Deep Dive Jazz & Blues Bar
For Lonnie, the idea behind Deep Dive Jazz & Blues Bar has been more than three decades in the making. At 18, he worked in a blues bar in central London and, even after the grittiest of Saturday night shifts, found himself thinking: One day, I want one of these.
Fast-forward through a few decades and one very successful restaurant, and that idea has become reality. Deep Dive is the new incarnation of Nanima, the much-loved neighbourhood restaurant Lonnie opened with his wife Nicky in 2020. Having survived Covid, collected more than 500 five-star reviews and won a BRAVO award, Nanima had firmly established itself as a local favourite.
But running it was intense, “So we started making plans,” says Lonnie. And what a transformation. Deep-blue walls, neon signage, vinyl and atmospheric lighting give the intimate space serious late-night jazz-bar energy.
Despite the makeover, fans of Nanima can relax: the kitchen isn’t going anywhere. “Nanima still lives,” says Lonnie. “Nanima is the resident kitchen at Deep Dive.”
Rather than concentrating solely on Asian cuisine, Nicky can now cook whatever inspires her. Expect an ever-changing selection of freshly prepared dishes, from lamb chilli and rice, to soups, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, alongside daily specials, evening tapas and snacks.
There’s still no traditional menu. Instead, you arrive and see what’s cooking, something Nanima’s regulars have embraced for years.
Add cocktails, a full bar and an impressive music programme, and Deep Dive really comes alive after dark. Vinyl plays a starring role, including a collaboration with Hove’s Capsule Records, with around 50 new jazz and blues records available to buy at any time.
Live jazz will primarily fill Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, while Saturdays are dedicated to blues. Fridays bring guest DJs, with jam sessions, open mics, vinyl listening parties, and even jazz and swing dance classes joining the programme.
Deep Dive isn’t simply a live music venue: “We’re a local neighbourhood bar with live music,” Lonnie says. “Even when there isn’t something specific happening, hopefully it’s still just a great place to hang out. But people bring the good time. We’re hosts and they’re our guests. We’ve just gone smokey blue and opened our doors!”
www.deepdivebar.co.uk | 36 St George’s Road, Brighton BN2 1ED
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