In mid-2024 I was invited to help develop and deliver a brand new pop-up experience by music production company Serious as part of their EFG London Jazz Festival.

Taking on an empty shell unit (previously a restaurant based at CityPoint) in the heart of the City of London, I helped oversee the evolution and delivery of a vibrant cultural space centred around live music, a record shop from Blue Note, and a bar.

Running for two weeks in the middle of November, The Jazz Social delivers a rolling programme of performances from world-class jazz musicians that’s included Hiromi, Roberto Fonseca, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Bill Laurance amongst more than 80 shows to date - as well as live radio broadcasts from Jazz FM & One Jazz.

The bar - my main focus - has created 3 unique jazz festival themed white-label beers, and created many supplier partnerships including with Signature Brewery, Champagne Thienot, Chairman’s Reserve Rum and Audemus Pink Pepper Gin. The full bar offering includes 5 signature cocktails and fresh coffee.

I have been responsible for operational management and licensing for the whole venue, as well as menu, supply, staffing, budgeting and delivery. Visitor numbers have been at capacity since launch with daily sales of over 250 pints, 25 bottles of wine and 50 cocktails.

The Jazz Social (nominated for a Jazz FM Collaboration Award 2026) returns for a 3rd edition in November 2026.