Ronnie Scott's reopening: Legendary jazz venue to restart indoor gigs from August 1

Ronnie Scott’s will become one of the first major music venues to reopen in London as it announced plans to start hosting gigs again from August 1.

The legendary jazz venue, which has been a Soho mainstay for more than 60 years, had been closed since lockdown began in March.

It will reopen this weekend with a reduced capacity of 50 per cent and strict social distancing measures. It will also host an outdoor space, selling champagne and burgers.

The decision to relaunch was taken after consideration by management, as well as a poll among the club’s members.

“It’s great to be back doing what we do,” said Simon Cooke, managing director of Ronnie Scott’s. “We have been looking on enviously whilst restaurants have reopened, especially as the club is laid out like a restaurant.

“We have been planning the relaunch for some time so as soon as we got the green light for live performance we moved into action. Our unique structure of seating lends itself to distancing, some may say the added space is an improvement!

“Safety of our customers, staff and artists is of paramount importance so there will be protocols for the customers, the staff and the musicians.

“It’s been reported that social distancing measures could be financially ruinous for many other music venues to open, but it would be financially ruinous for us not to.”

The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, the last act to play the venue before lockdown, will play the first gig back on August 1. James Pearson, Reuben James and Liane Carroll are among the other artists set to play across the first few days. The full line-up is below.

Indoor gigs in England will be allowed to return from August 1, after the Government eased restrictions on venues affected by the pandemic.