My friend and I recently spent the evening watching Emma Smith at the legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott's in Soho, London. If you're ever visiting London and looking for an authentic, local experience, then I really recommend visiting this institution which has been around 1959 and has hosted performers such as Chet Baker, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald and so many more.
You can either book tables which are closer to the stage (imagine a theatre like experience with tables in a U shape around the stage) but if the tables are all sold out on the floor, then they have booths, which usually fit about 4 people. That means if you're 2 people, you'll be sharing a bench with 2 other people, but it has a little table for your food and drink so it's not like the booths are awful.
Ronnie Scott's consists of 2 areas - the main area where they do the shows on the stage, but also another venue called Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's, and that's usually like a late night party place. (Upstairs is actually closed for refurbishment at the time of writing this so check their website to see when it reopens.) Their website says they have a relaxed dress code, but acknowledge that most people tend to dress smart-casual. Strictly no flip-flops!
They've got a VERY extensive drinks menu, which you can see on their website, and we had some cocktails. They also have lots of different sorts of food options, from Sunday lunch to A la Carte, to Brunch to Late Late snacks.
You're not allowed to use your phone when you're in the venue, which I think is great because it forces you to properly pay attention and really participate in the show and soak up the atmosphere.
My friend is actually a member, which means you get 20% off tickets, and up to 5 days to book tickets before they go on general release. You also have a special line on the night of the concert, so you can get in before everybody else, as well as a free cloakroom and other perks. Students and members of the Musicians' Union and Incorporated Society of Musicians can also get 50% off of membership.
Overall Ronnie Scott's is just a really cool place for jazz lovers in London, that's not touristy (proven by the fact that my local friend has a membership) and gives you a really authentic experience of iconic London.
The thoughts and views expressed in this blog post are the author’s own and not that of Activibees.com or it's operators.
