Upstairs at Ronnie's

Soho’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has unveiled a stunning transformation with the launch of Upstairs at Ronnie’s, a reimagined 140-seat live music venue that marks a new era for one of London’s most celebrated cultural institutions. Long known for its intimate jam sessions and storied jazz history, the first-floor space has been entirely overhauled by Archer Humphryes, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming destination that pays homage to the club’s heritage while elevating its design to match its musical ambition. The result is a refined new setting that retains Ronnie’s unmistakable spirit while offering audiences an enhanced sense of comfort, atmosphere, and occasion.

The design ethos for Upstairs at Ronnie’s balances glamour and intimacy, blending classic jazz-club sensibilities with contemporary luxury. Anchored by plush golden-velvet banquettes, elegant tassel lamps, and antique mirrors that catch the glow of soft lighting, the space feels both timeless and inviting. A standout feature is the dramatic domed ceiling, lined with striking Zimbabwean fabric, adding texture, pattern, and a rich sense of global craft to the interior. Overhead panels allow natural light to filter in by day, while at night the venue becomes moodier and performance-focused. A purpose-built auditorium with tiered seating and acoustics tailored for live music ensures every guest enjoys exceptional sightlines and sound, centred around a stage equipped with a Yamaha grand piano and state-of-the-art lighting.

Throughout the venue, Archer Humphryes’ nuanced approach to heritage and modernity is evident in the layered material palette—marble, velvet, polished metals, and darker wood tones—paired with bespoke fixtures that evoke mid-century cabaret glamour without feeling nostalgic. The interior rhythm of curved banquettes, art-deco flourishes, and tactile detailing creates a cohesive narrative that honours Ronnie Scott’s storied past while asserting a fresh identity for its upstairs space. From the acoustically refined auditorium to the social heart of the marble bar, every design choice enhances both form and function, ensuring Upstairs at Ronnie’s is not only a place for outstanding music, but an elevated experience in its own right.