We all know that Brighton has great nightlife, and for electronic music and live contemporary bands the sky’s the limit, but for those with slightly more niche tastes, it can sometimes be tricky finding what you’re looking for. Below is a list of music venues for those who might prefer a candlelit table to a lean-to, low lighting over strobes, and brass and woodwind in favour of bassy synths. Here are 6 of the best places for jazz in Brighton.

Experience Live Jazz Music at one of these Venues in Brighton…

Verdict Jazz Club

Luckily for jazz enthusiasts, Brighton is the home of the only full-time jazz venue outside of London in the South. The Verdict is a multi-award-winning grassroots music venue and has been named one of the top 10 jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian.

With regular events hosting top international acts playing various sub-genres of jazz including swing, funk, Latin, and fusion to name a few, this family-friendly jazz club is a must-visit for music lovers.

Located on Edward Street, in Kemptown backing onto Dorset Gardens, The Verdict’s intimate venue is a great place to keep cosy and enjoy some live jazz on cooler nights. In Summer, however, The Verdict hosts regular open-air Sunday sessions in Dorset Gardens to make the most of the weather. To add to the summer vibes, The Verdict also caters for a classic BBQ, refreshing drinks, and even some classic Brazilian food to try!

What’s more, every Thursday night, The Verdict hosts a Jazz Jam inviting local musicians to come on stage to sit in with the house trio and cut their teeth in a live environment. Free entry for participating musicians, or £5 for those who would rather kick back with a drink and appreciate the spontaneity and improvisation of an exciting live jam.

Address: The Verdict, 159 Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JB

Website: https://www.verdictjazz.com/

Casablanca Club

While not strictly a jazz club, we would be remiss if we didn’t include Casa’s on our list. First established in 1979 and still going strong, Casablanca is the longest-running live music club & bar in Brighton.

Open Wednesday through Saturday and specialising in soul, funk, disco, and pop, Casablanca is a more lively affair featuring a large dancefloor in front of their stage for patrons to bop along to some excellent brass band-skewed covers of popular music played by their resident band, The All Stars.

Located on Middle Street, a stone’s throw from Brighton Beach, Casablanca is in a great location for those looking for the energy of a nightclub but with a solid live band and a great sound system. For aspiring musicians wanting to gain live performance experience, Casablanca offers the opportunity to play alongside The All Stars every Wednesday and Thursday.

The crowd at Casas is always lively, supportive, and receptive to these features, so if you’re interested, get in contact via the website and let them know your song of choice!

Address: Casablanca, 5 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL

Website: https://www.casasclub.co.uk/

Bohemia

Arranged over three floors with two terraces, Bohemia is a low-lit, classy and quirky affair that feels like a blend of art-deco and post-modern aesthetics perfect for enjoying a cocktail or two and some great live music.

Every Thursday from 8 pm, Bohemia showcases fantastic bands which perform recognisable covers with a unique twist that you’ll still be able to swing and sing along to. Entry is free expanding your budget to try one of their excellent espresso martinis or a coffee-smoked old fashioned. Always adding new acts for their Thursday music nights; a full listing of upcoming bands can be viewed on Bohemia’s website.

Winners of Best Bar, and Best Bar Team by Brighton Bartenders Awards 2023, awarded Most Vibrant Bar & Restaurant by Lux Life, and winners of Trip Advisors Top Traveller’s Choice two years in a row, you can be sure you’re in for a great night at Bohemia!

Address: 54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB

Website: https://www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk/

The Bootlegger

Swing and big band jazz music generally conjure up romanticised images of pinstripe suits, classic cars, and prohibition-era America – The Bootlegger encapsulates this aesthetic to create an immersive 1920s-themed venue.

Located on Middle Street and mere yards away from the seafront, this speakeasy-inspired bar harks back to the underground glamour of the roaring 20s and offers its guests a hideaway for an exuberant pre-war experience without the radiator-infused alcohol!

Serving classic cocktails varying from century-old favourites to modern mixological creations, The Bootlegger’s drinks menu has been designed to complement the character of the bar. The venue also serves authentic Italian American platters to add to the Dillinger-esque style. There’s something to be said for dressing up, getting a negroni and picking at some deli meats and cheeses while soaking in some Sinatra.

The Bootlegger hosts live performances from local musicians to DJs specialising in swing and big bands which run into the wee hours of the morning.

Address: 78 Middle St, Brighton, BN1 1AL

Website: https://bootleggerbars.com

Jazz at St Andrew’s

Beginning in August 2021, Jazz at St Andrew’s is the brainchild of local jazz trumpeter Chris Coull. St Andrews Church hosts some of the top names in jazz from around the UK and internationally on selected Friday evenings from 6 pm-8 pm.

Upcoming events include the Arabella Sprot Quintet, Ela Southgate Band, and the Julian Costello Quartet. All ticket sales for Jazz at St Andrew’s help raise money for the church, and the concerts support the local and wider music community in partnership with the local church fellowship.

The gig series has grown into a regular fixture, showcasing the greats of jazz and featuring an eclectic mix of gipsy jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and much more.

St Andrews Church is located close to a multitude of bars and restaurants in Hove which makes Jazz at St Andrews a great way to kick off a Friday night with some live music from truly talented and varied artists.

Address: St Andrew’s Church, Church Rd, Hove, BN3 2AD

Website: https://chriscoull.co.uk/jazz-at-st-andrews/

The Brunswick

The Brunswick pub is always striving to remain a prominent fixture in Brighton & Hove’s local music scene and community. The pub consists of a cosy dining space, a large sun-trap beer garden, and two live function spaces with professional-grade sound systems and lighting hosting hundreds of shows annually.

Every Tuesday evening for the past 13 years, The Brunswick has hosted Brighton’s longest-running free-entry jazz jam session which is so popular they offer an early admission option to anyone needing a guaranteed table. General admission is free on the night.

The Brunswick’s weekly jazz jam is a brilliant opportunity for aspiring modal traversers to show their skills in front of a crowd of jazz lovers at one of Brighton’s premier music venues.

Address: 1 Holland Rd, Hove, BN3 1JF

Website: https://www.brunswickpub.co.uk/