Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Venerable and classic Jazz club with intimate, theatrical vibe.

Funky Features: Regular gigs performed by top jazz players and singers in a venue regularly described as ”the best Jazz Club in the world”. Special ‘themed’ cocktails available including the ‘Ronnie Scott’s Sting’, ‘Fitzgerald’ and the highly recommended, ‘Perfect Lady.’

Location and History

Established in 1959 by jazz enthusiasts and performers, Ronnie Scott and Pete King, Ronnie Scott’s is one of the world’s greatest jazz clubs, offering up-close-and-personal encounters with some of the world’s legendary jazz performers.

Many 20th Century greats have passed through its doors from Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles to Jimi Hendrix and Frank Sinatra. More recently the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and Jamie Cullum have graced the famous stage. Off the cuff gigs are not un-heard of either, with famous faces in the crowd providing one-off jams with the musicians on stage, such as a recent performance by Sir Elton John and Jeff Beck.

The club has been restored since Ronnie Scott’s unexpected and sad death in 1996. Now owned by impresario Sally Greene, Ronnie Scott’s officially re-opened in June 2006 with an exciting re-vamp and the club now offers an exclusive private members bar, ‘Ronnie’s Bar.’

The club is located a short walk from Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square tube stations in the heart of Soho. Ronnie Scott’s presence at the south end of Frith Street is signalled by a neon sign which invites you through the dark painted doors and up a flight of red carpeted stairs.

Interior

Ronnie Scott’s consists of two rooms. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and Ronnie Scott’s Bar. A relaxed mixed crowd fill Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, ranging from families to couples. Ronnie Scott’s Bar, where performers often mingle with the members has a hipper, funkier feel and is a members only space except when it is privately hired.

Catering for 220 in tiers, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club provides an intimate but theatrical experience and tiered seating provides a perfect view of the stage from anywhere. Decorated in shades of red, the cosy mood is set off by brass fixtures and low level lighting.

Ronnie’s Bar was designed by high-profile and award-winning Parisian designer Jacques Garcia and features a fusion of deep reds and animal prints complementing the lush and intimate feel of booths and velvet banquettes. Rich drapes allow areas to be partitioned if required. Ronnie’s Bar seats up to 150 people. Black and white photographs of past performers hang throughout the club on the deep red walls.

Good traditional food is standard fare at Ronnie Scotts with a menu featuring everything from foie gras through steak and chips and cheese on toast. A fully stocked bar open offers table service until 3am.

Spaces for Hire

Both Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club and Ronnie’s Bar are versatile locations available for hire for showcases, filming, interviews, private functions and launches. During the day Ronnie Scott’s club and Ronnie’s Bar are not open to the public so their uses are more flexible. Rates are negotiable depending upon the event while in-House chefs provide a range of different menu options.

Ronnie’s Jazz Club can seat 220 people for a sit-down event and 330 people for a standing drinks party. Ronnie’s Bar is available for private hire with no venue cost but has a minimum-spend policy with a minimum of 20 people. Smaller than its neighbour it can accommodate 150 people and can be sectioned off for smaller events.

Booking priority is given to members with two types of membership available: Ronnie Scott’s Club Membership at £165 per annum. Ronnie’s Bar Membership is available by invitation and committee approval only.