Soho’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s to open new live music venue

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has announced the opening of Upstairs at Ronnie’s, a newly reimagined 140-capacity music venue on the first floor of the world-famous Soho institution.

Set to open to the public in February 2026, the upstairs space, which for many years hosted a vibrant live programme before closing for refurbishment in 2024, has undergone a complete transformation as part of a major revamp of the entire building. Now rebuilt as a purpose-designed, intimate auditorium, it pays homage to the club’s six-decade legacy and incorporates a striking new interior, enhanced acoustics, and high-spec sound and lighting systems.

The new AV capabilities represent a major upgrade from the venue's previous setup. At the heart of the new system is a PA system from d&b audiotechnik paired with a YAMAHA DM7 mixing desk with iPad control, and a brand new Avolites lighting controller, all operated from a purpose-built control booth at the rear left of the room.

The PA consists of two Y10P top enclosures (the same as downstairs) paired with 27S (18” sub enclosures). To ensure perfect coverage, the venue will add an E8 outfill to the left and three 44S delay loudspeakers that will be time-aligned to the main PA for a seamless listening experience. The bar area will feature smaller 8S loudspeakers, operating as an independent sound zone and staff will have a dedicated iPad running Yamaha’s ProVisionaire software to control the mix. On stage, musicians will use d&b M6 stage monitors, maintaining the same standard as the downstairs space. 

For lighting, the Avolites D3-010 console will control five new lighting bars fitted with a versatile range of LED fixtures. The venue is also wiring multiple HD-SDI camera connections, linked directly to the backstage control room, which will enable it to record or stream the upstairs shows using the existing AV equipment.

Honouring the long-standing Ronnie Scott’s legacy, the new venue will present the finest jazz and jazz-adjacent acts, alongside genre-crossing performances in contemporary 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, providing more opportunities to showcase emerging grassroots talent at a range of ticket prices to keep shows accessible to all.

The opening programme will feature a Piano Trio Series spotlighting some of the best 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; 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. The first ever Ronnie Scott’s Classical Series co-directed by Lizzie Ball and James Pearson will also debut, featuring the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars and a hand-picked line-up of acclaimed classical soloists and ensembles; and the brand-new Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir.

For the first time in its history, Ronnie Scott’s will also be opening its backstage spaces to the public. Transformed into The Greene Rooms – named in honour of owner Sally Greene – a brand new “club within a club” will serve as a members’ lounge and artist space. The secluded, first-floor setting provides a retreat for pre-and post-show gatherings, intimate events, artist meet-and-greets, and exclusive talks and workshops.

This redevelopment marks the most significant transformation of Ronnie Scott’s since its 2005 acquisition and reopening by Sally Greene and Michael Watt. The club’s investment comes at a pivotal moment for the UK live music sector, with The Music Venue Trust reporting that 16% of grassroots venues closed in 2023, while more than 40% operated at a loss. Against this backdrop, the redevelopments are part of a broader investment in the club’s future, underscoring its commitment to sustaining the UK’s legendary live music scene.

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.”

Tickets for Upstairs at Ronnie’s are on sale now and available from www.ronniescotts.co.uk.