Written by In a move that both honours tradition and signals fresh ambition, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has unveiled plans to open “Upstairs at Ronnie’s,” a newly reimagined 140-capacity venue set to launch in February 2026 on the first floor of its iconic Soho home. The announcement feels both timely and symbolic: a vote of confidence in the future at a moment when live venues across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges.
The new space, meticulously redesigned after a lengthy 2024 closure and refurbishment, goes beyond a simple facelift. Upstairs at Ronnie’s now boasts a purpose-built auditorium with an intimate feel—state-of-the-art Yamaha and D&B Audiotechnik systems ensure optimal sound and lighting, while the stage has been upgraded and complemented by a gleaming Yamaha S3X Grand Piano. Even the club’s culinary ambitions have been elevated, with a brand-new kitchen led by recently appointed executive chef Steven Connolly, who brings experience and a vision to match Ronnie’s long-standing musical pedigree.
The reworked design, overseen by Archer Humphryes Architects with The Greene Rooms interiors by Pirajean Lees, is as much about atmosphere as infrastructure. The aesthetic pays homage to the heritage of the original Ronnie’s, which first opened in 1959 and swiftly became a cornerstone of European jazz, while looking firmly toward the possibilities of the coming decades.
Ronnie Scott’s has always prided itself on mixing jazz’s storied history with new currents in contemporary music. The programming at Upstairs at Ronnie’s continues that trajectory, featuring not only top jazz talent but an expanded palette that includes contemporary soul, acoustic R&B, gospel, hip-hop, global music, and classical genres.
The opening season will highlight the club’s boundary-spanning ethos: a Piano Trio Series will put a spotlight on standouts from the UK jazz scene such as Ashley Henry, Reuben James, Charlie Stacey, and DoomCannon, while the club’s straight-ahead roots remain strong with a vocal jazz jam hosted by Natalie Williams, Emma Smith, and Georgia Cécile. Audiences can also look forward to acoustic soul and R&B from Vula Malinga, Vanessa Haynes, and Tony Momrelle, and genre-bending sets from innovative artists like Tawiah and dancefloor star Elisabeth Troy. For the first time, Ronnie’s will present a dedicated Classical Series, co-directed by Lizzie Ball and James Pearson and anchored by the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars. Gospel lovers can anticipate the debut of the Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir.
One notable strand is the Upstairs edition of the celebrated Late Late Show. Regulars know the Late Late as a home for surprise appearances and grassroots talent—Upstairs at Ronnie’s will keep that tradition thriving, with accessible ticket prices and a platform for emerging artists from across the musical spectrum.
Another innovation is the transformation of the private backstage into “The Greene Rooms,” a new club-within-a-club named in honour of owner Sally Greene. For the first time, these backstage spaces will be open to club members and the public, providing a Soho hideaway for gatherings, artist meet-and-greets, and special events—a reminder of how live music culture depends on fostering connections both onstage and off.
The relaunch comes against a sobering backdrop: according to the Music Venue Trust, 16% of grassroots venues across the UK closed in 2023, and over 40% operated at a loss. The significance of investing in live spaces is not lost on Managing Director Fred Nash, who notes, “With Upstairs at Ronnie’s, we set ourselves the somewhat 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.”
For Ronnie Scott’s, which has weathered six and a half decades of social and musical revolutions, this redevelopment marks its most significant transformation since Sally Greene and Michael Watt took the helm in 2005. The club’s commitment to modernisation, community, and diversity is evident throughout the new Upstairs experience—from the menu to the booking policy, to the way the venue integrates itself with the creative pulse of London.
Tickets for Upstairs at Ronnie’s are on sale now, with the venue preparing to welcome both long-time regulars and first-time visitors. The message is clear: as scenes shift, audiences fragment and tastes evolve, this Soho institution continues to adapt. “Upstairs at Ronnie’s” stands as a testament to how tradition and innovation can coexist, and a rallying point for all those who believe in the unique power of live music.
For more details and bookings, visit the Ronnie Scott’s website.
Last modified: September 18, 2025
