Upstairs at Ronnie’s returns with a luxe 140-seat auditorium, stellar line-up and elevated dining – a bold new chapter for Soho’s most iconic live music address.
In the heart of Soho, Upstairs at Ronnie’s has returned, and what an entrance it’s made. Reopened in February this year after a much-anticipated metamorphosis, the discreet room above the iconic Frith Street jazz club has been reborn as a sumptuous sanctuary of live music that feels simultaneously intimate and thrillingly lively.
There is a real buzz around the relaunch, and rightly so – after an evening of fantastic drinks, incredible plates and some glorious vocal jazz and soul performances, we can see why.
The luxurious space has been reimagined as a 140 capacity auditorium, flanked by plush cabaret style seating, with some pitch-perfect acoustics achieved with decorative panels throughout the ceiling. Glowing table lamps illuminate the earthen hues for a seriously sexy ambiance. This isn’t just an exercise in good design, the service was perfect – attentive, discreet, helpful but allowing the music to remain the star of the show.
Nic Crilly Hargrave
Taran Wilkhu
It feels as though Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s has finally taken its place as a more than credible alternative to the basement that the venue is perhaps best known for. No mean feat, given that Ronnie Scott’s is widely considered to be one of the nation's foremost venues.
The line-up was also surprising: honouring the long-standing Ronnie Scott’s reputation, the new venue will present the finest jazz and jazz-adjacent acts, alongside genre-crossing performances in contemporary soul, acoustic R&B, gospel, hip-hop, global music, and for the very first time, a classical series. Live music never looked so good.
A brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen is now home to the newly appointed executive chef Steven Connolly who delivers a food offer to match the club’s world-class musical reputation: and for the first time in its history, Ronnie Scott’s will also be opening its backstage spaces to the public with a brand-new members’ lounge and artist space if you’re looking for a more exclusive experience to impress. Named The Greene Rooms (after owner Sally Greene), these areas are set to be the next big thing on the live music scene.
This revamp really puts Ronnie Scott’s back on the map – and it truly is a welcome return to the Soho nightlife scene.
See more at ronniescotts.co.uk
