best-jazz-clubs-liverpool

Find your rhythm at these 7 jazz clubs in Liverpool

Liverpool’s jazz scene might not always grab headlines like its Beatles legacy, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a city quietly pulsing with brass, bass, and soul. 

It’s absolutely worth exploring. You’ll find it stretching from refined jam sessions in historic theatres to spontaneous nights in French cafés, with open-mic energy that invites newcomers and pros. 

And if you’ve ever wondered where to find great jazz clubs in Liverpool, the challenge isn’t whether it exists—it’s where to start. This guide walks you through the city’s best jazz clubs and nights so you can tune in, unwind, and find your perfect vibe.

1. The Grapes

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrapesliverpool/?hl=en

Location: 60 Roscoe St, L1 9DW

Contact: +441517086870

Hours:

  • Monday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Wednesday – Thursday, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Friday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Pricing: £

Known as Liverpool’s longest-running Sunday jazz tradition, Jazz Con Fussion at The Grapes brings Latin-infused, improvisational energy to this unassuming Georgian pub every week. 

Inside, the vibe is warm and bohemian, with vintage furniture, exposed brick walls, and flickering candles. It even has a tucked-away beer garden that becomes a popular spill-out spot between sets.

Regulars here are known to grab a pint of rotating local ale or a rum shot. They even serve comfort foods like burgers and loaded fries before the bands hit the floor. 

What’s bizarre (in a good way) is that it doesn’t have an actual stage, so it does blur the line between the performers and the audience. Some of the popular acts here include Blind Monk Theory, The Grapes Band, and Jubilee Stoppers, which keep the rhythm flowing.

2. Frederiks

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Website: https://www.frederikshopestreet.com/

Location: 32 Hope St, L1 9BX

Contact: +441517089574

Hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pricing: £

Frederiks sets the stage for some of Liverpool’s most vibrant midweek jazz sessions, thanks to its resident series “Hope Street Jazz.” From Tuesdays to Thursday, acts like Bop Kaballa, Finite Experience, and the Bob Whittaker Quartet take over the space.

These popular jazz musicians fill the entire club with smooth brass and deep grooves, often blending jazz with soul, funk, and hip-hop. It’s also not unusual for the lineup to include surprise sets from UK touring artists.

Frederiks is housed in a renovated Georgian townhouse, featuring an old Liverpool charm with modern, dimly lit lounge interiors and velvet seating that attracts a stylish crowd. 

Food plays a big part too. Executive chef Dave Critchley dishes out creative small plates like truffle mac & cheese, fried chicken sliders, and cauliflower wings. Entry is also free most nights, with happy hour discounts to enjoy these foods with good jazz music.

3. Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery

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Website: https://www.maboyles.co.uk/

Location: Tower Bldg, 7 Tower Gardens, L3 1LG

Contact: +441512360070

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Pricing: £

Now, if you love ParrJazz and have been waiting for them to swing into the weekend, Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery is where the magic happens every Saturday night. 

I truly love that the vibe here is warm and buzzy. It’s perfect for weekend wind-downs, thanks to its multi-level layout featuring a cosy basement rum bar and sociable dining spaces where the music flows just as freely as the drinks. 

More than the vibe, the jazz here is always curated by the ever-reliable ParrJazz. It often features high-energy funk-infused sets from local favourites like Amanda Brown & the Common Ears. 

The food is superb too, with Ma’s hearty pies and loaded burgers. I tried the local favourite, scouse, paired with their signature gins or a cheeky rum cocktail. It was really tasty. 

4. Everyman Bistro

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Website: http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/everyman

Location: 5-11 Hope St, L1 9BH

Contact: +441517094776

Hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Pricing: £-££

Located beneath the historic Everyman Theatre, this basement bistro transforms into a speakeasy-style jazz haven twice a month. It’s hosted by the long-running Liverpool Jazz Club.

I love the candlelit tables, cabaret seating, and close-up performances that invite you into the heart of the sound. Plus, you can expect sets from the house band, led by pianist David Fishel. 

You can also spot regulars like Stan Williams and Grant Russell, followed by open jam sessions where the crowd becomes part of the show. Most nights here are free of charge, though ticketed sessions occasionally pop up for just £5-£10. 

After the show, you can still stroll a few doors down, as there are many open restaurants that stay late at night. You can visit The Pen Factory (my favourite, by the way) for a relaxed night bite or a pint. Papillon is also a good choice if you’re after a stylish bar-restaurant further down Hope Street.

5. Petit Café

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Website: https://www.petitcafe.uk/

Location: 60 Berry St, L1 4JQ

Contact: [email protected]

Hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 12:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Pricing: £

This charming French café is one of Liverpool’s most intimate jazz spots. It also hosts live weekend sets that feel more like a secret rendezvous than a gig, with its 30-35 guest capacity. 

It’s just behind the iconic Chinatown Arch, and Petit Café brings a Parisian touch to the local jazz scene. On most weekends, you’ll catch soloists or jazz duos playing smooth classics with a French twist, often drawing inspiration from chanson, swing, and gypsy jazz. 

Regular favourites include acoustic sets by The Manouche Project and smooth stylings from artists such as Glenn Murphy and Emily Rose. 

And there’s no ticket required, but a minimum spend on food or drinks applies. It’s a perfect excuse to try their French 75 cocktails, or cheese boards with brie, camembert, and grapes.

6. Studio 2 – Parr Street

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio2_parrstreet/

Location: 33-45 Parr St, L1 4JN

Contact: +447793463199

Hours: 

  • Sunday: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Pricing: £

Every Tuesday at Studio 2, bold and modern jazz comes to Liverpool, featuring talented artists. 

Unlike the New Orleans-style grooves over at Ma Boyle’s, Studio 2 leans into contemporary jazz fusion, soul-infused instrumentals, and spontaneous improvisation. Amazingly, these are often performed by rising student groups and independent UK artists.

It was once a recording space for acts like Coldplay and Elbow, now it transforms into a laid-back, intimate venue for ParJazz—Liverpool’s longest-running jazz collective. Inside, the venue boasts a stripped-down aesthetic, featuring exposed brick and low lighting.

However, there’s no full food menu, although drink promos occasionally appear for midweek regulars. So, be sure to ask about this at the local bartender. They usually serve House Spirit with a mixer from £3.50 to £4.50, depending on the night.

7. Liverpool Arts Bar

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Website: https://www.liverpoolartsbar.com/

Location: 22 Hope St, L1 9BY

Contact: [email protected]

Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Pricing: £

If your idea of jazz includes a twist of experimental jam, Liverpool Arts Bar on Hope Street is your kind of creative corner. You’ll often see genre-mixing performances from acts like Micayl, Motel Sundown, Tilly Louise, and Martha Goddard.

Though you won’t always find traditional jazz here, you will stumble upon genre-bending sets that riff off improvisation and neo-soul grooves. Plus, most nights here are free to enter with just a drink purchase, keeping things casual and welcoming. 

However, on special nights, like the Improvisation Events Jazz Night, you might need a ticket (usually around £5 plus £1 booking fee). But, you’ll be treated to standout acts like Nick Manz Trio and Penny Lane Jazz band.


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