A TRUE LEGEND OF BRITISH JAZZ GUITAR, John Etheridge brings his remarkable breadth and virtuosity back to our stage.

Pat Metheny calls him “one of the best guitarists in the world.” Eric Clapton told him early on, “You’re not a blues player, but you’re a great guitarist.” Jimi Hendrix simply said, “You’re great.” Such praise comes to few musicians, but John has earned it through decades of fearless eclecticism and brilliant playing.

John refuses to recognise musical boundaries. His career perfectly illustrates this: he spent years touring and recording with the legendary Stéphane Grappelli (1976-1981) while simultaneously working with pioneering jazz-fusion band Soft Machine (1975-1978, 1984, and 2004 to present). This April 2025 marks 50 years since he joined Soft Machine, replacing Allan Holdsworth.

His collaborators span the spectrum from classical to rock: John Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzy Gillespie, Nigel Kennedy, Andy Summers, Biréli Lagrène, Danny Thompson, and even Hawkwind. He’s equally commanding on acoustic and electric guitar, moving effortlessly between jazz, fusion, classical, flamenco, and progressive rock.

John began playing at 13, inspired by Hank Marvin and Django Reinhardt. Though his father was a jazz pianist, John taught himself. He came up through the 1960s British blues boom, jamming with Eric Clapton at London’s Speakeasy Club. His early bands included Darryl Way’s Wolf and Global Village Trucking Company before joining Soft Machine.

He’s been nominated three times for Musician of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards (2005, 2006, 2011). His recent work includes touring with Gordon Giltrap on their acclaimed “2 Parts Guitar” shows and continuing performances with Soft Machine across Europe and America.

John remains as active and innovative as ever, still travelling, still practising, still pushing musical boundaries. An unmissable evening with a true master awaits.

An optional 2-course supper at £15.00 is available but must be booked, vegetarians & others with dietary requirements will be accommodated if requested when reserving.

Reservations are required for all events.

Entry: members £10.00 non-members £12.00 unless marked*

(Entry marked * will be members £12 non-members £15)

There is a 50% concession for students for all events.

 We do not have the facility to accept payment for entry or meals by credit or debit cards although we do at the bar.

For information about ULEZ please see ‘About our Venue’ page.