Someone who runs one of Nigeria’s private equity firms has two lingering memories of time spent at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. First, it was there that he courted a major investor with whom he later fell out. Second, he watched Fela Anikulapo Kuti play at Ronnie Scott’s. He still goes back every time he is in London, making sweet memories. Ronnie Scott’s, situated in Soho, the heart of London’s entertainment and nightlife, is one of London’s best-known upscale venues for live music. Founded in 1959, it has grown from a basement on Gerrard Street to a world-class establishment.
Every day of the week, it hosts performances by outstanding bands from all over the world (Seun Kuti also played there in June 2015). The shows are quickly sold out even on weekdays. The bar and restaurant at the club is as outstanding and global as the music. You can enjoy a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial while the live band plays. The food is made with the best ingredients in the world, ranging from the crispy Pork Belly, the Spiced Rack of Lamb, the Globe Artichoke made with black beans and peppery habanero broth to the Bouillabaisse of Lobster. Check out their first-rate menu.
A Legacy to Rival
Everyone who is anyone has played at Ronnie Scott’s – Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, George Benson, Norah Jones, Lady Gaga etc. Jimi Hendrix was onstage two days before he died, making it the last venue he played. The pictures of all these legends performing at Ronnie Scott’s can be seen on its walls, making the venue a museum of music history.
Upstairs @ Ronnie’s
Upstairs at Ronnie’s 140-capacity bar open from 6pm to 3am. It is a world away from the main club itself, inviting you into the relaxed, speakeasy scene of 1950s British high society. It’s the place to discuss business. It has a varied menu of live performances from the bluesy vibe of acoustic jazz to the percussive melody of Cuban music, to the defiant beauty of indie rock, to the eclectic groove of funk fusion.
Have a look at their upcoming shows here.
Showtimes
MONDAY – THURSDAY:
Doors: 6pm
Support: 7-7.45pm
Main act: 8.15-9pm/ 9.30-10.15pm
Late Late show doors: 11pm
Close: 3am
FRIDAY – SATURDAY:
1st House
Doors: 6pm
Support: 7-7.45pm
Main Act: 8.15-9.30pm
2nd House
Doors: 10.30pm
Main act: 11.15-12.30am
Late Late show doors: 1am
Close: 3am
SUNDAY:
Lunch doors: 12pm
Show: 1-1.45pm/ 2.15-3pm
Close: 4pm
Evening doors: 6.30pm
Main show: 8.15pm-9pm/9.30-10.15pm
12am: close
ADDRESS
47 Frith Street
Soho
London
W1D 4HT
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