London’s Best Piano Bars

1 year ago

Discover somewhere cosy to hear that sweet pia-pia-piano

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Let us paint a picture for you: a pianist gently tapping out melodic notes on whilst you sip on a cocktail… Sounds like a vintage dream, but it could be a reality this very weekend. Piano bars aren’t often shouted about, but there are plenty nestled in different parts of the city, but to ensure you end up somewhere with a great musician to elevate the already decadent vibe, make sure to choose from our recommended piano bars in London below, and let the music soothe your soul…

Best Piano Bars in London

Piano

Hailed as ‘one of the best nights out in London’, Piano’s two venues in Kensington and Smithfield offer top-notch live piano music in a truly welcoming setting. The group looks after a roster of performers, who make the rounds at both venues every week, each with their own style and flair, covering different genres such as blues, jazz, and more. The Smithfield venue is also available to hire out, should you want to throw a piano-themed party, for which you can hire their resident pianists or BYOM – bring your own musician.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Piano Kensington (@pianokensington)

Details: Locations in Kensington (Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High St, London W8 4PT) and Smithfield (14 Long Ln, Barbican, London EC1A 9PN). thepianogroup.com

The Piano Bar Soho

The Piano Bar Soho is a members cocktail lounge (although you can visit as a guest) in the heart of Soho that promises live music every night. There is a library, a snug and a screening room, and at the bar you’ll find talented performers accompanied by the piano. Past performers have included Nathan Britton, Natalie Oliveri and Kitty LaRoar and Nick Shankland. The vibe? Jazzy and cosy. A great spot for an after-work cocktail.

The Piano Bar Soho

Details: 16 Carlisle St, London W1D 3BT. pianobarsoho.com

Downstairs At The Dilly

Located directly below The Dilly Hotel lobby, this stylish speakeasy offers the perfect spot to head for after work drinks, a post-theatre debrief or the all-important nightcap. Choose from the extensive London-inspired cocktail list, with a guest cocktail available each month, while you enjoy a range of live performances from both house and guest pianists and singers. Fancy more privacy? You can also hire the bar for private parties or special celebrations.

Details: 21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH. thedillylondon.com

American Bar At The Savoy

This bar has been around longer than most. In fact, it’s the longest surviving cocktail bar in London and is renowned globally. It’s steeped in history and culture but keeps up with the times, by constantly switching up the unique cocktail menus. And what could be better than sitting in this avant-garde example of luxury than to be there whilst hearing live music? Live piano no less. Amy Winehouse has graced the stage here, making it known as one of the greatest spots in London to hear live music, almost always spearheaded by a talented pianist.

Details: The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ. thesavoylondon.com

The Archduke

The Southbank branch of classic steakhouse Black & Blue hosts jazz sessions almost every evening. They have a sleek black piano downstairs, which when played, allows foot-tapping-inducing music to waft to the upstairs level of the restaurant. It’s enough to put any piano-loving diner in a good mood. Their weekday jazz schedule runs from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, so we recommend heading there after work for a more musical way to wind down.

BOOK IT: Concert Hall Approach, Southbank, London SE1 8XU. blackandbluerestaurants.com

Boisdale

Boisdale has been a constant supporter and showcaser of live music since its inception in 2002. And it comes as no surprise when you realise their Patron of Music is Jools Holland. In the restaurant, you’ll sup on oysters and champagne, walk on tartan ground (it’s Scottish-themed, after all) and hear the emerging talent of jazz, blues and soul, every Tuesday to Friday.