Ronnie Scott’s reopens revamped Upstairs venue fusing jazz heritage with contemporary design

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, a cornerstone of Soho since 1959, has reopened its first-floor venue, Upstairs at Ronnie’s, following a comprehensive redesign by architecture and interiors firm Archer Humphryes. The 140-seat live music space, which was unveiled this month, blends classic jazz-club ambience with contemporary design, offering a refreshed setting for performances while paying tribute to the club’s storied history.

The renovation comes as part of efforts to maintain Ronnie Scott’s reputation as one of the capital’s leading cultural institutions. The upstairs space, long associated with intimate jam sessions and some of the industry’s biggest names, has undergone a significant transformation. This redesign introduces a series of architectural and decorative features intended to enhance both the audience experience and the venue’s performance capabilities.

One of the most striking elements of the new look is a domed ceiling lined with Zimbabwean fabric, providing texture and pattern to the space. Overhead there are also panels that allow natural light to filter in during the day, while at night, the room becomes more atmospheric, allowing the music to dominate. Seating has been reconfigured into a tiered auditorium, with sightlines and acoustics tailored for live shows. The new stage centres around a Yamaha S3X grand piano and features state-of-the-art lighting.

Throughout the venue, materials such as marble, velvet, polished metals and dark woods have been used to create a layered and sophisticated palette. Gold-hued banquettes, antique mirrors and tassel lighting reference classic cabaret interiors, with curved furniture and art deco detailing providing extra allure. The effect balances glamour and intimacy, combining mid-century influences with modern sensibilities without veering into nostalgia.

Archer Humphryes’s approach to the project involved integrating acoustic considerations and seating geometry to optimise both the feel and functionality of the space. According to his team, “each intervention enhances both atmosphere and performance, ensuring Upstairs at Ronnie’s is not only a place for outstanding music, but a spatial experience in its own right”.

The reopening marks a new chapter for the jazz club, which continues to adapt for contemporary audiences while preserving its unique spirit.

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To book tickets for future events at Upstairs at Ronnie’s, visit the venue’s website here.

For further information about Archer Humphryes, visit the company’s website here.