Deep Dive Jazz and Blues Bar brings live music and swing dancing to Kemp Town

A new cultural hub for Kemp Town

Brighton has a fresh addition to its vibrant live music scene with the opening of Deep Dive Jazz and Blues Bar on St George's Road. Launched on September 4, the intimate venue is owned by Lonnie and Niki Allon, who are well-known in the community for running Nanima Asian Kitchen at the same address for six years.

Mr Allon emphasised the continuity of the business, telling the Argus: "Nanima isn't over. It's still very much family operated. Now it's about getting in the groove, in every single way."

Thursday nights come alive

Every Thursday evening from 7pm, Deep Dive hosts a swing dance class followed by live jazz performances. The swing classes are led by Marcus from After Supper Swing, a dancer and instructor who runs courses across Brighton and has performed swing dancing around the world. The format allows participants to learn steps before practising to music, with partners rotating so everyone gets to dance with different people.

Performing at the venue is jazz trio Swing 26, featuring Jason Hensen on guitar, Tim Wells on piano, and Simon Russell on double bass. Their upbeat yet conversational performances create an atmosphere where guests can enjoy the music while chatting comfortably.

An inviting New York-style space

The bar is designed in the style of a classic New York dive bar, complete with posters adorning the walls, neon signs in the windows, and a welcoming counter space for diners. With capacity for around 30 people and soft lamp lighting at each table, the venue has an intimate, homely feel—as if guests have been invited into someone's living room that happens to feature a jazz band in the corner.

Honouring the past while moving forward

The transition from Nanima to Deep Dive was remarkably quick, with just two weeks between the closure of the restaurant and the opening of the bar. The Allon family has maintained continuity by keeping the food handmade by Niki, who was the chef at Nanima. Their daughter Leanor, 20, has grown up in the family business and reflected on the change: "We were a very family centred kind of business, with a very small team. That still continues. Everyone is so grateful there is still a bit of Nanima in the food."

Personal touches abound throughout the venue, including decorative elements and equipment sourced from the family's home, such as the sound system, cocktail bar, and piano.

Deep Dive Jazz and Blues Bar represents a thoughtful evolution for a beloved local business, combining the warmth and family values of Nanima with a fresh cultural offering that enriches Brighton's nightlife.

Source: I tried Brighton's brand new jazz bar and this is what I thought