Ealing Jazz Club

Ealing Jazz Club Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Ealing Jazz Club, nestled beneath West London’s streets at 42A The Broadway, stands as a cornerstone of British music heritage. Founded in 1959, this intimate basement venue is renowned for catalyzing the British rhythm and blues (R&B) movement and launching the careers of legendary musicians including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones. Today, the club’s legacy is preserved through community-driven events, commemorative exhibitions, and ongoing preservation efforts, making it an essential stop for music lovers, historians, and cultural tourists (Out on the Floor, Ealing Club, Touristlink).

This comprehensive guide details the club’s storied history, current visiting hours, ticketing information, accessibility, special events, nearby attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your visit to this iconic London landmark.

Historical Overview
Visiting the Ealing Jazz Club
Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Tips
Supporting the Ealing Club
Notable Recent Developments
Essential Contacts and Resources
Related Venue: Drayton Court Hotel
Conclusion

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Years (1959–1961)

Established in January 1959 by Fery Asgari, a student at Ealing Technical College, the Ealing Jazz Club was initially conceived as a gathering place for local students and jazz devotees. Early events took place at Ealing Town Hall and The Feathers pub before moving to the now-iconic basement at 42A The Broadway (Out on the Floor, 1960s Days of Rage). The club’s cozy, subterranean setting—with steep stairs leading from a side alley—created an atmosphere that would soon become legendary (All About Blues Music, The Vintage News).

The Birth of British Rhythm & Blues (1962–1965)

A transformative moment arrived in March 1962 when Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies, pioneers of British blues, relocated their club to Ealing. On March 17, 1962, they launched the Ealing Blues Club—Britain’s first regular R&B venue (Ealing Club History, Wikipedia). The club quickly attracted a new generation of musicians and fans, including the future Rolling Stones, Cream, and The Who (Music Heritage UK, The Vintage News).

The collaborative environment and open-mic culture fostered a creative explosion, influencing other major London venues such as The Marquee, Klooks Kleek, Eel Pie Club, and Crawdaddy (uDiscoverMusic, All About Blues Music).

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Ealing Jazz Club is widely hailed as the birthplace of British rhythm and blues and a catalyst for the British rock boom of the 1960s. Keith Richards acknowledged, “Without Cyril Davies and Alexis Korner’s club at Ealing, there might have been nothing” (uDiscoverMusic, Ealing Club). The club’s legacy extends internationally, with its story taught in academic musicology programs (All About Blues Music).

Decline, Closure, and Later Uses (1965–2010)

By 1965, surging crowds outgrew the club’s modest capacity. As attention shifted to larger venues, the Ealing Jazz Club ceased regular R&B operations, briefly becoming a casino and later a nightclub under various names—including “Tabby” and, eventually, “The Red Room” (The Vintage News, All About Blues Music).

Revival and Preservation Efforts (2011–Present)

In 2011, local residents and musicians formed The Ealing Club Community Interest Company (CIC) to revive and commemorate the club’s musical heritage (Wikipedia, Music Heritage UK). The club received a Blue Plaque in 2012—unveiled by Bobbie Korner and Rolling Stone Charlie Watts—marking 50 years since the first R&B night (uDiscoverMusic, All About Blues Music). The CIC continues to promote live events, festivals, and educational initiatives, including the acclaimed documentary “Suburban Steps to Rockland” (Wikipedia).

The Ealing Jazz Club Today

The original basement now operates as The Red Room nightclub, but the Ealing Club’s story lives on through periodic live music nights, community events, and the prominent Blue Plaque at its entrance (Ealing Club, Ealing Club History). Annual festivals and ongoing preservation efforts ensure the club’s legacy continues to inspire visitors and musicians.

Visiting the Ealing Jazz Club

Location & Getting There

Address: 42A The Broadway, Ealing, London W5 5JY
Nearest Station: Ealing Broadway (Central & District lines, National Rail)
Bus: Multiple routes service The Broadway
Parking: Limited—public transport is recommended

Visiting Hours & Tickets

The original club operates as The Red Room nightclub; visiting hours depend on scheduled events.
The Ealing Club CIC hosts tribute gigs and historical events, often evenings and weekends.
Tickets: Fees vary by event. Advance booking is recommended for special gigs and heritage tours (Ealing Club).

Accessibility

The venue is accessed via steep, narrow stairs and may be challenging for those with mobility needs. Many commemorative events are held at accessible venues nearby—contact organizers for specific arrangements.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Live Tribute Nights: Celebrating blues and R&B artists
Exhibitions & Talks: On British music history and the club’s impact
Annual Festivals: Including Ealing Blues Festival and Hanwell Hootie
Check Ealing Club’s events page and social media for updates.

Nearby Attractions

Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre
Walpole Park
Ealing Studios

Photographic Spots

Don’t miss the Blue Plaque on The Broadway and the atmospheric alley stairs—iconic for music history fans.

Events and Festivals

Ealing Jazz Festival 2025

Dates: August 2–3, 2025, at Walpole Park
Hours: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM each day
Lineup: Features The Brand New Heavies, Hot 8 Brass Band, Afriquoi, and many more
Tickets: Purchase via Ticketline (early bird and weekend passes available)

Year-Round Live Music

Gigs at venues like The Brentham Club and The Red Room
Ealing Eclectic Project, festival collaborations, and performances by artists such as Ben Waters and Chris Jagger
See Ealing Club Events Guide for schedules and ticket info

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Ealing Jazz Club visiting hours?
A: Hours depend on scheduled events; check the Ealing Club website for up-to-date information.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket for visiting?
A: Most events require tickets, available online or at the door for select gigs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasional heritage talks and exhibitions are offered; inquire ahead about tour availability.

Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
A: The original club is not; however, many affiliated events are hosted at accessible venues.

Q: How do I get to the Ealing Jazz Club?
A: The club is across from Ealing Broadway station, served by Tube, rail, and bus.

Q: Are there family-friendly events?
A: Yes—especially at the Ealing Jazz Festival and many outdoor concerts.

Visitor Tips

Plan ahead using the Ealing Club Events Guide and festival lineup.
Arrive early for popular events to secure your spot.
Support local heritage by attending gigs and participating in workshops or tours.
Check accessibility details before your visit if needed.
Follow the Ealing Club on social media for real-time updates (Ealing Club 2025).

Supporting the Ealing Club

The Ealing Club CIC relies on community support through ticket sales, donations, and merchandise. Contributions help fund fair pay for artists and ongoing heritage projects. To support, visit the Ealing Club GoFundMe Campaign.

Notable Recent Developments

Exhibitions at University of West London’s Townshend Studio and Rock ‘n’ Roll Alley
Media recognition in podcasts and the US Rock Hall of Fame
Ongoing collaborations with local festivals and cultural organizations

Essential Contacts and Resources

Overview

The Drayton Court Hotel at 2 The Avenue, London W13 8PH, is a historic venue renowned for its Edwardian architecture and frequent jazz events. It serves as a hub for music lovers and visitors seeking classic British hospitality.

Visiting Hours & Access

Public areas: Open daily 12:00 pm–11:00 pm; hours may vary for events.
Transport: Near West Ealing station and Ealing Broadway.
Parking: On-site and free street parking after 6:30 pm.
Accessibility: Step-free access and accessible restrooms.

Events

The hotel regularly hosts jazz nights in partnership with organizations like Way Out West Jazz. For event schedules, visit their website.

Conclusion

The Ealing Jazz Club is a living monument to the origins of British blues and rock, offering an unmissable journey for music fans and cultural explorers. Through ongoing preservation, vibrant festivals, and community engagement, its spirit continues to thrive in West London. Plan your visit, check event listings, and immerse yourself in the club’s storied legacy. For updates and curated content, download the Audiala app and follow the Ealing Club on social platforms.