LONDON LIVE MUSIC
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who asked what to book: 11 live music experiences, each with its price, its audience verdict and the one thing to know before committing an evening.
Travel from central London to ABBA Arena on an ABBA-branded electric coach with Wi-Fi, USB charging, onboard music, and a Guest Services Assistant. Choose a seated or dance floor concert ticket, enter through a priority route, enjoy the 90-minute show, then return by coach to Victoria Station.
“Great experience! Will be remembered all our lives. Easy and safe to access with a bus.”
Set sail from Westminster Pier for three hours of London views, a three-course dinner, and live jazz ranging from standards to pop favorites. You receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine, tea, and coffee, while wine and cocktails are available at the bar. Fixed tables seat four, and the cruise docks around 23:00.
“Well organised. The seating was well set up with the food and beverage service conducted effjciently. Food quality was above average. There was a good selection of wines and cocktails. The jazz band was very good and several of us danced. The views of Lkndon skyline during sunset were stunning”
Travel independently to His Majesty’s Theatre for a 2-hour-30-minute performance of The Phantom of the Opera. Choose your seat type when booking, then settle in for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous score, lavish costumes, grand sets, and the chandelier scene. Tickets include admission and fees, but food, drinks, and transport are not included.
“Breathtaking show!!!!! The cast was absolutely amazing!!! Not a bad seat in the house. The costumes are magnificent!!”
Board at Westminster Pier for a three-hour evening cruise with a three-course dinner and live jazz. You’ll pass Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and HMS Belfast. Seating is assigned, tables are close together, and drinks cost extra. Vegetarian meals require advance notice.
“What a lovely evening! Staff were amazing..... food pretty good and prices very reasonable. Entertainment was.... entertaining! 🎼”
See Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End. Follow Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom through a grand story of love and loss, with lavish sets, famous songs, costumes, special effects, and a 20-minute interval.
Head to The Spice of Life in Soho for a three-hour Jazz Notes session with the Jazz, Soul, Funk Collective. You’ll hear a featured set, then open jams with singers and instrumentalists welcome to join. Food and drinks are available to buy, including Sunday roast and vegan or vegetarian dishes.
“good music, good atmosphere, fantastic way to spend Sunday afternoon”
Spend four hours in a recreated 1930s Manhattan club with the 58th Street Stompers, led by trumpeter King Rory Simmons. Your ticket includes a six-course Park Avenue feast, cabaret, burlesque, theatre, and live jazz. Drinks cost extra, and shows run at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. for adults only.
“It was brilliant. We were a little worried when we saw the alley to walk down but no problem it was busy and safe. We had indulged in the VIP so we're able to go straight in. From there it was fantastic. Friendly Helpful staff, all in character of the era, welcomed us by name. The food was good and the entertainment superb. I don't normally do reviews but my husband said I should make an exception this time as I had arranged the evening as his birthday present and he said it was the best birthday present he had ever had.”
Spend one hour hearing classical music by guest performers inside St Mary Magdalen Church, lit by candlelight. Choose a £20 ticket or £25 option with Prosecco, then enjoy Bermondsey Street, the Thames, HMS Belfast, Hays Galleria, or Borough Market nearby. Unreserved seating and step-free access are available.
Bring your baby, toddler, or school-age child to a relaxed 45-minute Bach to Baby concert in London. You may hear classical music, jazz, folk, musicals, or Beatles favourites, performed by professional musicians in welcoming, step-free venues. Children can move, sing, or fuss, while adults enjoy live music together.
“The four children in our party ranged from 8 mths to 2 yrs and they all had a wonderful time joining in, wandering about, watching the pianist who made it all fun. The programme was just the right length.”
You’ll spend about three hours at The Spice of Life in Soho with the Jazz Notes trio and visiting singers or instrumentalists. The Sunday jam begins at 2:00 pm in a small basement pub, with a drum kit, amps, and digital piano ready for musicians. Food and drinks are available separately.
“Great music and great atmosphere. Will definitely go back soon. Their food looks great, next time I'll come early for lunch.”
Join Valerie and Pigeon Tours for a private Christmas walk through London. You’ll see Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street, Liberty, the National Gallery, and a carol concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields. The tour lasts about three hours and includes snacks plus mulled wine or a non-alcoholic hot drink.
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