Of all the more popular musical genres, jazz is probably the most cryptic.
A fact that has clearly not escaped the attention of the people over at St Martin-in-the-Fields, who are kicking off a new season of music-filled evenings in their gorgeous subterranean church chamber. They’re calling them Crypt Lates.
For anyone who’s heard the name ‘St Martin-in-the-Fields’ bandied around a lot, but nevertheless hasn’t been there – it’s a huge, Georgian-style church parked on the corner of Trafalgar Square. And as is hinted in the name, back when it was built there were cows grazing in Trafalgar Square. That’s how old it is. It’s since been name-dropped in everything from David Copperfield to 1984, so to say it’s iconic is something of an understatement. And most importantly, it has a pretty stunning crypt.
The underground space has elegantly vaulted ceilings formed by dozens of little brick archways, with atmospheric lighting, and amazingly intimate acoustics. And it’s there that they regularly invite in musicians — from live jazz trios to West End performers — and silent disco spinners to take to the floor.
It’s all table seating, for 2, 4, or even 8, and there’s a menu of British tapas should you want it, as well as all the booze you might expect to find served in the basement of an ancient church.
You know, beer, wine, and cocktails.
NOTE: Crypt Lates take place regularly every month. Tickets (£9-£29) can be bought at their website right HERE.
St Martin-in-the-Fields | Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ
Like live music? Here’s where else you can listen to jazz in London…