Tucked back from the hustle and bustle of Charing Cross Road, the Piano Bar and Restaurant, a new sibling to the highly regarded original on Kensington High Street, offers a haven of soothing jazz tones and mouth-watering cocktails.

The Venue
Piano sticks out like a sore thumb in comparison to its surroundings, just a short walk from Leicester Square tube. A sleek, dark and mysterious front doesn’t give much away, but you can immediately tell this venue is not your usual Soho haunt. Step inside to find a long, narrow space with the bar to your right and seating beyond, and a small stage at the very end. You’ll also catch a glimpse of more space upstairs, as a mezzanine-style area is just in view.

The Atmosphere
The bar is brightly lit, with huge metallic-silver globes bobbing overhead, giant piano keys painted on the walls (which actually turn out to be doors) and jazz-themed photographs, but as you walk further into the bar, the feeling is much more moody. Upstairs can be hired out for private parties and boasts its own bar, but also works as overflow on busy nights. Up there you’ll find secluded spots and sofas, as well as TV screens so you can still enjoy all of the entertainment downstairs. And it’s the entertainment that’s the truly special thing about Piano. There are plenty of staff on hand and all are equally friendly, helping you to feel relaxed and enjoy your evening.

The Music
You’ll find jazz musicians playing live every night, and the acts are fantastic. On a recent visit, Damien Flood was tinkling the keys of his keyboard and singing tone-perfect covers the likes of Michael Buble, Elton John and, on request, even the Family Guy theme tune.

The Food
The food takes a back seat here and you would struggle to consider Piano a restaurant. However, bar snacks are available priced from £2.80 to £8 and include Kalamata olives, fresh popcorn and marinated goat’s cheese.

The Drink
House wine is available from £4.50 a glass and £15.95 a bottle; draught beer from £4.30 a pint and bottled beer from £3.80. The main focus on the menu, though, is the cocktails. Arranged into sections, ‘fancy cocktails’ includes the fruity Hurricane (£9.50), a blend of white and dark rum, passion fruit, lemon, pineapple and orange, which is tasty but perhaps a little sweet for some tastes. The Pianist Envy (£9.50) comes under the ‘Piano Soho cocktails’ and is a delightful blend of gin, sloe gin, peach schnapps and lime – definitely one of the best on the menu. The Kiwi Splash (£9.50) is a vibrant lime green colour comprising of vodka, elderflower, lemon, fresh kiwi and mint and, again, it is a little too sweet but still refreshing. If you’d like a cocktail that’s not on the menu, you’re invited to ask the bar team who are more than happy to help.

The Last Word
Piano Bar and Restaurant is a refreshing addition to Soho’s bar scene, so get your song requests at the ready and head on down for a guaranteed good time.

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