Sixty-six years ago, a tenor saxophonist took out a loan from a family member and rented a former taxi drivers’ social club in a basement on Gerrard Street for £10 a week. A grand piano and magazine advert later, and a late-night jazz club bearing its founder’s name was born: Ronnie Scott’s.
No other surviving venue is more synonymous with Soho’s musical history: everyone from Miles Davis and Nina Simone to Lady Gaga and Anderson Paak have played at Ronnie’s, which moved to Frith Street in 1965. Now, the team is opening two new venues – sort of. Following a full refurbishment of the downstairs area last year (its first makeover since 2005, when it was acquired by current owners Sally Greene and Michael Watt) and closing upstairs for a lick of paint, it’s just been announced the upstairs space will finally reopen in 2026 with a reconfigured layout and brand new members-only rooms.
While the downstairs resembles a traditional jazz bar with cabaret-style seating and a raised stage, until recently the upstairs area offered a more intimate late-night spot for spontaneous jam sessions and sets from up-and-coming musicians.
Soon, Upstairs at Ronnie’s will host a “purpose-designed” auditorium with a capacity of 140, following an extensive refurbishment led by Archer Humphryes Architects (whose portfolio includes The Standard London, The National Gallery and Chiltern Firehouse). Low-lit and sultry, with nods to art deco and mid-century design, it will feature banquette seating and a glitzy cocktail bar, alongside upgraded tech, including a Yamaha sound desk, D&B PA system and a Yamaha S3X grand piano.
The space will continue to host the lively sets it’s become known for, including its own version of Ronnie Scott’s legendary Late Late Show, showcasing grassroots talent at more accessible ticket prices. The opening program, kicking off in February next year, features a piano trio series with performances from artists such as Ashley Henry and Reuben James, as well as acoustic soul and R&B from singers like Vula Malinga and Vanessa Haynes. Food is by Steven Connolly, previously senior head chef at The Ned, who will curate a modern European menu with highlights including lamb Wellington and steak tartare.
It’s all very ravishing stuff – but perhaps the most exciting addition is The Greene Rooms, the new members-only space which effectively opens Ronnie’s pre-existing backstage areas to the public. Membership is nothing new: it has been part of the club since its opening, granting priority access to high-demand shows and invitations to exclusive events. But the lounge will be the first dedicated physical space for members, and could also be considered a strategic move to remain competitive after the launch of Camden’s House of Koko three years ago. Reimagined by interior design studio Pirajean Lees, it will have a wood-panelled bar space that Ronnie Scott’s managing director Fred Nash says is “reminiscent of a mid-century working man’s pub”, complete with open fires and a piano.
“The space is intended as a place where musicians might give impromptu performances, with guests gathered around the piano in song,” Nash tells Broadsheet. “The most exciting thing about the space will be sharing a drink with some of the legendary artists who perform at the club, many of whom like to let their hair down after the show. The backstage rooms have always been the best hang, and now we are opening these up to our members.”
Ronnie Scott’s upstairs space will reopen in February 2026.
