Blue Note, the legendary New York jazz club, has opened its first London venue in Covent Garden this week after receiving final licensing approval from Westminster City Council, the Evening Standard has reported. Grammy Award-winning pianist Robert Glasper was booked as its opening act. The original Blue Note opened in New York in 1981, with sister venues now operating in Los Angeles, Milan and Tokyo.
The St Martin's Lane venue features two spaces for live music: a main room for headline performances and a smaller room dedicated to emerging British talent, alongside a jazz supper-club food and drink offer.
Cllr Tim Barnes, joint Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, toured the venue following the final approval. He said:
"It's fantastic to see another world-class venue opening up here that will help build the future of live music in London. Westminster City Council has a strong track record in supporting small music venues.
"Eight years ago, I led the introduction of a UK-first scheme for grassroots music venues, like the iconic 100 Club, to be zero-rated for business rates.
"Our licensing policy is all about supporting venues in what is a tough trading climate while upholding our legal duty to keep pubs, clubs and their customers safe."
He added:
"The Blue Note now joins a West End jazz constellation alongside the likes of the Soho Jazz festival, which ran last week, and legendary spaces like Ronnie Scott's. We're sure the Blue Note will strike the right note with music lovers from everywhere."
Local residents and the Metropolitan Police had previously raised concerns about the club's proposed late-night opening hours, which were considered as part of the licensing process.
You can read Megan Howe's article in The Standard in full here.
