General
The Vortex Jazz Club is a mixed seated/standing venue split across two floors. On the Ground Floor we have our “Downstairs” bar where we host informal and acoustic performances, as well as DJ events and parties. On the first floor, you can find our main performance space where the majority of our gigs take place. This is accessible via one flight of stairs or we have a lift – please see below for more details.
For both our upstairs and downstairs performance spaces, all seating is done in rows of folding chairs. There are no seat reservations and no tables. Seats will be allocated on a first come first serve basis (except for Vortex Jazz Club members who book in advance). If all seats are taken but you have a ticket, there is space to stand to watch gigs in both spaces.
Most of the gigs in the upstairs space have two sets of music lasting around 45 minutes, and in the downstairs space this can vary – with early evening gigs lasting just one hour and late gigs sometimes having two sets of 30 minutes.
Occasionally we run gigs that are split across two shows where the audience changes after each show – please refer to the event specific information and your ticket details for more information and running times.
There are multiple toilets on both the ground and first floor – there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor only.
Getting Here
Downstairs
You can access the Downstairs bar from Gillett Square by approaching the glass doors that face out onto Gillett Square.
Upstairs
You can access the Upstairs performance space using the entrance closest to Gillett Street, on the right hand side as you look at the venue from Gillett Square.
Parking
There is a carpark on Gillett Street which has 15 spaces and a max stay of 3 hours: https://hackney.gov.uk/car-parks. It is located opposite the venue.
Otherwise you can access parking on Boleyn Road and pay by phone – however this is residential and is also restricted on event days. Please see Hackney Council’s website for more details: https://hackney.gov.uk/parking-zones
Bar and Drinks
For both the upstairs and downstairs, we have a bar serving drinks and snacks. You can purchase these at any time during a gig. We do not serve hot food.
We are very lucky to work with great local businesses such as East London Brewery who provide the majority of our beers as well as two draught beers in the upstairs bar only.
We also stock some of our gluten free beers from Queer Brewing.
Access and Accessibility
Everyone who works and volunteers at the Vortex Jazz Club welcomes everyone who might require accessibility assistance and will do their very best to accommodate all customers as best they can.
Please note that seats are guaranteed only for members. If you can’t stand for a gig but you aren’t a member, please email us at info@vortexjazz.co.uk and a member of the team will be able to assist you and reserve you a seat. Alternatively you can call the office on the number shown on our website (please leave a message if you’re not able to get an answer).
If you are a wheelchair user, we have a lift that gives step free access to the upstairs space. Please notify security when you arrive, and then one of our staff will show you to the lift at the back of the venue in the downstairs bar. Please also let us know in advance and we will make sure to reserve a space for you within the seating arrangements.
We have a disabled toilet on the ground floor located near the entrance to the bar.
PA / companion tickets
We are pleased to offer a free ticket for Personal Assistants / Companions – just email info@vortexjazz.co.uk at your earliest convenience we can arrange this for you.
Step Free Route Map From Dalston Junction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WAgsmB4YgbExUZ177
Parking
In addition to the car parks listed in the “Parking” section above, we also have double yellow lines adjacent to the venue on Gillett Street, so if you have a blue badge and need to park close to the club you can do so here.
A map showing you the location is listed below:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jt9sQzQJrDHoFBcu7
Audio Inclusivity
For any one who is noise sensitive, we have free foam earplugs at the venue, please ask the bar staff who can give you these for free. We do not have ear protectors on site.
If you have any concerns about the noise level of an event, please email info@vortexjazz.co.uk and we can advise as best as possible which events might be more appropriate.
FAQ
What if I can no longer attend an event?
Unfortunately we do not offer refunds for audience members who can no longer attend events, however you can choose to transfer your tickets to a friend.
I can’t find my e-tickets?
You will have been emailed your e-tickets by “Universe” who run the ticketing company so you can always try searching for “Universe” to find your tickets in your email inbox. Please make sure to check your junk or spam email as well. You can also download the Universe app and see all of your tickets here. More information can be found on Universe’s website HERE. If you are still struggling to find your tickets please email info@vortexjazz.co.uk and we can check to see if you have made a reservation.
Can I resell my ticket if I can no longer make it?
No, we do not allow ticket reselling for any of our events. However you can transfer your tickets to friends (for example, if you buy on behalf of someone else you can transfer the ticket in advance). Follow this link for instructions on how to do so HERE
I’ve lost an item at the club
We keep lost property for 30 days, after which time it gets donated to local charity shops. Please contact info@vortexjazz.co.uk listing the event you lost your item(s) and a description. If we can locate the item(s) then we will contact you with a time to collect from the club.
The event I had booked for was cancelled/rescheduled and I would like a refund
If your event is cancelled or rescheduled you will receive a refund and be notified via email. We will let you know the new date of any rescheduled shows via email but your old ticket will not be valid, you will need to purchase a new one.
Are there any age restrictions for your events?
The Vortex Jazz Club is a licensed bar, therefore under 18’s can attend concerts but only when accompanied by a paying adult. If an under 18 arrives at the club without an accompanying adult they will not be allowed access to the venue.
What do I do if an event I want to see is sold out?
All of our events have the maximum number of tickets available online, so if it is sold out then there are no more tickets available. Any additional tickets will be made available via our website and we sometimes announce these via our social media and mailing list so make sure to sign up to receive updates. Occasionally we can accommodate walk-ups for sold out shows, so you can always attend the venue on the evening of the show and check with security to see if there is any space but we can’t guarantee this will be the case. You may be asked to wait until after the show has started to see if we have any no-shows and if we can admit more audience members.
Do you serve hot food?
No, we don’t serve hot food but you can purchase bar snacks at the venue including nuts, pickles, olives, snacking cheese and more. There are a number of great restaurants nearby – in particular we’d like to shout-out our friends on Gillett square Kaffa Coffee that do incredible Ethiopian food.
Do you run a cloakroom?
No we don’t run a cloakroom so please bear this in mind when coming to the club.