Central London music venue loses £330k in two weeks due to restrictions and Omicron fears

By Hannah Nearly, Local Democracy Reporter

One of London’s most-loved live music venues has lost £330k in two weeks as Omicron fears hit the capital.

The Piano Works in Leicester Square has lost hundreds of thousands of pounds from cancellations as the new Covid variant spreads through the capital.

In England, the Government has introduced Covid passports for larger nightclubs and advised people to work from home where they can in a bid to curb the spread of Omicron.

But operations director for the Piano Works, Tristan Moffat, said the new rules have cost the business a huge sum.

He said: “Last week, the work from home directive caused us to lose more than £150k due to cancellations.

“This coming week we expect to lose £180k.

“Any further restrictions will seriously impact our ability to survive at all next year and so far no support has been offered.”

Indoor venues with more than 500 people must now check the Covid status of visitors over the age of 18.

Both Piano Works venues are less than 500 people but Tristan said guests will need a Covid pass because they want people to feel safe.

He said the business needs compensation for the money it has lost or it will struggle to pay back a £1 million Government loan that it was given to recover from the pandemic.

He added: “We benefited from Government support during lockdown, which enabled us to re-emerge stronger than ever.

“Our 90 musicians who’d been out of work for 16 months were delighted to be back and earn money.”

Michael Cubey, co-owner of Any Amount of Books in Covent Garden, said he is worried about the new Omicron variant.

He said: “It’s a sensible mitigation and although it will affect footfall and income that is not a reason for it not happening if it stops pressure on the NHS and saves lives.”

But he thinks the rules should have been more consistent earlier on.

Pictured top: A musician performing at The Piano Works (Picture: The Piano Works)