The Soho institution, which has been at the heart of London’s music scene for 65 years, has announced the opening of swish 140-capacity venue Upstairs at Ronnie’s.
The first floor space has hosted a vibrant live programme over the decades, but closed for refurbishment in 2024. It reopens in February 2026 with a plush bar and tables and purpose designed intimate auditorium with enhanced acoustics, high-spec sound and lighting systems, an upgraded stage, and a Yamaha S3X Grand Piano.
There’s also a new state-of-the-art kitchen where executive chef Steven Connolly will dish up delights for music lovers.
The new venue will programme the finest jazz acts, alongside genre-crossing performances in soul, acoustic R&B, gospel, hip-hop, global music, and classical.
Upstairs at Ronnie’s will also host its own version of the celebrated Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show, opening opportunities for emerging grassroots talent at a range of ticket prices to keep shows accessible.
The opening programme is set to feature a Piano Trio Series of leading UK jazz performers including Ashley Henry, Reuben James, Charlie Stacey, and DoomCannon; a vocal jazz jam hosted by Natalie Williams, Emma Smith, and Georgia Cécile; acoustic soul and R&B from club favourites Vula Malinga, Vanessa Haynes, and Tony Momrelle, plus singer-songwriter Tawiah and garage and house legend Elisabeth Troy.
For the first time ever the club will open its backstage to the public as a members’ lounge and artist space. Named in honour of owner Sally Greene, The Greene Rooms are a “club within a club” and a retreat for pre- and post-show gatherings, events, artist meet-and-greets, talks and workshops.
The club has its origins in a basement in Gerrard Street in 1959 where it was run by musicians Ronnie Scott and Pete King.
In 1965 they moved to a larger venue in Frith Street, which over the years has hosted jazz greats from Sonny Rollins to George Melly – and was even the setting for Jimi Hendrix’s last public performance.
Scott died in 1996 and King continued to run the iconic club until selling it to Sally Greene and Michael Watt in 2005.
The revamp marks the most significant transformation of Ronnie Scott’s since then with the investment coming at a time when The Music Venue Trust reports 16% of grassroots venues closed in 2023, while more than 40% operated at a loss.
The owners hope the new venue is an essential addition to Soho’s cultural landscape and vital space for live music.
Fred Nash, managing director of Ronnie Scott’s, said: “With Upstairs at Ronnie’s, we set ourselves the audacious goal of creating the greatest small live music venue in the world.
“In all seriousness, it’s about creating a beautiful, intimate space where audiences can experience extraordinary performances, and where artists feel truly valued.
“At a time when so many venues face uncertainty, we’re proud to be investing in live music, championing grassroots talent, and supporting Soho’s vibrant cultural community.”
Tickets for Upstairs at Ronnie’s are on-sale from www.ronniescotts.co.uk
