London

Opened by the British saxophonist Ronnie Scott in 1959, this legendary Soho institution made its name as the first club to host American jazz musicians in the UK. As well as welcoming the biggest names on the jazz scene (Zoot Sims, Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt) it's also made room for other artists that fit the distinctive Ronnie Scott's vibe - Tom Waits, Elkie Brooks and even Mark Knopfler have all performed here. It was completely refurbished in 2006 when theatre impresario Sarah Green took over - Scott had died ten years previously and his business partner wanted out. Capacity has been expanded to 250, and the food is better - but the improvements have come at a cost. The bookings have declined in quality, with decent jazz heavyweights (Roy Haynes, Bill Charlap, Mark Murphy) now outnumbered by some distinctly average pop and funk artists.