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Header image courtesy of Hong Kong Fringe Club
We can all agree that music is a universal language, so wherever you are on the spectrum of music consumption—barely, leisurely, or passionately—there’s just something about live music that hits different. Whether you are a long-time lover of jazz or a total newbie, our city is overflowing with live music venues that are guaranteed to get your toes tapping. For a different kind of night out, these live jazz bars in Hong Kong are the ones you must visit.
Believe it or not, Ned Kelly’s Last Stand has been around since 1972—it’s already half a century old, but age only adds to the jazz bar’s unique patina. Its legacy is built upon experienced jazz musicians who know how to entertain and keep the crowd going—the old-school showmen way, of course.
Piano man Larry Allen passed the torch to Colin Aitchison and the China Coast Jazzmen, who know how to keep up with Charlie Parker’s fast tempo tunes and the genius of Duke Ellington. A visit to Ned Kelly’s will bring you back to the good old days of big band jazz music, and accompanying the live music played is the selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. No better way to liven up the night than with a little social lubricant!
Music is available every night (except for Sundays) from 9.30 pm to 1 am.
Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, 11A Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2376 0562
If you like a touch of mystery with your jazz, then Foxglove is the spot for you. Hidden behind the façade of the Fox Shop umbrella boutique on Duddell Street, this hidden gem boasts some of the most impressive speakeasy décor we have seen in Hong Kong, not to mention a roster of top-quality live jazz bands every Wednesday to Saturday.
Inspired by the globe-trotting adventures of a fictitious English gentleman called Mr Minza, who created the place to win the heart of his beloved and named the bar after her favourite flower, this cinematic entertainment and dining venue transports you back to the golden age of cocktails and jazz, set inside a glamorous interior inspired by a first-class luxury liner from the 1950s—the perfect place to kick back with a martini and marvel at times gone by.
Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central | (+852) 2116 8949
We can always count on our favourite creative venue to whip up some quality jazz. Although the live music schedule is irregular, there is always an event on the horizon at this arty landmark. From big band to jazz and blues and jazz fusion, the choices are endless and feature the best of Hong Kong’s local musicians. Keep yourself in the know for the Fringe Club’s next jazz show and check the live music calendar for the latest updates.
Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central | (+852) 2521 7251
A barbershop by day, a jazz club by night—Hong Kong sure knows how to work hard and play hard. After local hairdresser Benky Chan puts away his styling scissors and sweeps the floor after a busy day serving customers, he’s ready to get the party started. Watch him transform his barbershop into a hip jazz joint as he invites guests to enjoy gipsy jazz and Latin blues. With a “donate to the musicians” concept in place, this intimate setting is the perfect place to kick back and relax while enjoying the tunes of up-and-coming talents. Visage One can squeeze up to 30 people, so get in there quick—Chan might even treat you to a drink from his minibar!
Visage One, LG/F, Po Lung Building, 93 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2523 8988
If you are in the mood for quirky, Salon Number 10 will match—and possibly surpass—that energy. A restaurant and bar along Arbuthnot Road, it serves exquisite French food and eccentric décor that channels a mid-century-modern aesthetic. Entering the restaurant and taking in the maximalist style of the space for the first time, you will be drawn into a new world of colours and patterns. What better way to complement this wonderful sensory experience than with music? Jazz musicians and singers are on rotation so it’ll feel like something new every time you visit. While it does have a members-only policy, temporary membership is free of charge and grants you entry on most nights, while a full membership is only given to those approved by the Salon Number 10 community.
Salon Number 10, 10 Arbuthnot Road, Central | (+852) 2801 6768
The Stage is the place to go if you’re looking for an escape from modern living. With a concept centred around the 1970s, it is decked out in furniture, décor, and even menus inspired by the era—but can this throwback be complete without live music? The most impressive features at The Stage are undoubtedly the dance floor and lightbulb-framed stage, a flashy homage to the live music stages of the past. Although visually stunning, this stage isn’t simply for aesthetic purposes—it hosts numerous musical performers every week. Make sure to pop in on Wednesdays to enjoy Mark Peter’s soft jazz, or check out The Stage’s social media for what’s on other nights of the week!
The Stage, 2/F, The Heritage Woo Cheong Pawn Shop 60–66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai | (+852) 3594 6302
Contrary to its name, a night at Terrible Baby is anything but terrible. Its name is a reference to Cocteau’s Les Enfants Terribles and the Dadaist art movement, and the bar’s interior was designed with this faction of fearless and boundary-pushing creatives in mind, resulting in a thought-provoking and innovative space. While the bar’s décor, drinks, and food are all sure to inspire “oohs” and “aahs” from patrons, it is music that is at the heart of this establishment. With a dedicated music room, guests can enjoy a variety of live music from non-conforming artists. Genres vary, with some jazz artists gilding the line-up from time to time, so make sure you check Terrible Baby’s social media in advance to see who’s playing!
Terrible Baby, 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan | (+852) 2710 1866
As you can probably tell by the name, this gorgeous bar is a tribute to the “Queen of Jazz,” Ella Fitzgerald. One of the Trilogy venues (a rooftop bar and a nightclub complete the trio), Ella aims to provide a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. With Nola (New Orleans) soul infused in its cocktails, bar bites, and decorations, we’d say the theme is a success. While its doors are open from 6 pm to 1 am, live music is scheduled every Wednesday to Saturday at specific times. Make sure to check the line-up in advance, and reserve a table while you’re at it, because seats fill up fast!
Ella, 26/F, Car Po Commercial Building, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central | (+852) 6086 9045
With the recent buzz around action-thriller Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, Hong Kong’s “dark side”—Kowloon Walled City—is definitely fresh in everybody’s minds, so why not visit a bar named after this iconic location? Rosewood’s DarkSide boasts an array of creative drinks, reimagined renditions of classic cocktails, and libations made from rare, aged spirits, all of which make for perfect sipping accompaniments to the sultry melodies of jazz. Live jazz performances are held nightly, from 8 pm to 11.30 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 8.30 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the ideal spot for some musical leisure time after work.
DarkSide, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong is every bit as vibrant and busy as the Big Apple, and Tiffany’s New York Bar seamlessly caters to those who miss the New York bar scene, especially patrons who are feeling particularly nostalgic. Once you step foot into the bar, you’ll be transported back to the Roaring Twenties, with the interior of the bar looking identical to the retro speakeasies of the era. The cherry on top of this 1920s extravaganza is the live jazz music, played from 9.30 pm to 1.30 am nightly (except for Sundays) which you can enjoy alongside a large selection of whiskey.
Tiffany’s New York Bar, G/F, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2721 5161
First published on 27 April 2018. Written by Sophie Pettit. Last updated by Punita Chan.
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