New York’s Legendary Blue Note Arrives in Covent Garden
The London venue is scheduled to open its doors on September 23, 2026. The opening date holds special significance within the jazz community, marking what would have been the 100th birthday of influential US saxophonist, bandleader, and composer John Coltrane. Ahead of the grand opening, the project secured its official licence in May 2025, though the process also drew initial concerns regarding operating hours from local residents and the Met Police.
Grand Opening Lineup and Programming Vision
Five-time Grammy-winning US pianist, producer, and songwriter Robert Glasper will headline the grand opening on September 23 and 24, performing on the milestone centenary date of John Coltrane. In addition to launching the venue, Glasper serves as a creative ambassador for the space. Commenting on the launch, Glasper noted that the institution has historically functioned as a haven for boundary-pushing music, stating that the new Covent Garden location aims to foster an environment where multiple genres intersect. According to Time Out Worldwide, the programming will extend beyond traditional instrumental jazz to incorporate R&B, hip-hop, and related genres.
Tsion Bensusan, co-owner of the Blue Note Entertainment Group, described the launch as a significant milestone, expressing hope that the venue will develop into a home for musicians and an integral component of the local cultural landscape. The inaugural season features a prominent roster of international and domestic talent, including neo-soul singer Erykah Badu, jazz-pop pianist and songwriter Jamie Cullum, saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia, drummer Yussef Dayes, afrobeat collective Kokoroko, and rapper Hak Baker.
Venue Layout, Performance Schedule, and Ticketing
The Covent Garden site incorporates two distinct performance environments designed to showcase both international headliners and emerging acts. The main room holds a capacity of 250 patrons and is configured with classic jazz club aesthetics featuring intimate tables, hushed lighting, and musician portraits. Every physical detail, from sightlines to acoustics, has been engineered to maintain a close connection between the audience and the stage. The main room will host two shows nightly—at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm—and will remain open until 1:00 am from Monday through Saturday, and until midnight on Sundays. Alongside the music, the venue will operate a dinner menu throughout the week alongside a bar serving cocktails, wines, and spirits.
A secondary 100-capacity space titled B-Side is slated to open later in 2026 with a specific focus on supporting emerging British talent. Tickets for the initial run of performances are scheduled to go on general sale on Friday, August 14, following pre-sales beginning Wednesday, August 12. Furthermore, the venue has introduced specialized membership tiers, including a Founding Membership offering priority access, alongside a limited Founders Society restricted to 100 members designed for patrons seeking a direct role in the club’s inaugural chapter, with complete registration details available directly through the official Blue Note Jazz Club website.
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