LJ - As a student in London from 1963 onwards, I couldn't afford to go to Ronnie Scotts or even the Marquee. Somehow, I took my then gf, now wife of 56 summers, to see Basie at the Hammersmith Odeon. (Now, Apollo?) Magical. I'm not really a big band fan, but that was wonderful.
Did you ever go to Jimmies Greek (Cypriot?) restaurant. IIRC it started off south of Old Compton St, next to the Australian Wine Centre & shifted to the other side of Old Compton Street later. Probably Greek St. or Frith Street.