After Westminster
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
With Dinner After at Noodle & Beer in Chinatown
A few doors down from Hazlitt’s, Ronnie Scott’s set the tempo for London jazz.
The show was signature Soho.
When we arrived early for the 7:00 seating, the line was out the door and down the street. We dutifully waited, only to find at check-in that they didn’t have our name.
It was shaping up to be a difficult evening until one of the staff asked if we had seats upstairs. Suddenly, it made sense: the patrons lined up below were younger and clearly not headed for the upstairs jazz scene.
Anticipating, we followed her to another exterior door and up a long staircase upstairs.
Elegantly appointed
The room felt sophisticated—understated but well defined.
Seating is arranged around small tables with plush chairs, cascading gently toward the stage.
Since we booked months in advance, we were surprisingly seated on the first row with about four other tables.
The Exceptional Duo
The duo that evening was exceptional.
The pianist and vocalist brought an easy chemistry to the stage, opening the late-night room with a performance that was relaxed, assured, and completely at home at Ronnie Scott’s.
Together, they created the kind of intimate musical exchange that makes an evening at Ronnie Scott’s memorable.
As one would expect of Ronnie Scotts.
Noodle & Beer
Chinatown
Just a few short blocks from Ronnie Scott’s, Chinatown changes character. The mood shifts, colors come alive, and the streets feel more vibrant. It reminded us of our trip to Hong Kong and China, where places often seemed to transform as quickly as the streets themselves.
As we approached Noodle & Beer, the entrance was unassuming. Inside, however, it initially felt almost clinical — bright, clean, and modern.
We arrived early and were told our table would not be ready for about 30 minutes. The receptionist suggested we check out downstairs, where a couple of tables were available.
She led us to a steep staircase and we were greeted by a room that was almost the opposite of what we had expected.
We walked in and the lady greeting us asked if it was suitable and we said of course. She nodded to the lady at the top of the stairs and guided us to a table to the left of the bar.
The room was dark and atmospheric, with red carpeting, red walls, and red upholstered chairs. For a moment, it felt as though we had stepped into an opium den.
Most of the customers were young, college-age diners, talking among themselves and discussing their studies. Two women arrived, quickly finished their meals, and left.
The delightful young waitress asked if we wanted drinks. We asked if they had Martinis, our consistent pursuit, and as usual, the answer was no.
Tracy ordered a wine drink, which was like a white wine spritzer with mint. I ordered a Chinese beer and found it surprisingly good.
Tracy ordered noodles & seafood, with narrow noodles. I ordered the beef & wide noodles, both were excellent.
Noodles & Beer is simple and not fancy, but they make their own noodles and the food was memorable.
After dinner, the waitress recognized our accents, or our request for martinis, and asked if I would like a Manhattan. I replied, “Please.” She whisked away to the bar and a few minutes later returned with the prize.
As I finished, she returned to ask if it was acceptable. I replied, “Better than I make at home.”
A big grin flashed across her face.
Noodles and Beer turned out to be an exceptional place — exactly what we had hoped.
There is something special about wandering off the beaten path.
