Down a dark backstreet, clad in blue neon and with a name more befitting a seaside amusement arcade, the uninitiated are often forgiven for dismissing The Vortex as some sort of sticky-carpeted, drunken-grope nightclub.

But just off the kebab and carpet shop wonderland that is Kingsland High Street, lurks the new home of one of London's best-loved musical institutions.

Recently relocating to the Dalston Culture House from its 16-year spiritual home in Stoke Newington, The Vortex, to those that know, has one of the finest jazz pedigrees in London.

Both a regular fixture on the touring lists of some of the scene's greats, whilst remaining an eager proving ground for its young pretenders, this week alone sees current pioneers Evan Parker, Christine Tobin and Roger Winslet (father of Kate) take to its well-trodden boards.

If the thought of dinner and jazz in Dalston isn't "real" enough for you, don't fret. Still awaiting a kitchen since the move, the Vortex's current method de cuisine remains truly a la East End - in a tray and from a local takeaway.

So get down there, order a bottle of red, a balti, and a portion of the vibes to share. And when the masses arrive, make like you knew about it from the beginning.