Jazz is everywhere in our city, home to artistry galore against the backdrop of a postcard seafront. Whether it’s the drumbeat of a tight-knit community, the crash of creativity, or the coastal landscape that wraps you in a romantic spell, it’s not just heard; it’s felt.
With events such as Love Supreme, Europe’s largest greenfield jazz festival (July 4th–July 6th, 2025), conquering the summer in the South Downs, hard grooves and rhythms resonate all year round. From the streets of Kemptown, where you can scurry into the snug corners of the Hand in Hand pub to bask in soul-soothing swing, to the feverish improvisations that ignite The Brunswick’s Jazz Jam in Hove, the city’s soundtrack is alive and kicking.
There’s the blustery energy of Casablanca and The Bootlegger, where waves of finely tuned musicians take to the stage just a minute’s walk from the seaside, as well as the classic intimacy of venues like The Paris House and The Bees Mouth. Not to mention The Verdict, Brighton’s only purpose-built jazz club offering an exclusive metropolitan feel, and a blazing hot-spot for players breaking out of the London jazz circuit. Or, venture further along the coast to experience the renowned Mike Hatchard’s Jazz Breakfast at The Harbour Club in Shoreham, showcasing that the allure of jazz reaches well beyond the city’s confines.
To uncover more of the sweetest notes Brighton has to offer, I turned to Paul Richards, jazz patron and founder of The Brunswick Jazz Jam, for his expert recommendations.
What are your top 3 venues in the city where you can enjoy jazz?
“The Brunswick: It’s a platform for aspiring and acclaimed musicians to jam out amidst the charm of a cosy candle-lit club. Every instrument you can think of has been played onstage as different genres are experimented with: blues, funk, Latin, hip-hop, soul, even drum and bass.
The Stirling Arms: Locals and jazz lovers blend together at this proper community-based pub. You can enjoy a Sunday roast alongside a different jazz duo each week.
The Black Lion: All the lindy hoppers and swing dancers come down for this lively favourite. It’s a spectacle in itself to see the room taken over by dancing as the audience inevitably joins in.”
With Brighton’s jazz scene making such a compelling case, there’s no better reason to escape the chill for a melodic thrill this winter. So, to borrow the words of the Godfather of Soul: “Get on up,” get out, and trade the dreary winter blues for the ravishingly warm rhythm and blues.
Photo by: Lisa Wormsley
