Post by Terry J on Feb 12, 2016 0:09:03 GMT
If you enjoyed the ‘Ronnie Scott Story’ at the Brook, then you may feel that you would like to visit the club sometime.
Like many of you, I long had the intention to visit Ronnie’s, and I eventually realised that intention on the day I retired. It was such a good experience that I have been back three times. (For the record .... Medeski, Martin and Wood, Bad Plus, Madeleine Peyroux and Nils Petter Moevar.)
So here is my guide to visiting Ronnie’s.
You can find the schedule here.
In addition to the main performer there is also a support group. They will be of a similar standard to those we saw at the Brook. (In fact I think I have previously seen at least some of them at Ronnie’s.)
If you just want to experience the place, then you can book for the Sunday lunch session at around £15. If you are staying overnight in London, then you can experience the Late Show for £12.
You can also stay on for free for the Late Show if you book for the second house. In principle, at the weekend, any musicians playing in London can turn up on spec to jam at the Late Show. We only got the house band when we stayed on, but to be fair it did include Jim Mullen. Apparently Esperanza Spalding, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder have been known to play the Late Show in April.
When you book they ask if you want to book a meal or not. The reviews of the food on Trip Advisor aren't that compelling.
I have tended not to book to eat. Beers are about £5.50 plus service for a Peroni. I have also ordered bar snacks of olives and cheese board which were OK quality and value. If you arrive early and want to eat or drink economically (or you need to use some ‘facilities’) then there is a Weatherspoons ‘The Montagu Pike’ with an entrance in Greek Street. It was formerly the last incarnation of the Marquee Club.
What they didn't show at the Brook was the interior of the club which has a great atmosphere and a superb photo gallery along the walls of the entrance corridor. Also the intimate atmosphere can encourage great performances, I had previously seen Medeski, Martin and Wood at the Barbican and was disappointed (not helped by the presence of guest guitarist John Scofield) . At Ronnie’s they were superb, particularly when they played 'Hey Joe' as the encore.
Now that the London underground runs overnight, late night sessions at Ronnie’s have become more practicable. Also, I can confirm that they will accept your bus pass on the 2.30 am night bus from Charing Cross to Eltham. Otherwise Bar Italia opposite Ronnie's is open 24/7. Ray Gelato expounds its merits here.
Like many of you, I long had the intention to visit Ronnie’s, and I eventually realised that intention on the day I retired. It was such a good experience that I have been back three times. (For the record .... Medeski, Martin and Wood, Bad Plus, Madeleine Peyroux and Nils Petter Moevar.)
So here is my guide to visiting Ronnie’s.
You can find the schedule here.
In addition to the main performer there is also a support group. They will be of a similar standard to those we saw at the Brook. (In fact I think I have previously seen at least some of them at Ronnie’s.)
If you just want to experience the place, then you can book for the Sunday lunch session at around £15. If you are staying overnight in London, then you can experience the Late Show for £12.
You can also stay on for free for the Late Show if you book for the second house. In principle, at the weekend, any musicians playing in London can turn up on spec to jam at the Late Show. We only got the house band when we stayed on, but to be fair it did include Jim Mullen. Apparently Esperanza Spalding, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder have been known to play the Late Show in April.
When you book they ask if you want to book a meal or not. The reviews of the food on Trip Advisor aren't that compelling.
I have tended not to book to eat. Beers are about £5.50 plus service for a Peroni. I have also ordered bar snacks of olives and cheese board which were OK quality and value. If you arrive early and want to eat or drink economically (or you need to use some ‘facilities’) then there is a Weatherspoons ‘The Montagu Pike’ with an entrance in Greek Street. It was formerly the last incarnation of the Marquee Club.
What they didn't show at the Brook was the interior of the club which has a great atmosphere and a superb photo gallery along the walls of the entrance corridor. Also the intimate atmosphere can encourage great performances, I had previously seen Medeski, Martin and Wood at the Barbican and was disappointed (not helped by the presence of guest guitarist John Scofield) . At Ronnie’s they were superb, particularly when they played 'Hey Joe' as the encore.
Now that the London underground runs overnight, late night sessions at Ronnie’s have become more practicable. Also, I can confirm that they will accept your bus pass on the 2.30 am night bus from Charing Cross to Eltham. Otherwise Bar Italia opposite Ronnie's is open 24/7. Ray Gelato expounds its merits here.