Where To See Live Music In Covent Garden

• Location: Gillian Lynne Theatre, Parker Street, WC2B 5PW
• When: every day 
• What to expect: live professional pianists and vocalists, song requests and a brilliant in-house band keeping you entertained as you enjoy food and drinks

On the hunt for live music in Covent Garden tonight? You'll find exactly what you're looking for at The Piano Works. It's London's only non-stop, audience-led live music bar and restaurant, and it's every bit as fun as it sounds. Hidden just off the main piazza, this high-energy hotspot turns the typical night out on its head because here, you control the playlist. Simply jot down your favourite tune on a song request slip, hand it to the band, and get ready to sing your heart out as the crowd comes alive.

From the moment the doors open, professional piano vocalists and singing waiters begin, warming up the crowd before the in-house band takes over at 8.30pm. By the weekend, things kick up another notch as a DJ spins through till the early hours, keeping the dance floor buzzing long after midnight.

• Location: Zero Aldwych (outside the Lyceum), Wellington Street, WC2E 7DN
• When: every day 
• What to expect: cabaret, live piano sessions, opera, jazz and more - this venue is a melting pot of genres and brilliant performances 

Squeezed beneath the pavement outside the Lyceum Theatre, CellarDoor is one of London's tiniest (and wildest) secrets. Once an underground gents' loo frequented by the likes of Oscar Wilde and Quentin Crisp, this 60-capacity speakeasy has transformed into a decadent cabaret club dripping in retro glamour. 

Inside, the stage might be small, but the performances are anything but. Expect a dazzling rotation of drag queens, cabaret divas, burlesque stars, honky-tonk pianists, and magicians, performing almost every night of the week. Regular acts like The Pointless Pianists, Bouncy's Boudoir, and Queera Lynn's Gin Salon keep the crowd coming back for more, while the Human Jukebox and GLAM - 80s Excess turn Sundays into pure, unfiltered fun.

• Location: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
• When: Tuesdays and Saturdays 
• What to expect: spoken word and live music at Setlist Sessions during the week, and fun DJ residencies on the weekends 

Perched right on the Somerset House riverside terrace, you'll find Setlist, fronting unbeatable Thames views and live performances. By day, it's all cocktails, food and laid-back beats, but as night falls, Setlist transforms into a live music and art-fuelled playground, showcasing London's most exciting new artists, genre-blurring DJs, and immersive installations that light up the terrace.

Expect soulful sets, spoken word sessions like Poet's Palace, and high-energy club nights such as Dankie Sounds, bringing the spirit of Amapiano to the Thames. The menu adds another layer of brilliance, featuring elevated plates from some of London's most talented female chefs.

• Location: 21–22 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA
• When: Thursday to Saturday, plus live music Covent Garden Sunday sessions
• What to expect: craft beers, cocktails, pub grub, and a lively mix of live music across multiple floors

Live music in Covent Garden on a Friday? This boozer's got you sorted. A central London institution since 2000, The Porterhouse is one of the city's largest bars. Family owned and run, this three-floor venue boasts multiple bars, mezzanine areas, and cosy corners perfect for catching a gig or enjoying a drink with friends.

The Porterhouse is best known for its energetic live music nights, from Thursday through Saturday, and even offers live music Covent Garden Sunday sessions for those looking to round off the weekend on a high note. Expect a variety of acts - from rock and indie bands to jazz ensembles - filling the space with sound, while craft beers, cocktails, and hearty pub grub keep the crowd fueled.

• Location: 35 The Piazza, WC2E 8BE
• When: Saturdays from 8pm
• What to expect: a variety of talents hitting the stage on Saturdays as you tuck into Japanese-style eats and sip tempting cocktails

Slip beneath the streets of London and into Stereo, a sleek, subterranean playground where live music, late-night dining, and killer cocktails come together. Blending the best of New York edge, London energy, and a whisper of Parisian cool, this underground spot is a must for anyone chasing those effortlessly stylish nightlife vibes and where you'll find live music in Covent Garden on Saturday. 

Start your night with a crisp aperitif at the bar, settle in for dinner, and before you know it, you'll be swept up in the rhythm as the house band takes the stage. Expect dynamic, eclectic sounds that fill the room, from soulful live sets to genre-bending jazz and DJ sessions. The venue also boasts production powerhouse High Scream behind the setup and an immaculate L-Acoustics sound system.

• Location: 66 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BX
• When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights 
• What to expect: jazz and cabaret performances; there's also a private green room, and even a retractable cinema screen

Beneath the luxurious Middle Eight Hotel, QT Bar Covent Garden is a hidden gem that brings a touch of old-school glamour. With its modern speakeasy aesthetic, marble-topped tables, and cabaret-style seating, this intimate basement venue sets the stage for nights filled with sultry jazz, smooth cocktails, and effortlessly cool vibes.

QT Bar made its name hosting Leo Green's legendary live music nights, where jazz meets pop and rock in an upbeat, high-energy blend that keeps the crowd buzzing 'til late. The venue's state-of-the-art sound system and plush, mood-lit interior make it a must-visit for anyone who loves their live music served with a side of sophistication. Behind the bar, mixologist Maurice crafts beautifully balanced cocktails that pair perfectly with Chef Gary Lee's globally inspired sharing plates.

• Location: 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5EZ
• When: various days 
• What to expect: underground jams and pop-ups from Soho Hidden Jazz Club 

Hidden beneath the Grade II-listed Stone Nest, once a Welsh chapel and later the legendary Limelight nightclub, Below Stone Nest is one of London's most intriguing underground venues. Reimagined by acclaimed designer Jermaine Gallacher, and run by hospitality heavyweights Jackson and Frank Boxer (of Brunswick House and Frank's Café fame), this subterranean bar and arts space blends old-world grandeur with avant-garde edge.

Inside, expect a highball-focused cocktail menu that's as refined as it is refreshing. But it's the music and performances that truly bring the space to life. Wednesdays host The Underground Jam, an instrumental jam session led by Pharoah Russell, while special events such as the Hidden Jazz Club and EFG London Jazz Festival transform the room into a moody, immersive soundscape where London's best musicians take centre stage.

• Location: 12 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA
• When: every day
• What to expect: a laid-back live music experience, celebrating both home-grown rising artists and seasoned performers

If you like your live music loud, your cocktails strong, and your BBQ stacked high, Big Easy Covent Garden is for you. Housed in a vast former electrical power station, this larger-than-life venue is all exposed steel, copper conduits, and Americana energy, offering the perfect setting for nights fuelled by smokehouse flavours.

At the heart of it all is Big Easy's legendary live music, with bands playing every single day of the week. From blues and classic rock to country and soul, each act is handpicked to turn dinner into a party. The nine-metre-long bar is perfect for perching at; here you can enjoy bourbon cocktails, craft beers, and ice-cold margaritas, while the kitchen serves up juicy steaks, slow-smoked ribs, and fresh seafood platters that hit the spot. 

• Location: Martin's Courtyard, 7-9 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
• When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 
• What to expect: tickets aren't sold to its events; if you book a table on one of the performance nights, you'll be treated to the likes of live jazz, and a service charge for the live music will be added to your bill

The legendary speakeasy brings its signature blend of live jazz, world music, and exquisite cocktails to a two-floor space in Covent Garden that perfectly captures its globe-trotting spirit. Upstairs, the Bamboo Bar welcomes walk-ins from 3pm with aperitivo-style cocktails on draught, small plates inspired by global flavours, and even outdoor seating for those golden-hour drinks.

Downstairs, the main restaurant and bar channels that familiar Oriole allure to those who are acquainted with its history: a plush, mood-lit basement filled with the hum of conversation and live music. From Wednesday to Saturday, the stage comes alive with live jazz, blues, and world music from London's finest musicians, featuring everything from smooth swing and Latin grooves to sultry cabaret sets. With a small cover charge that goes directly to the artists, it's one of the best-value dinner-and-show experiences in the city.