'Something very special is happening at The Queens Hotel as new club brings magic of Ronnie Scott's to Portsmouth'
The launch of The Royal Jazz Club saw a wowed crowd enjoy an evening of incredible music, great food and good company
Something very, very special happened at The Queens Hotel in Portsmouth this week... the launch of The Royal Jazz Club. I'm so hoping it becomes a regular part of the city's scene. It certainly deserves to be.
It's not often I find myself in dinner suit and dickie bow on a Tuesday evening but I was lucky to be in on this debut event which brought all the magic of a night at Ronnie Scott's legendary London club, but right here on our doorstep. And what an amazing evening in the most perfect setting.
Other venues taking this on might have had to spend some time literally jazzing up the surroundings but the Queens doesn't have to. I swept up the steps to a very warm welcome at the door and then was encouraged to enjoy a glass of bubbles and the soothing sounds of a sax in the foyer.
This is an area many people will simply pass through without a second thought but the drinks reception meant you had a chance to pause and admire the historic surroundings, topped by the wonderful domed, painted ceiling.
Heading down the darkened corridor then set the mood - it was like you were creeping through the wardrobe into Narnia. And there was magic at the end - a spectacular evening of sounds brought to us by the wonderful Amba Tremain and Natalie Williams, creator of the longest-running residency at Ronnie Scott’s, and her soul band. This is someone who has shared the stage with artists like Michael Bublé, Amy Winehouse and Gregory Porter.
The invite said 'Settle in and enjoy the evening. Let the music take care of the rest'. And it did. Helped by a sumptuous meal - how can catering on that scale be so tasty? Well done to the kitchen team.
Well done too to the Queens MD Farid Yeganeh for having the vision and General Manager Paul Playford and Maverick Ents for making sure it was all right on the night.
There has been a lot of reflection on the city's heritage this year with the Portsmouth100 celebrations - and The Queens Hotel Portsmouth is one of our crown jewels.
There has also been a lot of talk about the power of culture as we have put in our bid for City of Culture 2029 - and the launch of The Royal Jazz Club has added another dimension to what we have to offer.
The opening of The Royal Jazz Club was a night to remember - I really hope there are many more to come.