The Blue Note, New York's world-famous jazz club, is opening its first UK venue in London's Covent Garden next month, marking a significant expansion for the brand beyond its existing sites in the US, Japan, China, Brazil and Italy. The launch matters as a boost to London's live music scene, with organisers positioning the venue as a new home for jazz and related genres, blending established international names with emerging British talent.

The club, in the basement of the St Martins Lane hotel, will open on 23 September with a headline show from Grammy-winning US pianist Robert Glasper, timed to mark the centenary of saxophonist John Coltrane. It will feature a 250-capacity main room open until 1am on weeknights and midnight on Sundays, plus a smaller 100-capacity room called B-Side for new talent, opening later this year. Tickets go on general sale on 14 August, with a line-up including Erykah Badu, Jamie Cullum, Nubya Garcia, Yussef Dayes, Kokoroko and Hak Baker, alongside occasional surprise performances.