Allow me to take you on a little journey — one that’s close to my heart as a fully qualified London Black Taxi tour guide and a lifelong music enthusiast. If you’re a music fan visiting London, you’re in for a treat, because this city isn’t just about Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. It’s a living jukebox, full of stories and secrets that most people walk right past without a second glance.
More Than Just a Club
Now, let me shine a spotlight on one of my favourite hidden gems: the Scotch of St James. Tucked away in Mason’s Yard, just off Duke Street in St James, it’s easy to miss if you’re not in the know. But trust me, this place is legendary. Back in 1965, when it first opened its doors, it was the place to be for anyone who was anyone in the rock and roll world.
Picture this: The Kinks, The Who, The Animals, The Hollies, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones – just a handful of the names who used to rub shoulders here. Jimi Hendrix himself was a regular! Imagine drinking at the club one evening and watching Hendrix walk past, guitar in hand, ready to blow the roof off with an impromptu jam. That’s exactly what happened one night when he joined the house band, The Gass, and left everyone in awe with his wild, unorthodox style—playing behind his head, upside down, even with his teeth!
Where Legends Crossed Paths
But the magic of the Scotch doesn’t stop there. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Indica Gallery, where John Lennon first met Yoko Ono—another moment that changed music history forever. And get this: it’s said that Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder first met at the Scotch in 1966, sparking a friendship that would last a lifetime.
The Scotch was a creative safe space where musicians could let their hair down, experiment, and connect. The Who debuted their iconic rock opera “Tommy” here in 1969 – a fact that gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
6 Mason’s Yard – Formerly the Indica Gallery where John Lennon met Yoko Ono.
Yoko Ono mural on wall of Mason’s Yard
Where History was Written
Now, here’s the thing. In today’s fast-paced world, most Londoners and visitors alike rush past places like the Scotch of St James without a second thought. They see just another building with a door in the wall, not realising the stories hidden behind them. That’s where I come in. As a London cabbie and qualified tour guide, I’m passionate about sharing these tales and making sure they don’t get lost in the shuffle of modern life.
Because every superstar was once just another hopeful face in the crowd. These venues were the launchpads for legends, the places where music history was written — often by people who had no idea they’d one day become household names.
Why Musical History Matters
So, why does all this matter? Well, London’s musical heritage is a huge part of what makes this city so vibrant and unique. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about understanding how these places shaped the music we love today. When you join me for one of my London Black cab tours, you won’t be just seeing the sights; you’ll be stepping into the stories, feeling the energy, and maybe catching a bit of that magic for yourself.
Don’t Just Walk By — Let’s Explore Together
Next time you’re in London, don’t just walk by these unassuming doors. Hop in my cab, and let’s go on a music history adventure. I’ll show you the hidden corners, the secret stories, and the legendary venues that made London the music capital of the world. Who knows — you might just find yourself inspired by the very same streets that shaped the soundtracks of our lives.
So, are you ready to discover the real London? The one where every alleyway has a story and every building could be the birthplace of the next big thing? Let’s hit the road and make some memories together.
