The lamp-lit velvet banquettes and glamorous bar at the world famous Soho jazz club seem to hark back to a golden age of cabaret.
And having climbed the red staircase to Upstairs at Ronnie’s, I can vouch that it’s even better in the flesh.
It helps that the musicians and performers are among the best in the business, and that what has been the biggest refurb at the club in decades has been completed to a rare quality.
We were warmly greeted as we arrived at the Frith Street venue for the second show of the night.
Our coats were swiftly delivered to the cloakroom and a raspberry, gin and lime cocktail set before us as we browsed the menu.
It’s hard to believe they have managed to fit 140 seats into this intimate space, but an army of efficient staff wearing white shirts and braces with trays tucked in the back were weaving between the seats delivering cocktails and dinner with a smile.
Every surface of the room has been covered in stylish touches based around a red and gold colour palette.
Part of the refurb has included installing a state of the art new kitchen overseen by exec chef Steven Connolly.
Our starters of wild mushroom and truffle tart, and thinly sliced tuna and avocado were well executed – as were our mains of perfectly-cooked chicken with celeriac puree and spinach and a deeply flavoured jus.
It’s quality cooking and clearly the food isn’t just a side dish to the music.
As for the show – the music system is state of the art with pin sharp audio and we were treated to a masterclass in working the room by Vula and Friends.
She’s a regular at Ronnie Scott’s and adept at both the patter and soulful vocals – alongside a fun Janet Jackson cover.
East Londoner Nao brought a gentle, joyful grace to a trio of songs including getting us to join her velvety vocals on her own tracks, and a Chaka Khan cover that went down well in the packed room.
It’s a great showcase for the blend of soul, funk, blues and jazz programme to expect at Upstairs at Ronnie’s.
We left after 11pm, just as folk were queuing up for the midnight show in the main space.
Founded by the eponymous saxophonist and business partner Pete King, Ronnie Scott’s has been a London institution since 1959 – and based for more than 60 years on this site.
Sally Greene and Robert Bourne have been keepers of the flame since 2005, and the love and care they’ve put into this newest addition has done the old place proud.
Ronnie Scott’s is at 47, Frith Street, Soho. ronniescotts.co.uk
