Ronnie Scott's

This Soho institution emerged from a major refurb in 2006, but has lost not an ounce of its jazz-club cool, the low-lit space filled with red table lamps, tiered seating set around a small stage & dining tables packed in at the front. The acts are rightly its strongest suit, followed by beguiling cocktails referencing jazz & cocktail history (try the potent, absinthe-laced Sazerac) & then the pricey gastropub-style food, which is somewhat hit & miss. Highlights included a starter of seared yellowfin tuna & chicory salad & a main of confit duck with delicious rosemary & sweet potato mash; bland braised ox-cheek stew & claggy chocolate mousse were less successful. The late menu, served until 2am, is more reliable with steak sandwiches, burgers & cheese or meat platters. Regardless of the food, though, Ronnie Scott’s is a lot classier than many music joints.