Geco Café

Geco Café calls itself the home of live music and everything nice, and that sums it up well. It is part of the Geco Tribe collective, a group of Nairobi brands that also includes a car-care business and an expedition company, and its café in Lavington is a relaxed place to hear bands. The collective also runs other music spaces, including Backyard by Geco Tribe, Geco Masshouse and a presence at The Alchemist in Westlands.

The music is the main attraction. Live bands play from Tuesday to Saturday, featuring both local and international acts, so there is something on most nights of the week. On Sunday afternoons the mood changes with Houze Therapy, a session devoted to Afro house, amapiano and other house styles that draws a dancing crowd. The collective also stages Geco Hangout, a two-day event built around music, food, drinks and community, so check the programme if you are in town for a weekend.

During the day Geco works as a café, with good coffee and a warm, relaxed interior that suits conversation and casual meetings. Food covers a wide range, from pizza and steak to samosas, fries, crêpes and fish and chips, and the bar serves cocktails and other drinks in the evening. It is an easy place to start with dinner and stay on as the band begins.

It suits music lovers, groups of friends, solo travellers looking for a friendly crowd and anyone curious about Nairobi's live music scene beyond the big clubs. It is generally less formal than the hotel bars and rooftop lounges. Popular nights can fill up, so arrive early for a good table near the stage.

Lavington is a leafy residential district west of the city centre, a short drive from Kilimani, Westlands and the Yaya Centre. Use a taxi or ride-hailing app, especially late at night. The website lists separate map links for each Geco venue, so make sure you are heading to the Lavington café. Check Geco Tribe's website and social media for the latest line-up before you go, as acts and timings change from week to week, and some special events may be ticketed.