Legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to Open New Live Music Venue
Upstairs at Ronnie’s launches February 2026, marking a bold new chapter for Soho’s most iconic music institution
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the world‑famous Soho institution synonymous with live music excellence, has announced the February 2026 opening of Upstairs at Ronnie’s, a newly reimagined, purpose‑designed live music venue located on the first floor of the legendary club. With a 140‑person capacity and an ambitious vision, the reopening represents one of the most significant developments in the club’s six‑decade history.
Long regarded as a cornerstone of the UK’s jazz and live music scene, Ronnie Scott’s has continuously evolved while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage. Upstairs at Ronnie’s builds on this legacy, honouring the club’s past while looking confidently to the future, offering an intimate, world‑class setting designed for exceptional performances across jazz and jazz‑adjacent genres.
A complete transformation of a much‑loved space
The upstairs space previously hosted a vibrant live programme for many years before closing for refurbishment in 2024. Now, following an extensive redevelopment as part of a wider transformation of the entire building, it has been completely rebuilt as a state‑of‑the‑art auditorium.
Designed as a refined yet welcoming environment, Upstairs at Ronnie’s combines architectural sensitivity with cutting‑edge performance technology. The venue features a striking new interior, enhanced acoustics, and high‑spec Yamaha and D&B Audio sound and lighting systems. An upgraded stage sits at the heart of the space, complemented by a Yamaha S3X Grand Piano, ensuring optimal sound quality for both performers and audiences.
In addition, the redevelopment includes a brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art kitchen. Newly appointed executive chef Steven Connolly will oversee a culinary offering designed to match the club’s global musical reputation, reinforcing Ronnie Scott’s position as a destination where food, culture, and live performance come together seamlessly.
A diverse programme rooted in jazz, open to innovation
True to Ronnie Scott’s long‑standing reputation, Upstairs at Ronnie’s will present the finest jazz and jazz‑adjacent artists, alongside a broad spectrum of genre‑crossing performances. The programme will span contemporary soul, acoustic R&B, gospel, hip‑hop, global music, and classical, reflecting the evolving tastes of today’s audiences while staying true to the club’s musical DNA.
The venue will also host its own iteration of the much‑loved Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show, creating additional opportunities to showcase emerging grassroots talent. With a range of ticket prices, the aim is to keep performances accessible while continuing to nurture the next generation of musicians.
Opening highlights: from UK jazz leaders to new classical and gospel series
The opening programme for Upstairs at Ronnie’s has been carefully curated to showcase both established names and boundary‑pushing talent. Highlights include:
A Piano Trio Series, spotlighting some of the leading figures in UK jazz, including Ashley Henry, Reuben James, Charlie Stacey, and DoomCannon.
A straight‑ahead vocal jazz jam, hosted by Natalie Williams, Emma Smith, and Georgia Cécile, celebrating the rich tradition of vocal jazz in an intimate setting.
Acoustic soul and R&B performances from club favourites Vula Malinga, Vanessa Haynes, and Tony Momrelle, alongside innovative singer‑songwriter Tawiah and garage and house legend Elisabeth Troy.
The first ever Ronnie Scott’s Classical Series, co‑directed by Lizzie Ball and James Pearson, featuring the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars alongside a hand‑picked selection of acclaimed classical soloists and ensembles.
The launch of the Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir, adding a powerful new dimension to the club’s musical offering.
Together, the programme reflects the venue’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and creative exploration.
Opening the backstage: introducing The Greene Rooms
For the first time in its history, Ronnie Scott’s will open its backstage spaces to the public. Transformed into The Greene Rooms, this new “club within a club” will serve as a members’ lounge and artist space, offering a secluded retreat within the bustling heart of Soho.
Named in honour of owner Sally Greene, The Greene Rooms are located on the first floor and designed as a refined yet relaxed environment for pre‑ and post‑show gatherings. The space will host intimate events, artist meet‑and‑greets, exclusive talks, and workshops, creating new opportunities for audiences and artists to connect beyond the stage.
With interiors designed by Pirajean Lees, The Greene Rooms add another layer to the Ronnie Scott’s experience, blending hospitality, culture, and community in a way that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in the club’s ethos.
A significant investment at a critical moment for live music
This redevelopment marks the most substantial transformation of Ronnie Scott’s since its acquisition and reopening in 2005 by Sally Greene and Michael Watt. The investment arrives at a pivotal time for the UK live music sector. According to The Music Venue Trust, 16% of grassroots venues closed in 2023, while more than 40% operated at a loss.
Against this challenging backdrop, the redevelopment of Upstairs at Ronnie’s represents a clear and confident commitment to the future of live music. It underscores the club’s dedication to supporting grassroots talent, investing in world‑class facilities, and sustaining Soho’s vibrant cultural ecosystem.
A vision for the world’s greatest small live music venue
Speaking about the project, Fred Nash, Managing Director of Ronnie Scott’s, said:
“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.”
All photography: Taran Wilkhu
The next chapter in an extraordinary legacy
With more than 65 years at the heart of the UK jazz scene, Ronnie Scott’s continues to evolve, championing innovation and diversity while honouring its storied past. Upstairs at Ronnie’s represents the next chapter in this remarkable journey – a space designed to be as influential and revered as the legendary downstairs club.
Set to open in February 2026, Upstairs at Ronnie’s is poised to become an essential addition to Soho’s cultural landscape and a benchmark for intimate live music venues worldwide.
The transformation of Upstairs at Ronnie’s is led by Archer Humphryes Architects as principal architects and interior designers, with The Greene Rooms interiors designed by Pirajean Lees.
