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Scotch, more formally known as The Scotch of St. James, is a storied nightclub and music venue located in London, United Kingdom. Since opening its doors in 1965 at 13 Mason’s Yard in St James’s, it quickly became a cherished hotspot in the city’s swinging sixties scene.

Originally, Scotch was famed for its exclusivity and bohemian flair, attracting a mixture of aristocrats, socialites, and counterculture icons. The club carved a niche for itself in British nightlife history, particularly for its intimate connection to the burgeoning rock and pop culture of the era. Over the years, its reputation as a launchpad for musical careers and as a meeting place for creative minds further solidified its status as a legend of London nightlife.

The venue played an integral part in the British Invasion movement, both hosting and inspiring many bands who would go on to international stardom. Scotch closed in the mid-1980s as nightclub cultures shifted, but it was meticulously restored and reopened in 2012, preserving its rich legacy while embracing a new generation of nightlife. The structure’s historic significance, coupled with several renovations maintaining its classic charm, enables the space to serve as a vibrant link between past and present.

Today, The Scotch of St James continues to blend music, style, and exclusivity, cementing its place in the annals of British cultural life. Notable artists who have performed or appeared at Scotch include Jimi Hendrix, who is famously said to have given his first UK performance there the night he arrived in London, The Beatles (occasionally visiting as celebrity guests), The Rolling Stones, The Who, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Jimmy Page, and The Animals. In more contemporary times, the club has welcomed performances or appearances from stars such as Mark Ronson, Miles Kane, Florence Welch, and Nick Grimshaw, as well as various DJs and up-and-coming acts aiming to tap into the club’s legendary aura.