Ronnie Scott's — Attraction in London

TLDR: Absolutely atrocious security staff, who clearly have a long history of being physically and verbally abusive (based on some of the other reviews here). Management takes no notice of complaints from customers – they are only concerned about protecting their own backs.

Full Review:

My partner was pushed aggressively down the stairs by a bouncer without any reason. When I said I will be ringing up the next day to make a complaint, the two bouncers on duty laughed in our faces and said “please do”. However, when I took my phone camera out to get a photo of the bouncer’s ID, he immediately turned it around so I couldn’t see the ID (see photo - shows the bouncer's badge turned around). His other bouncer colleague then started verbally abusing me by repeatedly telling me I am “totally idiot” and I must “have some mental problem” (see video).

I wrote to make a complaint the following day – including the video attached here and other evidence – and the box office team recognised the seriousness of the issue straight away and were courteous enough to apologise. However, Managing Director Fred Nash wrote back a few hours later saying that he disputed our account (despite us having provided clear evidence) along with a bunch of other generic nonsense such as they "take matters like this seriously" and pride themselves "on being a safe space". Much more outrageously, however, the Managing Director also tried to allege in his email response to me that it was us who had harassed their staff instead, not the other way round!

We were beyond shocked at this blatant attempt by management to protect their own backs instead of taking accountability for their staff. I had always been under the impression that Ronnie Scott’s was a fairly well-regarded institution, so I went on to read through some more reviews on this page to see if other customers had had similar experiences with the security staff. I was stunned to find several reviews detailing experiences almost identical to ours – including anecdotes where customers have rung up to complain repeatedly and no action has been taken.

In particular I would like to draw attention to Roisin Aherne's complaint from 12 months ago (please filter by 1 star reviews and you can see it too) as – like me – she has included photos. Roisin mentions that she and her friends were “grabbed” and pushed “aggressively down the stairs […] with no explanation” by a security staff member who then swore at them. From Roisin’s photos, it is very clear that the person who pushed her and her friends was the same bouncer who pushed my partner.

This man is therefore clearly a repeat offender, management have now received multiple complaints against him, with evidence – but they continue to refuse to take any action and victim blame instead.

Toxic internal culture like this is a disgrace to the entertainment industry and put the whole hospitality industry in a bad light, when really there are plenty of respectable places who treat customers with the respect they deserve. If you have read this review, I would request that you take your custom elsewhere to more...

Needs no introduction. You know why you’re here. One of the best and most historic jazz clubs in the world. I have been probably a hundred times, and will go a hundred more - especially with the fantastic new renovation which stays very true to the old vibe (I was worried they would mess it up!)

That being said, I give it 3 stars because it has in recent years deliberately appealed more and more to punters who just want somewhere to get more drunk after the nearby pubs shut at 11. Most of them have little to no appreciation for jazz music.

For this reason, I would sadly recommend that avid jazz enthusiasts avoid the venue’s late-night Friday and Saturday evening showing. Broadly speaking, these are generously described as fusion nights that go for mass appeal, but you won’t be able to hear the music anyway over the audience’s competition for who can have the loudest conversation.

The club still feels like its old self on most week nights - Wednesdays tend to be my favourite - and some may accuse me of being uptight about it, but the club’s surrender to commercialism was nonetheless enough for me not to renew my membership this year. The final straw was when a man, who I clocked was plainly on a fair bit of cocaine at least, got up to fight me after I politely asked that he not watch videos on his phone at full volume while the band was playing. This is the sort of thing I wish the club was as proactive about as it was before the pandemic.

Despite all this, the place remains my spiritual home and I know they have to do what they have to do to keep the lights on. The late show is STILL great value for money and you’ll see some of the best players in the city for only a few quid if you’re lucky. The student discount is also very generous.

So, it’s 3 stars because I hold this place to the highest possible standard. It is still my favourite place in the world and I unequivocally recommend that you see some great music here. But to get 5-stars like I would have given them circa 2019, I selfishly demand that they cater to die-hards like myself once more like they used to. Until then, I’ll be steering clear...

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is an iconic establishment that continues to captivate jazz enthusiasts with its timeless charm and exceptional performances. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world of soulful melodies and electrifying rhythms. The intimate ambiance, reminiscent of a bygone era, creates the perfect setting to appreciate the artistry of jazz.

The club showcases a diverse lineup of talented musicians, both established legends and promising up-and-comers, ensuring a constant flow of captivating performances. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Ronnie Scott’s offers an experience that caters to all levels of appreciation.

The acoustics are top-notch, allowing every note and improvisation to resonate with clarity. The attentive and knowledgeable staff enhances the overall experience, making you feel welcome and ensuring your needs are met throughout the evening.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club not only offers exceptional live performances but also serves as a gathering place for jazz enthusiasts to connect and celebrate their shared love for this incredible genre. The club’s commitment to preserving the legacy of jazz while also embracing contemporary sounds is commendable.

While the club’s interior might exude a vintage allure, its commitment to innovation is evident in its forward-thinking approach to booking acts and incorporating new trends in jazz. This blend of tradition and modernity creates a dynamic atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of audiences.

It’s important to note that Ronnie Scott’s can get quite busy, so booking in advance is highly recommended to secure a seat for the performance of your choice. The ticket prices are fair considering the caliber of musicians and the unique experience provided.

Overall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club remains a cornerstone of the global jazz scene, enchanting visitors with its captivating performances, inviting atmosphere, and unwavering dedication to preserving and evolving the art of jazz. A visit to this legendary venue is a must for any jazz enthusiast or anyone seeking an unforgettable...