Unashamedly decadent, Pitcher and Piano Cornhill caters to the champagne-glugging - or should that be prosecco-glugging, times are tight now after all - City boys and girls looking to let loose after a hard week in the office.

The Venue
Judging from external appearances, Pitcher and Piano Cornhill more closely resembles a bank than a wine bar. The muted white stone, large inset windows and simple, understated black signage all belie the more decadent decor within. Although it’s good to see that period features like the ornate ceiling and grand windows have been retained, it’s all ruined somewhat by OTT chandelier-style lighting, floors so polished you could check your make-up in them and a gleaming bar with little character. Red booth seating does help to enliven the neutral colour scheme but it’s not the most inspired use of such a beautiful old building.

The Atmosphere
This is where the bankers and local office workers of the area come to play. And play they do. The drink flows freely, the banter is loud and raucous and everyone looks to be enjoying themselves, drinking away the stresses of the day. The staff are friendly for the area – a place where speed is king and banter often forgotten – which is refreshing and the service is pretty slick. It’s just a shame that many of the punters don’t seem to appreciate it.

The Drink
The drink offering at Pitcher and Piano Cornhill is surprisingly good and well priced. Wine is definitely a focus – with, of course, a strong choice of sparkling varieties – and prices start at just £13.25 a bottle for an easy to drink, citrusy Monte Verde Sauvignon Blanc. The menu is well described and separated by flavour, making perusing its many pages very easy. They also do a cocktail menu, although they don’t look particularly appealing and at almost £7 a pop you’re probably better off going to a proper cocktail bar if that’s what you’re after. What is good, however, is their excellent beer selection with an above-average choice of draught for a bar like this, including Amstel, Becks, Budweiser, Estrella Damm, Grolsch, Guinness, Heineken, Peroni, Strongbow and Vedett.

The Last Word
Pitcher and Piano Cornhill suffers many of the clichés that make City bars so hated by many Londoners. However, there is more to this bar than just suited and booted after workers and it should be commended for its well priced drink menu.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1)