There is nowhere on earth quite like The Old Duke. From the legendary Sunday lunch sessions to the high-energy Friday Night Jazz, we are proud to bring you the most comprehensive 2026 Old Duke Gig Guide.

Whether you're looking for tonight's New Orleans swing, a Monday night residency, or a mid-week Blues session, our updated listings cover every genre across the week. Ensure you never miss a beat at this world-famous King Street institution.

What's on offer:

Jazz Classics: Mon & Fri Eves | Sun Lunch (The Trad Jazz Heartbeat).
Weekend Showcase: Sat Afternoon (High-energy sets) | Sun Eve (Soulful closers).
Midweek Roots: Tue, Wed, Thu (Blues, Funk, and Modern Soul).

Building & History:

Occupying a prominent corner of the historic King Street, the Old Duke has stood as a bastion of Bristol’s maritime and musical heritage for centuries. Named after the great Duke Ellington, the pub rose to international fame during the 1960s jazz revival. It remains one of the few places in the UK where the pavement itself seems to hum with the echoes of half a century of world-class performances.

Annual Jazz Fest

The crown jewel of the King Street calendar is the Old Duke Jazz Festival. This legendary August Bank Holiday event sees the music spill out from the pub's historic walls onto the cobblestones, drawing thousands of fans from across the country. It is a vibrant, sprawling celebration of community and syncopation that transforms the street into a miniature French Quarter.

Pub Interior & Atmosphere

To step inside is to leave the modern world at the door. The interior is a beautifully weathered tapestry of vintage jazz posters, wood-smoke patina, and the storied brass of instruments gone by. The atmosphere is famously egalitarian—on any given night, you’ll find students rubbing shoulders with grizzled jazz veterans and city professionals, all united by the intimacy of a room where there is no "barrier" between the band and the beer.

Bands for All Tastes

While its heart beats to the rhythm of Traditional New Orleans Jazz, the Old Duke’s programming is a masterclass in variety. The week is anchored by our legendary Sunday Jazz Lunch—a Bristol institution—and our traditional Monday and Friday evening sessions.

However, the Duke is a seven-night-a-week powerhouse that ensures every musical palate is satisfied. From the searing heat of Modern Funk and Soul to the grit of Delta Blues, our schedule is uncompromising. Experience the shift in energy during our popular Saturday afternoon sessions, dedicated to high-octane non-jazz roots, or the virtuosic swing of a midweek Gypsy Jazz quartet. At the Duke, you don’t just see the music; you live the history of King Street.

The Old Duke is a world renown Jazz pub located in Bristol, England, known for our jam packed bar, wonderful staff and incredible atmosphere. 

We host live music every night of the week, our specialities include Jazz, Blues, Country, Soul and Funk. Entry is always free.

​Enjoy some Traditional Jazz on Monday evenings, Friday evenings, and Sunday lunchtimes.

You will hear our beloved Trad regulars referred to as 'The Bog-enders' for their tendency to sit at the end of the bar where the loos (and the best views) are. Sunday afternoons are great for family outings, children and well behaved pets are welcome.

​Tuesday evenings are Open Mic Night. Run by our amazing resident Blues artist Eddie Martin, you will witness a selection of wonderful and unusual acts. A free drink for each performer, arrive early if you would like to sign up.

​Eddie Martin plays every Sunday evening with The New Eddie Martin Blues Band, aside from the last Sunday of the month where you will find him performing as the amazing Eddie Martin's One Man Blues Band.

There is also a Saturday afternoon session at 4pm with a varied genre of great entertainers.

LEGACY BREAKDOWN: 

While our foundations are built on the syncopation of New Orleans, The Old Duke’s 7-night-a-week schedule is a curated journey through Roots music.

From the foot-stomping Saturday afternoon sessions to the sophisticated Sunday evening soul-down, we provide a stage for the finest Blues, Funk, and Jazz musicians in the UK

Getting There: The Old Duke, Bristol

• By Car & The Clean Air Zone: The venue is within Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Please check your vehicle's compliance online.

• Parking: The Grove (BS1 4RB) is a 3-minute walk. For long-stays, use Millennium Square (BS1 5LL).

• By Public Transport: A 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.

• By Water: Bristol Ferry to the Welsh Back landing stage is just a 2-minute walk away.

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