DownBeat

DownBeat opened in 1956 and maintains its old port-side, dark and edgy jazz vibe. DB is hard to find – look out for the red awning – but once you are in you’ll be greeted with a bar counter that hooks around in an L shape; facing the door is a small booth with turntables and loads of neatly stacked vinyl, and to the left a larger rectangular space with booths facing two speakers. The music spun covers the entire history of jazz so be prepared for anything. There are occasional live events on the weekends, but the place is best experienced analogue late at night, alone with a drink, immersed in the music. Don’t even think of going there for conversation: the music is loud, especially in the left side room.