Entertainment,
April 16 2023
From the beaches of Jamaica in the 60s to the streets of London in the 70s, reggae has a huge impact on culture, fashion and art in the capital. White punks would join Black kids at parties and gigs in the late 70s to listen to reggae, and bands formed, creating a new London sound mixing punk with this Jamaican party beat. Bringing a message of love and equality, reggae continues to influence the London music scene. And there are plenty of places where you can enjoy the cool groove of live reggae music in London.
A perfect combination: bottomless brunch and a reggae show. Free-flowing rum punch and deliciously fresh jerk chicken are just part of your three-course meal filled with the sounds of the Caribbean.
These are regular reggae events in London and the locations are secret until you book. Once you’re inside, you’re guaranteed a carnival atmosphere, with good food, great people and fantastic reggae tunes. There’s even reggae-okey if that classic Bob Marley tune is one you can’t resist singing.
Book your secret bottomless reggae brunch here
Bringing classic Jamaican food and live reggae music, London’s Ma Petite Jamaica brings the Caribbean vibes. In Clapham, it’s famously London’s first Caribbean diner and now has another venue in Shoredich. Whichever diner you choose, you can expect a huge rum collection and all the flavours of the Caribbean on the classic Caribbean menu. All the Jamaican favourites are here: fried chicken, rice and peas, curried goat, barbecue spareribs. Ma Petite Jamaica also has a calendar of reggae events in the evenings worth checking out.
Plan a reggae night at Ma Petite Jamaica
Lion Vibes in Brixton describes itself as reggae-vinyl heaven. This specialist reggae record store started in 1997 as a stall at Brixton’s art market and quickly established itself as the place to go for rare and cool original reggae records from the 1950 onwards. Whether you’re looking for something vintage and rare or new and exciting, this is the place to go. Plus, the tunes are great, and if there’s something new in the world of reggae in London, these guys know about it. It’s open from 11am, seven days a week. So pop down to Brixton village and get browsing for the reggae grooves you love.
Combine reggaeton tunes with creative cocktails and Caribbean food at Tropix London. This nightclub on Clapham High Street hosts a regular reggaeton night every Thursday, with a resident DJ mixing South American and Caribbean beats. Dance the night away in this club styled to look like you’ve just stepped off the beach into a tiki bar. Food is served till late, and the cocktails flow into the early hours.
Whether you’re enjoying a reggae brunch, hunting for reggae records or out for a reggae night, London has the right beat. Stay at one of our Central London hotels, Thistle Piccadilly, Thistle Holborn or Thistle Kensington Gardens for a great night’s sleep close to the capital’s cool reggae scene.
