It’s been a lucky week for me. I managed to get out to see some Fireworks (which is lucky depending on the way you look at it). I also managed to see Up finally after wanting to go for weeks that had turned into months. Plus, upon exiting the cinema in Islington (one of the few to still be screening the film if the review by any chance excited you), I suggested staying out a bit longer for a drink. Two bars were within the distance of sight. One to the right, one left. Both equidistant from my position. On a whim, I started walking to my left. Good decision.

I was walking towards the ‘Round Midnight Jazz & Blues Bar. It was the words ‘Jazz’ and ‘Blues’ which enticed me most of all (I’m not such a big a fan of the minimised ‘Round’. ‘Midnight’ is nice, but doesn’t have the same sex appeal as the others.

Upon entering, like Neo thinking up recipes for ‘Red Pill Soup’ I knew I’d made the right choice. There was a small cosy accompaniment of punters hedged in wherever they could fit, all their eyes on one equally small corner where a live Jazz band were in full swing. The music was loud (in a good way). I always find good music can be determined by becoming twice as good when played twice as loud. People were drinking, talking, laughing, tapping and dancing. I’ve not found a bar in London like this before. A place with live music, where everyone gets up and dances indiscriminate of skill or sobriety.

When the entertainment of a bar is this good, the good vibes ripple across throughout the rest of the place. People are happy, they’re friendly and dancing. Bar staff aren’t stressed and a joy to be served by. Bouncers actually smile and greet you!

Admittedly this was only one band, on one specific night, but I’m very interested in going back for more, just to see if they can do it on a regular basis.

BEER SELECTION: Usual stuff. Good bottled ciders, quality spirits, cocktails available. ****

COST OF A ROUND: £3-4 a drink, so over £10. Not the place you’d want to get properly drunk though. Sipping culture. ***

STAFF: Only a couple of guys on even on a Friday, not a big place but could be quicker. ***

FOOD: Didn’t see a food menu. Probably just snack stuff. ***

SKIRT RATIO: Depends on age-range. Late 20s - Early 30s crowd, but friendly and dancey if that’s your thing.  ***

Overall: A good solid 3, but if you like your Jazz & Blues (and I do), then it’s definitely bumped up to a 4. ****

‘Round Midnight Jazz & Blues Bar - Islington - Brought to you by James Wormald -