The iconic PizzaExpress Jazz Club has reopened its doors following a major refurbishment. To celebrate, the venue is set to welcome a host of incredible performers over the summer – offering customers intimate live music In a unique setting –
Described by Time Out as ‘London’s best kept secret’ the Jazz Club is in the basement of the Dean Street PizzaExpress and is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious of PizzaExpress’ live music venues. It has won countless accolades over the years, including ‘Best Jazz Club’ at the London Lifestyle Awards. The doors opened in 1976 and ever since the team has championed emerging talent, making performing at the venue a rite of passage for icons of jazz, blues, and soul. Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith, Gregory Porter, Diana Krall, Van Morrison and Jamie Cullum are just a few of the thousands of artists to have graced the Soho stage with intimate performances. The investment in the venue represents PizzaExpress’ commitment to continuing to embrace its musical heritage and to champion new artistic talent.
The exciting refurbishment has seen the Dean Street Jazz Club completely overhauled – from seating to staging, to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. The design of the venue celebrates the heritage of the Jazz Club – A Steinway piano takes centre stage, with intimate booths, dark walls with pops of red and dramatic lighting.
A highlight of the redesigned Jazz Club is the new luxury bar, making it the perfect spot for a glass of wine before an evening performance. The vintage photography surrounding the bar area showcases some of the venues most memorable nights, including a poster from the first ever show starring legendary tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman, dating back to May 1976.
As well as the Jazz Club basement, the main pizzeria on the ground floor has also had a striking redesign. The open kitchen takes centre stage here, drawing your eyes to the skilled pizzaiolos tossing dough high into the air. The main dining area is surrounded by bifold doors which open out onto both Carlisle Street and Dean Street, making It an unbeatable spot to soak up the Soho atmosphere and people watch with an American Hot and a perfect cocktail.
Upcoming Performances
To support reopening, PizzaExpress’ specialist music team has put together a unique programme of jazz and soul for the summer including both standing and seated gigs. Upcoming highlights include Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands (24th & 25th July) and appearances from some of the country’s best up and coming talents such as edbl (26th July) and Emma Rawicz (30th July). The full calendar of music is set to be released end of July, with the Jazz Club aiming to welcome both new and returning music lovers.
Ross Dines, Music Manager at PizzaExpress said: “The PizzaExpress Jazz Club has been a Soho institution since its opening in 1976. For decades, it has given a platform to emerging musical talent, entertaining thousands of guests whilst they enjoy their favourite PizzaExpress food & drinks – it’s the perfect pairing of Pizza and performance. We look forward to entertaining customers old and new in our incredible new space.
