London Weekend Break

Comedy clubs and Jazz clubs

Comedy clubs

London has a number of good comedy clubs that have been stamping grounds for many of Britain’s top stand-up comedians. A weekend break in London may offer you the opportunity to see the next big TV comedian before he makes the club to TV crossover, or simply to see some really great live acts run through their routines.

There are also a number of comedy night events that travel around, and are hosted by, different clubs and venues with a cast of comedians and funny entertainers.

There is no comedy district, of zone of the city that is synonymous with comedy, however comedy clubs can be found across the city and number the likes of –

The Canal Café Theatre, famous for its news revue show and early performances by TV funny people like Rory Bremner and Josie Lawrence.

The Comedy Carnival, associated with the like of Russell Brand and found in Clapham in South West London.

The Good Ship, known for its popular Monday evening comedy club and a host of top class comics.

Banana Cabaret is in Balham (close to a tube station) an has a good reputation for quality comedy acts.

22 Below, home to the Electric Mouse Comedy Club on Tuesday nights and with a reputation for breaking new and emerging acts in the world of comedy.

3 Tuns Bar has the Chuckle Club and, located in Aldwich, has a reputation of somewhere that is guaranteed to provide a laugh.

Up The Creek is another popular club that shows comedy acts over the course of the weekend and is found in Greenwich.

Jazz clubs

London has no shortage of quality jazz clubs with big named performers past and present. A number of clubs have made their names on offering the best in jazz music and they number some of those mentioned below.

Ronnie Scott’s, in Westminster, is probably the best known and most reputed of the city’s hot jazz spots. This club has a reputation acquired over 40 years and showcases modern, contemporary and traditional jazz. It has played host to some of this genres biggest names and continues to receive recognition from all quarters of the jazz community. This is a must-visit venue for any true jazz fan.

The 606 Club offers music that ranges from jazz to gospel and it is almost unique in that it has no formal stage. Instead the musicians play from the floor of this basement club to provide an intimate and atmospheric musical experience that those who experience it will never forget.

The Jazz Café offers a wide range of jazz and jazz related sounds and is aimed very much at the younger wealthier music fan. The performances vary greatly and run from conventional jazz to funk. The club has developed a high reputation over recent years and is popular every night of the week.