As notorious around the world as Ministry of Sound is to dance music fans or the Royal Albert Hall is to classical aficionados, Ronnie Scott’s, the seminal jazz club on Soho’s Frith Street, is currently celebrating its 51st birthday and it continues to provide the most intimate of personal audiences with some of the most talented musicians in the world today.

The Venue
Ella, Miles, Curtis, Roy, Cleo – these are just some of the greats who have graced Ronnie Scott’s down the years and everywhere you go in this snug club, you will find black and white photographic portraits reminding you of the just how seminal a space this really is. The main room has a compact little stage providing the focal point for the rest of the room, which is made up of dining tables and chairs, where the audience wine and dine before and even during the show. It’s a tight space; there’s literally enough room for around 220 guests maximum, and there’s a small bar to the rear, which, as well as supplying the hooch, provides a handful of stools for those just in for the show rather than to eat.

The Atmosphere
Luminous red lamps are spread around the dimly lit room creating a very easy-on-the-eye effect. Staff go about their business in a snappy fashion, and some of them seem to be ‘on vibes’ such is their finger-clicking enthusiasm for the music being played on stage. The show you attend will determine the type of people in attendance but, in general, the crowd is on the mature-side, with a swathe of grey-haired patrons in for the early show (there are two performances on Friday and Saturdays). A younger crowd comes in later on and they’re also more visible upstairs in the less formal Ronnie’s Bar, which has a much cheaper door fee and supports lesser known musicians. The club has always attracted curious tourists so, yes, they are here in droves but you will also find the odd music industry head in the house. Giles Peterson used to be a regular attendee and you can still see crate-digging types propping up seats by the bar.

The Music
If the walls could talk, this room would be full of sweet music from undisputable jazz legends to soul-funk fusionists. The low ceiling and the crystal clear acoustics give the impression that you’re in a room that’s hermetically sealed. Certainly every element of the music, from the rim shots to the guitar riffs, sounds warm and immediate.

Whilst it’s considered a jazz club, what this actually means is you can find a broad mix of jazz, funk, soul, Latin and more. Some of the guests play the popular standards card whilst others are only instantly recognisable to those with a deep understanding of world music. Notable returning guests include the likes of the legendary Roy Ayers, and UK talent like Natalie Williams are also regularly in session.

The Food
Forget the supper (yes, dining is popular but not compulsory), Ronnie Scott’s is really about one thing: the music. Having said that a range of steaks, burgers and pastas are available (starters: £5.90-£7.80; mains: £11.80-£26.20). A good tip is to stop off next door at the noodle specialists Koya before the show.

The Drink
Cocktails are very much an asset to the club. The Ellington (£8.20), a very special blend that uses a 13-year-old rye whisky, is a sweet, caramel-flavoured, intense drink that’s absolutely perfect for the surroundings. And, apparently, it was the Duke’s favourite. The red wine list has some crackers too: the Cycle Gladiator Pinot Noir is sure to please whatever the occasion (around £30 bottle).

The Last Word
A truly iconic music venue, Ronnie Scott’s offers the chance to see some of the most talented musicians in the world perform in a space that feels like you’re one of a lucky few selected to watch the show.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (65) image gallery (14) what's on