Scotch of St James
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Standing on the dance floor in a haze of seductive booze-fuelled partiers, you can imagine the stories that were born on these hallowed grounds. Tucked away in a tiny unassuming alleyway in Mason’s Yard is The Scotch of St James, an exclusive, invitation-only speakeasy bar. It’s a place where the lights are dim, the drinks are strong, the people are edgy, the elite are regulars and the party is endless.
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Since it first opened its doors in 1965, the rock and roll club was a respected hang out for musicians and record company execs. On a sunny September day in 1966, a then-unknown Jimi Hendrix was in the crowd and asked to jam with the house band. It was his first ever impromptu gig in London.
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The Scotch’s alumni are a musical hall of fame, with the club playing host to some of the world’s greatest rock and roll legends including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones – both of whom are said to have been given their own tables – The Who, The Beach Boys, The Yardbirds, Dusty Springfield – the list goes on.
“It’s a place where the lights are dim, the drinks are strong, the people are edgy, the elite are regulars and the party is endless.”
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After closing its doors in 1980, the Scotch reopened more than 20 years later. The bar, nightclub, live music hub and private event space is just as exclusive and prominent as it ever was with regulars now including Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Georgia Jagger.
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It’s hosted the private parties of Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna, Jack White, Keira Knightley and Mark Ronson’s album launch. The club is also a hub for the eclectic fashion world, hosting the chic after parties of London Fashion Week for the likes of Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier and Maybelline, for their New York’s launch party with the model of the moment, Adriana Lima.