30/10/2026
67 years ago today, Ronnie Scott and Pete King opened the doors of Ronnie Scott’s for the first time, in the basement of 39 Gerrard Street.
The premises had previously served as a hangout for taxi drivers and local musicians, with a small coffee bar and a counter serving tea and sandwiches. Scott and King took over the basement, fitted it out with a small bandstand, second-hand furniture and a baby grand piano, and set about creating a place for London’s jazz musicians to play.
In 1965, the club moved around the corner to Frith Street, where it remains today. The surroundings have changed, but the founding idea has endured: bringing exceptional musicians and audiences together, with live music at its heart. 67 years on, we're still presenting live music seven nights a week.
To Ronnie and Pete – and to everyone who's been part of the story since. Here's to the next chapter 🥂