Derry Now's Guide to the Jazz Festival

With just days to go until Ireland’s biggest Jazz Festival gets underway, Derry is gearing up for a packed weekend of exceptional live music and outdoor entertainment, running from April 27 until May 1.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival has gone from strength to strength over the past 22 years, establishing itself as the biggest celebration of its kind in Ireland, with over 70,000 music lovers expected to descend upon the city in the coming days.

Derry Now has created the ultimate guide for all the best restaurants, pubs and bars to stop by this weekend and the best taxi numbers to get you home afterwards!

City of Derry Jazz Festival 2023
Join us for the 21st edition of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, Northern Ireland’s biggest and best festival, for a blended event, weaving virtual jazz sessions with outdoor entertainment! We have put together performers and sessions that reflect not only the music but the culture of Jazz in Derry, Ireland, the UK and beyond. Keep up to date with the event on the Derry Jazz Festival Facebook Page Here.

https://cityofderryjazzfestival.com

The Bentley Bar

The Bentley Complex comprises of The Bentley Bar,  Steakhouse, Wine Bar, Gin Bar, Beer Garden, Linen Room and Private Function Rooms and is one of the best places for dining and entertainment in the city. Our Steakhouse offers tender hand-cut selections of dry-aged locally sourced Irish prime beef grilled to perfection, crisp salads, fresh seafood and mouth-watering desserts perfectly matched with superb wines. Perfectly situated in Derry City centre and surrounded by the historic Derry Walls, The Bentley Complex is a fantastic venue for dining, drinks and daily entertainment.

https://thebentleybar.com/

Patricia’s Coffee House 

Situated along the Quay with picturesque views of the River Foyle, Patricia’s Coffee House is the perfect place to stop for a coffee and a scone. A recent google review said:  “Spectacular soup. Seductive scones. Top quality tea and coffee. Best of all, the service" and we think that says it all. Patricia's Coffee House would like to wish all the people in Derry a fantastic Jazz Festival.

https://www.facebook.com/Patriciascoffeehouse/

Fitzroys 

Be sure to visit us at Fitzroys Bistro in the heart of the city. We opened our doors 25+ years ago. We are known for our fantastic food and customer service, with dishes that vary from our fiery Chicken Wings to our 'Famous’ Seafood Chowder and our locally sourced lamb shank. We have 20+ years taste of Ulster recognized, We offer 30% off all food and drink 7 days a week! 

 https://www.fitzroysrestaurant.com/

Bishop’s Gate Hotel

The exquisite Grade B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter.Built in 1899, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel and a member of Ireland’s Blue Book blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building, whilst exceeding the contemporary needs and desires of its guests. Bishop’s gate has a number of events over the festival, with tickets available on the link below. 

https://www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0ZiiBhBKEiwA4PT9z6iBJx13D7nk-8eTDgH5okSiI68zBeVTxt57QX_6RH-6Q6Nb6vqHWxoCTSgQAvD_BwE

Paolos Pizza
Paolo’s Pizza’s was established in December 1989 by Paul McShane.

Over the years Paolo’s has strived to provide our customers with the best service and quality food at the best price around. Our pizzas are packed full of delicious fresh ingredients, styled on what our customers crave. Paolo's is the perfect place to grab a pizza whilst enjoying the Jazz Festival.

https://paolospizzas.com/locations-page-william-street-derry/

Embankment Bar and Grill 

Situated in Ebrington Square, the newest addition to the Bentley Group offers a Coffee Hatch in the from 8am, fresh food daily and a fantastic selection of cocktails to enjoy after dinner. As if that wasn’t enough, they also have entertainment on all Jazz Festival weekend! 

embankmentbarandgrill.com

Desmond’s Rental 

If you’re travelling to Derry over the Jazz Festival, Desmond’s is the place to go. With 30+ years experience in car hire, you can have peace of mind you are getting the best deal. Desmond's fleet of new model Fords is available for 24 hour rental from two convenient locations; FordStore, 173 Strand Road Derry~Londonderry, BT48 7PU and Ford Transit Centre, 54 Dromore Road, Omagh, BT78 1RB. 

.https://www.desmondmotors.co.uk/rental

City Cabs

City Cabs, Derry’s largest fleet of licensed vehicles, serves the city and surrounding areas during the Jazz Festival. We are the official taxi service for the City of Derry Airport and a strategic partner of Visit Derry, the City's local tourist office. We offer executive cars and corporate account facilities. All our drivers are in company uniform and female drivers are available subject to early booking. We have City and regional Taxi Tours available daily.

028 7126 4466

The Gate Bistro

The Gate Bistro and Cocktail Bar not only offers fantastic Lunch and Dinner menus, but also a cocktail menu which is sure to impress. With live music during the Jazz festival, a great city centre location, the Gate Bistro is the place to be!

Thegatebistroandcocktailbar.com

The Dungloe Bar 

The Dungloe is a pub in Derry city centre with a local feel, good beer and great craic.

Over the years we have built up a reputation as one of the best pubs for music in the city supporting local bands, traditional music and new talent. The Dungloe Bar hosts live music everyday of the Jazz Festival. Well worth a Visit.  

https://www.facebook.com/dungloebar/?locale=en_GB

Gweedore Bar 

The home of Live traditional & contemporary music in Derry. On our premises we have 3 different bars; Peadar O’Donnell’s, the Gweedore Bar and Bar 57.

Peadar’s has just won The Best Pub in the County and is known throughout the world. The Gweedore is the perfect place to watch the Jazz Festival within Derry’s City Centre, They are famous for, among other things, their live music which is largely organised but has regular impromptu sessions from either local musicians or visiting performers.

https://www.facebook.com/GweedoreRocks/

The Rocking Chair

The Rocking Chair Bar, or ‘Rocker’ to the locals, is one of Derry’s most famous pubs in Derry. Located in the shadow of the famous Derry Walls and overlooking the Bogside, we have the atmosphere of a local with the energy of a pub in the heart of the city centre. The Rocking Chair Bar serves top quality food and the best pint of Guinness in Derry. Our staff know how to make a visitor welcome. Come in and see us Over The Jazz Festival we’re the friendliest Bar in town.

https://rockingchairbar.com/

McDonald’s Foyleside

McDonald’s needs no introduction, their City Centre location at the top of Foyleside Shopping Centre makes it the perfect place to stop for a bite between seeing the Jazz. Their £1.99 wrap of the day promotion also makes it fantastic value.

https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/location/londonderry/foyleside-shopping-centre/8260608.html

DERRY Credit Union

Derry Credit Union was founded  in October of 1960. Today, Derry Credit Union has over 30,000 members and over 5,000 minor savers. Operating under the motto ‘For People, Not for Profit,’ Derry Credit Union has successfully provided a source of low cost credit and other financial benefits and services for its members. Through the loyalty and dedication of its membership, Derry Credit Union has flourished to become the tremendous success it is today.

https://www.derrycu.com/

Hillbilly’s Fried Chicken

Located on the Strand Road, a short walk from the City Centre, Hillbilly’s is the perfect place to stop for a bite over the Jazz Festival. With their delicious fried chicken, burgers and amazing chicken gravy, there’s sure to be something for everyone on the menu. If you’re short on time, Hillbilly's also offers a delivery service and click and collect service via their app, “Hillbilly’s Fried Chicken”.

https://hillbillysfriedchicken.com/

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