LIVE JAZZ AT GROW

Jazz band performing outdoors under a yellow canopy near a body of water with boats in the background. The band includes a saxophonist, a guitarist, and a double bassist.

A man playing an upright bass on stage, wearing dark sunglasses and a jacket, inside a green tent with a view of the water behind him.

A man plays an electric guitar inside a yellow tent or booth with a lake view in the background.

A man playing a blue drum set on a stage, with microphones and a green and clear plastic backdrop.

A man wearing glasses and a black jacket playing an alto saxophone at a musical performance.

Live band performing on stage with purple and red lighting, featuring a guitarist, double bass player, and two other musicians at a nightclub or concert venue.

A man with glasses playing a double bass in a dimly lit room with colorful lights.

A man playing an orange electric guitar on stage with a microphone stand nearby, illuminated by pink-purple lighting, with a neon background featuring abstract designs.

Close-up of a musician's hand playing a violin, illuminated by purple and red neon lighting in a dim setting.

A man with glasses playing a saxophone on stage with purple and pink lighting.

A person playing drums in a dimly lit venue with red neon lights and graffiti-style artwork on the wall behind.

A man wearing glasses, a black shirt, and necklaces playing a double bass in a dimly lit nightclub with purple and red lighting.

Person playing saxophone in a dimly lit, neon-colored setting, wearing glasses and dressed in dark clothing.

A person playing drums in a dimly lit room with neon pink and purple graffiti-style artwork on the wall behind them.

A man playing an electric guitar on stage with purple neon lighting and graffiti-style artwork in the background.

A musician playing the saxophone during a live performance in a dimly lit venue with colorful stage lights.

Jazz band performing on stage with purple and red lighting, including a guitarist, saxophonist, double bassist, and drummer, in a venue with graffiti-style wall art.

Jazz Thursdays at Grow Hackney

Every Thursday night, Grow Hackney opens up to the sounds of live jazz with Stratos, our long-standing house band and one of the cornerstones of our music programme.

Led by Mercury Prize-nominated bassist Rio Kai, Stratos have held down their weekly Grow residency since 2016, shaping Thursday nights into a space for deep listening, improvisation, community and musical exchange. In 2026, the band celebrates ten years of playing at Grow, a rare and special milestone for a live jazz residency in London.

Across the seasons, the music moves with the venue. In autumn and winter, Stratos play from Grow’s intimate indoor stage. In spring and summer, the sound spills outside onto the floating stage, with the River Lea as the backdrop and Hackney Wick moving around it.

Stratos, Grow’s House Band

Stratos are Rio Kai on bass, Dom Pusey on saxophone, Mike De Souza on guitar and Zoe Pascal on drums.

Together, they move through the language of jazz with warmth, depth and freedom, drawing from classic forms, modern harmony, groove-led improvisation and the open-ended spirit of the jam. Each week brings something different. A new conversation between the band, the room and the musicians who join them.

Over the past decade, Stratos have become part of the fabric of Grow. Their Thursday night residency is not just a gig, but a meeting point for players, listeners, regulars, first-timers and anyone drawn to the energy of live music by the canal.

The Night

The evening begins with a live set from Stratos. In summer, the first set often takes place outside on the terrace, where you can settle in by the water as the music drifts across the canalside. Later in the evening, the night moves indoors, bringing the room closer around the band.

After the first set, the floor opens for the weekly jam session. Local musicians are welcome to join, bringing their own voice to the night and keeping the music alive, responsive and unpredictable. For musicians, entry is free. If interested in joining the jam can contact @stratostheband on Instagram or find one of the band members in the break.

Grow’s relaxed, communal setting makes Jazz Thursdays open to everyone, whether you are a lifelong jazz head, a musician looking to play, or simply curious to experience live music in an intimate canalside space.

Food is served from our homemade evening menu, with drinks including signature cocktails, organic wine, lagers, IPA, soft drinks and hot drinks.

Table bookings are recommended for those who want to secure a spot, with space also kept aside for walk-ins.

TABLE + TICKET

ENTRY DETAILS

To secure a table, book via OpenTable below for £6/£8 pp. We accept walk-ins for £5pp.

During Spring/Summer, the first set is held outside (weather dependent), second set inside.
During the Autumn/Winter months, both Jazz sets are held inside.
The first set is from approx 7.30 - 8.30pm. The second set is from approx 9.30-10.30pm.
We reserve 30% of our tables for walk ups so still feel free to come down and grab a spot. There is plenty of standing room as well. We advise that you arrive between 6.30 and 7.30pm to get a table.
Our kitchen is open until 9pm and serves a range of dishes and snacks. We have a range of drinks from the bar (open until 11.45pm) including Grow’s signature cocktails.
If you’ve booked a table on OpenTable, please turn up on time, as we cannot hold the tables for more than 15 minutes.
Please read our full FAQs before booking, where you will find information on refunds and exchanges