Every Friday evening, Ladbroke Hall in Notting Hill transforms into a jazz haven. In the Sunbeam Theatre at the rear of the building, a live ensemble gathers on stage around 8pm. Guests can enjoy the music with a set menu and wine, or simply with drinks.
Live Jazz and International Musicians
One recent performance featured a band composed of a Bulgarian bassist, a Brighton pianist, a Spanish drummer, and a Romanian vocalist. The singer captivated the audience with her husky tones and elegant arm movements, performing a mix of jazz classics and her own folk-inspired numbers.
Italian Dining and Cocktails
Before the show, the restaurant offers dishes such as sheets of mortadella, warm octopus salad, vitello tonnato, and artichoke risotto. Negronis give way to wine as the room buzzes among large plants. Italian food and jazz are a natural pairing, according to the reviewer.
Atmosphere and Pricing
The theatre setting is simple yet splashy, with dim lights and white linen tablecloths that soon become stained with barolo. Two courses over music cost £54, three courses are £60. Bottles of wine, including vermentino and salentino, start at £50. The reviewer notes that while Ladbroke Hall is a bold and fairly expensive venue, the jazz experience is far from intimidating or exclusive.
Other Recommendations
Bar Crispin in Soho is hosting European guest restaurants throughout July, starting with Catalan specialists Mesa Lobo on July 12. Dishes include squid with romesco sauce and crispy pork belly with gribiche. Meanwhile, Cremer, a new bakery and canteen opposite Hoxton Overground, offers breakfast and lunch with a menu featuring kouign-amann, a laminated sweet Breton pastry.
