The Piano Works

The Piano Works.

Which is good news, as it would otherwise render the whole concept of this bar a little redundant.

The open plan, bare brick walls of this vast, 400-capacity listed Victorian warehouse in Farringdon puts its house pianists and accompanying musicians at centre stage as they play energetic renditions of whatever pop classics the paying customers want until the early hours of the morning.

The list of cocktails is lively too – the classics all come with an interesting (and frequently delicious) twist to liven up the show: the Old Fashioned with mint-infused sugar, the Porn Star Martini using vanilla vodka, and Bloody Maries made with tomatoes from the Isle of Wight, no less – and there’s a daily happy hour from 5-7pm.

The food menu is also pretty pared down, with bar snacks (nachos, mac & cheese bites, chicken wings and the like) that allow you to tackle your hunger whilst not getting too distracted from the head bobbing, hand clapping, and feet tapping that the band compels you to do. But if you need a little more sustenance before hitting the floor, you can book your group a table, tuck into a two or three course dinner – with rib-eye steak, sweet potato tostadas, and Thai green curry on the menu  – and round the evening off with infinite glasses of prosecco (also available at brunch, if you’re not particularly attached to Saturday afternoons).

Start thinking of those obscure cult pop songs you loved as a teenager.

The band might like a challenge.

NOTE: The Piano Works is open Monday to Saturday (until 4am on Thurs-Sat). Bookings can be made online HERE, including enquiries for Christmas parties.

The Piano Works | 113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3BX

Last Updated: 16th September 2019

Like places with a proper band? Check out our guide to the Best London Bars with Live Music