London venues introduce autumn music nights for jazz, fado and funk with food and drinks

This October, a range of London venues are introducing live music to their autumn programming. Among them, Vintry & Mercer in the City, Bar Douro in the Square Mile and Novikov in Mayfair are launching new weekly sessions combining dining, cocktails and intimate entertainment. The aim is to bring real musicians into settings not traditionally known for hosting cultural performances, offering guests an alternative cultural experience.

At Vintry & Mercer’s Do Not Disturb Bar, located on Garlick Hill in the City of London, a jazz night will take place every Thursday evening throughout October (on the 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th). The venue, styled as a 1920s New York speakeasy, features vintage-inspired interiors and a discreet entrance. Jazz bassist Jacob Gryn will open the series, performing duets with guest horn players. Gryn is described as “one of London’s most exciting young jazz musicians”. 

Meanwhile, Bar Douro City is introducing Noite de Fado (Night of Fado), celebrating the Portuguese genre every Saturday evening from 7pm to 9pm. Kicking things off is singer and multi-instrumentalist Inês Loubet, who will perform a modern take on fado, incorporating jazz, Latin rhythms and traditional melodies from her native Portugal. The music will accompany the restaurant’s full à la carte menu and a selection of Portuguese wines, in an effort to evoke the ambience of Lisbon’s fado houses.

In Mayfair, Novikov’s Lounge Bar is launching Novikov Live: Blues Meets Funk & Soul, late on Tuesdays and starting from 9.30pm. The evening includes performances blending blues, funk and soul, alongside cocktails and late-night dishes. Entry for two guests is priced at £45 and includes drinks and food from a curated menu. The venue, known for its high-end clientele and dramatic interiors, aims to offer a midweek alternative to London’s weekend nightlife.

The new programming reflects a broader trend in London’s hospitality sector, where restaurants and bars are increasingly incorporating cultural elements such as live music to enhance the guest experience and attract a diverse crowd. Bookings for all events can be made via the respective venue websites.

Food Desk

Live jazz nights take place every Thursday evening in October 2025 at Vintry & Mercer’s Do Not Disturb, 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU. For further information or to book a table, call 020 3908 8088 or visit their website here.

Noite de Fado takes place on Saturday evenings at Bar Douro City, Finsbury Avenue Square, Unit 3, 1 Finsbury Avenue, London, EC2M 2PF. For further information or to book a table, call 020 7378 0524 or visit their website here.

Novikov Live: Blues Meets Funk & Soul takes place on Tuesday evenings at Novikov, 50A Berkeley Street, London W1J 8HA. For further information or to book a table, call 020 7399 4330 or visit their website here.