World famous jazz club had ‘the hardest time ever’ trying to open London venue

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page The owners of world-renowned Blue Note Jazz Club have said opening their new London venue was ‘one of the hardest things they have done’ as the Mayor officially receives his new licensing powers. The club, which opened on St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, in September, had to battle against multiple complaints and licensing rejections from the public and the police. This is despite the fact they own 10 successful venues across the world, including in Milan, Los Angeles and Tokyo. Their founding venue in New York is also regarded as one the world’s most famous jazz clubs. But opening in London ‘proved to be their hardest’. The director of music, Nick Lewis, told Metro: ‘It absolutely was a struggle trying to open. Initially, they gave us an 11pm closing time, which is too early as the nature of jazz is always geared toward late performances. ‘Through a long appeal process, we eventually managed to secure a 1am closing time. With this we can run two shows a night and balance the books. But ideally we would be going until 3am.’ Secretary of Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner (right) with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Director of Music for Blue Note Jazz Club Nick Lewis (Picture: Greater London Authority) In February 2025, Metro reported the club’s opening had received a number of odd complaints. One resident said jazz lovers may be ‘disoriented’ by leaving the venue when it is cold at night, while another said the venue ‘could be a magnet for phone thieves’. The Metropolitan Police, opposing the opening, said its proposed 1am closing time was far too late as it could ‘expose more people to crime and disorder’. Mr Lewis said: ‘Reading through all those complaints was hard. There was one point where we all thought “it really feels like we are not wanted here”.’ The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan officially…