City Guide: London for Jazz fans

FOR Jazz aficionados London is something of a Mecca. A diverse and vibrant scene exists in the city and its live performances are eloquent testimony to the stature of the music and musicians that can be heard here. The genre is tied intrinsically to the London pub-scene, with world-renowned venues regularly hosting unmissable performances in small, smoke-filled rooms full of die-hard fans happy to welcome new visitors. Ronnie Scott's and the 606 are an absolute must.

BEST SUNDAY LUNCH JAZZ CRUISE

Tuck into a three-course menu accompanied by two-and-a-half hours of live jazz while cruising the Thames. Bateaux London's Sunday Lunch Jazz cruise (020 7695 1800, [email protected]) is the perfect way to relax and indulge while soaking up the atmosphere of the river. A live band performs classics from the American Songbook by artists such as Cole Porter. The cruise takes in the sights of the Thames, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. Prices start from 45 per person and cruises depart from Bateaux London Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment.

BEST RESTAURANT

The 606 Club (020 7352 5953, www.606club.co.uk) is one of the world's best-known musicians' haunts and has existed as a jazz club for over 30 years. Jamie Cullum describes it as "London's Best music venue" and its aim is to present the best British-based jazz available in the most relaxed surroundings possible. Managed by musician Steve Rubie since 1976, it built up a solid reputation through the 1970s and 1980s among musicians and audiences. It is not uncommon for top musicians to start up informal jam sessions here. Its cool, intimate basement setting offers outstanding value, with high-quality jazz, good food and fairly priced drinks. Prices: 8/head Tuesday, Wednesday, 12 Friday, Saturday, 10 Sunday, Monday and Thursday. There is a music charge added to the bill at the end of the night.

BEST DANCE VENUE

On the fourth Sunday of every month, Ronnie's Bar (above the famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club) opens its doors for London Tap Jam (0207 439 0747, www.ronniesbar.co.uk), one of the capital's most vibrant and exciting nights. Top tap dancers perform to live jazz in a relaxed, sophisticated environment where the vibe is reminiscent of a 1950s speakeasy. Entrance is 6, or 5 for musicians and dancers. Ronnie's Bar is open from 6pm til 3am Monday to Saturday (until midnight Sunday).

BEST PIZZA

Set in the basement of Pizza Express, Dean Street, the Jazz Club (0845 6027 017, www.pizzaexpress live.co.uk/jazzList.aspx)

is a favourite among musicians and vocalists such as Guy Barker, Curtis Stigers and Ian Shaw. Deep in the heart of London's Soho district, the club features established acts, as well as up-and-coming talent. Contact the club for listings and prices.

BEST PLACES TO STAY

Centrally located next to a tube station and bus routes, and in walking distance of central London's best jazz clubs, the InterContinental at Hyde Park Corner (020-7318 877, www.london.intercontinental.com) boasts panoramic views, while offering a contemporary setting in the heart of Mayfair. Top chef Theo Randall recently won the dining room the title of "Italian Restaurant of the Year" and his daily changing menus are perfect for pre-jazz club dining. You many spot a few well-known musicians who stay at the hotel while touring. Room prices start from 179 plus breakfast and VAT.Alternatively the Park Plaza, Victoria (020-7769 9930, www.parkplaza.com) is ideally located in London Victoria and close to trains, tube and buses. It offers reasonably priced rooms starting from 99 (excluding VAT).

BEST PUB

The Bull's Head (020 8876 5241, www.thebullshead.com), in the leafy suburb of Barnes, has become a global institution since opening in 1959, yet it remains a traditional pub with great beer. Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts often jam with visiting musicians while residencies have included Manfred Mann, Dudley Moore and Tony Lee. There are fantastic gigs every night of the week and the pub has been regularly visited by some of the world's greatest jazz musicians. Vocalists have included Jimmy Witherspoon, Mark Murphy, Alan Price, Elaine Delmar, Georgie Fame, Tony Bennett and Sheila Jordan, to name a few.

BEST CAFE

Ray's Jazz Caf (020 7437 5660, www.foyles.co.uk) is in Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road. It's an ideal antidote to the big chain coffee shops as the sound of soft music competes with the espresso machines and buzz of conversation. Check their website for live performances.