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Ronnie Scott’s had been on my London wish list for a long time. I love live music and classic cocktails, but I had always hesitated because the Late Late Show starts so late, and I didn't particularly want to attend by myself.
That finally changed on Friday, 24 July 2026, when I went with my cousin and her partner to see Late Late Show Upstairs with Viva Cuba. It turned into one of those London evenings that comes together perfectly: cocktails and bites beforehand, a vibrant summer night in Soho, excellent seats and a live band that eventually had almost everyone dancing.
Starting the Evening at Kamara Cocktail Bar
We arrived in central London early, at around 7 pm. There was already a queue outside Ronnie Scott’s for an earlier performance, but nobody was waiting for the Late Late Show yet.
With several hours before our 11:30 pm show, we went to Kamara Cocktail Bar for cocktails and a few bites first. Soho was as vibrant as ever on a Friday evening. I had not been out this late for a long time, and the warm summer weather made it especially nice to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Arriving for the Late Late Show Upstairs
Earlier in the evening, I asked the bouncer when we should return. He told us that arriving around 15 minutes before the show would be enough. We decided to come back earlier, at approximately 10:30–10:45 pm, and were among the first people waiting for the Late Late Show.
Booking in advance and arriving early worked in our favour. A table had been reserved for us, and we were given a wonderful position overlooking both the stage and the room. For me, this was much better than trying to find a place after most guests had already arrived.
If having a good view matters to you, I would book in advance and arrive early rather than relying on tickets at the door.
What Is Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s Like?
Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s feels intimate and designed around listening to live music. Guests sit at small tables with drinks, so the room has more of a sophisticated jazz-club atmosphere than a standing concert or conventional dance venue.
Our seats gave us an excellent view of the performance and the room around us. The table layout was comfortable for watching the band and slowly enjoying a cocktail, although it left limited open space for dancing. There was still some room near the bar and around a few of the tables for anyone who wanted to move.
Cocktails and Late-Night Food
We ordered water and cocktails once we were seated. I chose an Old Fashioned because I love classic cocktails. It was strong, as an Old Fashioned should be, but that meant I only needed one drink to sip slowly throughout the evening.
My cocktail cost approximately £16. Prices can change, and a discretionary service charge may be added, so check the current Upstairs drinks menu before visiting.
Food was also available from the late-night menu, including snacks and small plates. We only asked for the drinks menu and did not personally try the food at Ronnie Scott’s, as we had already eaten at Kamara earlier in the evening.
The Viva Cuba Late Late Show
The performance began at around 11:30 pm. The band playing as part of the Viva Cuba Late Late Show filled the room with lively Afro-Cuban music.
During the first half, most of the audience remained seated and enjoyed the performance from their tables, although a few guests started dancing. With music this rhythmic, it felt almost impossible to stay completely still.
The energy changed during the second half as more people got up to dance. The room was not specifically laid out as a dance floor, but guests found space near the bar and between some of the tables. As more people joined in, the atmosphere became warmer, livelier and more connected to the musicians on stage.
The band finished at around 1 am. We left shortly afterwards so that we could catch the Night Tube home, ending what had been a genuinely perfect night out in London.
Can You Go to Ronnie Scott’s Alone?
I felt comfortable at Ronnie Scott’s, but I personally think the Late Late Show is an experience best shared with other people. The table-seating layout naturally feels social, and attending alone would make me feel more noticeable than I prefer.
I would happily attend a standing concert alone because it is easier to blend into the crowd, but I would choose to return to this particular show with company. That is a personal preference rather than a safety concern. Solo visitors who enjoy sitting independently with a drink may feel completely differently.
Ronnie Scott’s or Nightjar?
Ronnie Scott’s now sits alongside Nightjar as one of my favourite London nights out. Both offer memorable live music and excellent cocktails, but the experiences feel different.
Nightjar has the atmosphere of a hidden destination cocktail bar, while Ronnie Scott’s is more centrally located in Soho and surrounded by the energy of one of London’s liveliest nightlife areas. If you want an evening centred on live music with the option to combine it with dinner or cocktails elsewhere in Soho, Ronnie Scott’s is an excellent choice.
Want to explore more of Soho’s musical history?
This Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour visits four historic pubs connected to famous musicians and introduces you to the neighbourhood’s entertainment heritage. It is a convenient guided alternative for another evening in Soho.
Practical Information for the Late Late Show
- Venue: Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4HT
- Show attended: Late Late Show Upstairs with Viva Cuba.
- Date visited: Friday, 24 July 2026
- Show time during my visit: Approximately 11:30 pm
- Performance finished: Approximately 1 am.
- Standard ticket: £15 before the booking fee during my visit
- Seating: Table seating; booking ahead and arriving early gave us an excellent position
- Drinks: Cocktails were approximately £14–£16; my Old Fashioned was around £16
- Food: A late-night menu was available, but we did not personally order food
- Age restriction: Upstairs is an adults-only venue; check the current rules before booking
- Best for: Couples, friends, live-music lovers and visitors planning a late night in Soho
Schedules, performers, ticket prices and menus can change, so check the official Ronnie Scott’s website before booking.
My Verdict on the Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show
Yes. I would give the experience five out of five stars.
The combination of the intimate room, excellent seats, a strong classic cocktail, live Cuban music and the growing energy on the dance floor made it feel like a proper Soho night out. The late start requires some planning, especially when arranging transport home, but it was absolutely worth staying out for.
I had wanted to visit Ronnie Scott’s for years, and the Late Late Show Upstairs was the perfect introduction. I would definitely return, although I would again bring company and make a full evening of it with cocktails or dinner in Soho beforehand.
Rating: 5/5
