What is it?
Opened by the British saxophonist Ronnie Scott in 1959, this legendary Soho institution made its name as the first club to host American jazz musicians in the UK. Since then, its become steeped in music history. Ronnie’s has been the site of many live album recordings by artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Jamie Cullum. It’s also welcomed huge names like Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder and even Lady Gaga and was the location of Jimi Hendrix’s final public performance in 1970.
Decades later, Ronnie Scott’s continues to offer a packed calendar of jazz, soul and blues performers, with at least two shows a night, every night. With its dim lighting and velvet booth-style seats, the venue has that proper old school jazz club feel. There’s nowhere in London quite like it.
Why go?
To immerse yourself in everything a jazz club should be, accompanied by leading figures on the scene plus a whole host of exciting up-and-comers.
Don’t miss
The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam. At 9.30pm every Monday a different ensemble of jazz instrumentalists get together to put on a delightfully raucous show of bebop and hardbop.
When to visit
Ronnie Scott’s is open Monday 5.30pm - 1am; Tuesday 5.30pm - midnight; Wednesday- Saturday from 5.30pm - 3am and Sunday midday-4pm, then 6.30-midnight.
Ticket info
Ticket prices at Ronnie Scott’s vary. Most main shows start at around £30 while Late, Late Shows cost £12 and you can get into its Jazz Jams for £10.
Time Out tip
While Ronnie’s gives you the option of priority, standard or restricted, don’t worry too much about where you’re seated or spending more to get a good view of the stage. This is a fairly small intimate venue so, honestly, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
Check out our guide to all things jazz in London.