A fairly normal day at work today, although I managed to finish a little earlier than usual which was handy because we had plans for the evening. John and Pauline arrived and we all caught the bus into town where we met up with Tash before wandering down to the train station.
We were comfortably early, which is always preferable to cutting it fine, and soon found ourselves on the train with a table seat secured and a couple of tinnies opened. Just two each for the journey — enough to get the evening started without overdoing it.
We arrived in London in good time and then jumped on the Elizabeth Line, which continues to impress. It’s so modern, clean and efficient compared to some of the older parts of the Underground network.
From there we walked through Soho and found Ronnie Scott’s. There were huge queues outside which initially looked a bit worrying, but thankfully we were booked into the upstairs venue, so we bypassed all of that and were shown straight to our table. It was quite cosy — perhaps a little tight — but it felt like a proper little booth and we quickly settled in.
Cocktails and food were ordered and both were excellent. We had originally booked to see Vula, of Basement Jaxx fame, but unfortunately she was ill and unable to perform. We already knew that before arriving, so it wasn’t a surprise. The group covering for her — I think they were called Village Vibe — were absolutely brilliant though. They played a fantastic set, full of energy and great music, and the whole 90-minute performance flew by. There was even a bit of dancing towards the end.
After the show we spotted the band outside, had a quick chat and grabbed a photo before making our way back towards Paddington. We still had about an hour before our train so found a pub nearby and enjoyed a couple more pints before boarding the 9.20pm service home.
The train journey back featured a few more tinnies and plenty of conversation, and once we arrived in Oxford we weren’t quite ready to call it a night. Instead we headed into The Grapes, which turned out to be a great decision.
They have a turntable set up on the bar along with a box of vinyl records for customers to choose from. Naturally, I picked out a Duran Duran album and they happily put it on while we sat there. A cracking little touch and something a bit different.
Eventually we caught the bus home, said our goodbyes and called it a night.
A fantastic evening from start to finish and one I’d highly recommend repeating.
End of Day Summary:
A brilliant night out combining good company, good music and a few drinks along the way. Ronnie Scott’s lived up to its reputation despite the change in performer, and finishing the evening listening to Duran Duran on vinyl in The Grapes was the perfect way to round things off. One of those evenings that feels effortlessly enjoyable from beginning to end.
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