Alan Lorrimer leaves The Piano Works

The Piano Works has announced that its founder, Alan Lorrimer, has left the business after starting it nine years ago with operations director Tristan Moffat. 

Peter Thornton, the audience-requested live music venues’ chief financial officer and founding shareholder, is also departing. 

As a restaurateur, Lorrimer has been responsible for the creation of over 14 concepts, including The Caviar Bar, Porters, Bar Sol, Tiger Lil’s, Guanabara, and Charlotte St. Blues.

He is also known for his work supporting the hospitality sector, especially during the pandemic. In 2020, he and Moffat launched the Grand Summer Outdoor Café initiative, encouraging the government to give the green light to hospitality operators looking to place tables outside. Subsequently, the government allowed local authorities to relax outdoor seating regulations.

It comes after Nightcap acquired The Piano Works earlier this year. 

As part of the deal, the operator of nightclubs and bars had decided to fully integrate The Piano Works’ head office functions into its existing support team, which runs its 44-venue portfolio. 

Staff at the two Piano Works venues in Farringdon and Covent Garden – including the front and back of house teams, management and talented musicians – will continue in their roles.

Lorrimer said: “Over the past nine years, Tristan and I, along with our excellent Piano Works teams, have created two iconic music venues and a concept that has been loved by millions of loyal and happy guests who have sung along with us and will continue to sing into the future. 

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have met and worked with so many creative, talented, and passionate individuals. We want to say a heartfelt thanks to our teams for all their unwavering dedication, hard work, support, and belief. Tristan and I are sad to be leaving The Piano Works, but we leave it in good hands.”