Ronnie Scott’s Reopens Upstairs Venue with New Classical Music Programme
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Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in Soho has reopened its refurbished upstairs venue, marking its most significant transformation since 2005. The space now hosts a seven-day-a-week programme and, for the first time in the club's 65-year history, a regular series of classical music performances every Monday. The changes come as the wider UK live music sector faces financial pressures and venue closures.
Facts First
- Ronnie Scott’s upstairs venue reopened in February 2026 after renovations that closed it in October 2024.
- The refurbished space has a 140-person capacity with dark wood interiors, upgraded acoustics, and new upholstered banquettes.
- A new weekly classical music programme is now hosted every Monday, a first for the club's history.
- The classical programme is curated by violinist Lizzie Ball and pianist James Pearson and features three distinct performance strands.
- The venue has opened backstage areas as ‘The Greene Rooms’, a members' lounge and artist hub named after owner Sally Greene.
What Happened
Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in Soho, London, has reopened its upstairs venue following renovations that began in October 2024. The refurbished space, which reopened in February 2026, now has a capacity of 140 people and features dark wood interiors, soft lighting, upgraded acoustics, and upholstered banquettes. The venue is hosting a seven-day-a-week programme of music. For the first time in its 65-year history, Ronnie Scott’s is now also hosting regular classical performances, with early and late shows scheduled every Monday.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy live music in London, you now have a newly refurbished, intimate venue with a diverse weekly schedule that includes Cuban salsa, gospel, and R&B. The introduction of a dedicated classical programme on Mondays may provide a new, accessible way to experience this genre in a historic setting. The opening of backstage areas as The Greene Rooms members' lounge could offer a new social or networking space for music enthusiasts. These investments in the venue's future could be seen as a positive counterpoint to the reported financial pressures and closures affecting other UK live music venues.
What's Next
The new Monday classical programme will continue, curated by violinist, vocalist, and producer Lizzie Ball and artistic director and pianist James Pearson. It consists of three strands: the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars ensemble, the returning Classical Kicks series, and the new 'Close Up Classical' format which combines music with conversation. The venue's broader seven-day schedule is likely to continue featuring its mix of musical genres. The long-term success of this significant transformation may be watched closely within the UK's live music sector.