The Vortex Jazz Club

A cool cat & an old hand among the young Dalston pups that surround it, the Vortex has been keeping the jazz vibe alive for more than 20 years – for the past five or so in this slightly incongruous modern building. Don’t let the surroundings put you off though, as live music is taken seriously; it’s on every night, 365 days a year. Book in advance at weekends, when you’ll find chairs tightly packed round small wooden tables, & some of the best jazz, world music, blues & folk in town. Musicians range from young local talent to visiting world-class artists. Downstairs, the venue’s bar & restaurant is open all day, with a café-culture feel, food (brunch dishes, lunch specials, loaded burgers) sourced in large part from neighbouring Ridley Road market, & cocktails for a fiver on Wednesday nights.