While the big acts entertain the punters downstairs in Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Ronnie’s Bar steps to its own rhythm, offering a packed roster of musical talent and space to let loose on the dance floor should you feel the urge.

The Venue
Open from 6pm-3am, every night of the week, Ronnie’s Bar does a sterling job of providing a platform for bands, DJs and musicians that can’t be accommodated downstairs in the main club. It’s cheaper to get in too: sometimes entry is free before a certain time and, even later on, you’re unlikely to be asked to part with more than a tenner. Old-timers may bemoan the fact that the impromptu sessions of yesteryear no longer take part under the spotlights in the club, but the venue does still offer these kinds of events – they’re just upstairs in this snug space.

It’s got a loft vibe about it, with a slim rectangular space offering leopard skin booths for those lucky enough (or canny enough) to have reserved one. Don’t expect to just saunter up and be able to grab one of these, though, the reserved signs leave you under no illusions as to their availability. The room then opens up into a dance floor space, with a bar at the far end and a makeshift space to the left-hand side that can accommodate a surprising amount of musicians, if needs be.

The Atmosphere
Early doors, the room is chilled with most people sipping cocktails and waiting for the main action to happen. Later on, once the music strikes up and people have sunk a few more stiff drinks, the air is full of excitable chatter and the music brings the dance floor to life.

The Music
Jazz jam sessions, folk, DJ sets, even comedy events take place at Ronnie’s Bar, but the most invigorating sounds come from further afield – the Viva La Revolucion events on Friday rep Latin America and a young and vibrant Cuban outfit playing traditional driving rhythms is infectious enough to have even the most awkward punters shaking their hips.

The Food
Sharing boards (£10-£16), small plates (£4.70-£6.50) and more substantial dishes, such as Ronnie’s burger and chips (£12.50), are available late into the night.

The Drink
Bottles of Heineken or Moretti are £3.80 a bottle, and there’s a sturdy list of wines, champagne and spirits to suit even the fussiest of drinkers. Prices are reasonable, a bottle of wine can be yours for around £17, but there’s also a concession to the fact that some high-rollers pass through this venue, with vintage Dom P on offer for those money-no-object (or expense account) affairs. Cocktails, a strong selling point in the club, are again on point up here. Most waver around the £8 mark.

The Last Word
With credible live music spaces in central London increasingly feeling the squeeze from all angles, it’s pleasing to see Ronnie’s Bar continuing to support the world music and lesser known musicians that have been such an important part of its history.

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