Upstairs at Ronnie’s: A New Late-Night Chapter for a Soho Classic

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club doesn’t really need an introduction. It’s already one of London‘s greatest institutions and by most reasonable measures, one of the best jazz clubs in London. So when they quietly unveiled Upstairs at Ronnie’s, it was worth paying attention.

Set above the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the Upstairs at Ronnie’s has been designed with late night shows in mind. This 140 seat room has seen performances before, but this new purpose rebuild auditorium is a whole different level.

Designed by Archer Humphryes, the layout leans into intimacy. The interior strikes a balance between vintage Soho charm and modern acoustic mastery. Soft oranges, deep reds, and those unmistakable Ronnie Scott’s table lamps create an vibe that feels like a well-kept secret. It has that cosy feel without feeling too cramped or trying too hard.

Tiered cabaret seating ensures everyone has an unobstructed view and a shared sense of intimacy while keeping the focus firmly on the music. The stage is deliberately compact, designed for smaller groups and vocal-led sets, with discreet circulation so guests can come and go between performances without breaking the mood.

Acoustic is where Upstairs at Ronnie’s really earns its stripes. A Yamaha S3X grand piano takes the spotlight, paired with a finely tuned d&b sound system designed for even coverage at low to moderate volume. The result is clarity without force: vocals remain intelligible, instrumental detail carries, and the room holds together beautifully across multiple sets per night, right through to 3am without the need to push levels.

Upstairs now hosts two performances nightly alongside late shows. Alongside jazz-adjacent sets, the 2026 schedule includes contemporary soul, acoustic R&B, gospel, musical theatre, hip-hop, global music and classical. Early highlights include the debut of the Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir under Daniel Thomas, piano trio appearances from Joe Webb, Ashley Henry, Bill Laurance and Charlie Stacey, plus Tomorrow’s Warriors–curated late shows spotlighting emerging talent.

Ronnie Scott’s is doing something it’s never done before in 65 years: inviting people into the inner sanctum. The Greene Rooms, named for owner Sally Greene, feels like a secret chapter tucked above the main club a members’ lounge and artists’ refuge where pre-show nerves, post-show stories, talks and workshops all share the same low-lit glow. It’s close-knit, a little mischievous, and carries that whisper of old Soho that’s getting harder to find.

There’s a serious bar up here now, and a new kitchen to match. Steven Connolly, previously at The Ned, is in the wings, sending out plates that are far beyond late-night sandwiches.

Upstairs at Ronnie’s is not only open, it’s already humming with life.

Ronnie Scott’s, Address: 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT, UK