REVIEW · LONDON
London: Country Music Party with Line Dancing, Two-stepping
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Brandon's Barn Dance · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Country dancing in London is surprisingly good fun.
This 2-hour country party at Big Belly Bar in Southwark mixes line dance lessons with country two-stepping, live musicians, and a big sing-along vibe. I love how the dance coaching works for different skill levels, from first-timers to people who want more challenge, and I also love the energy from the host, Brandon Burke, who keeps it moving without taking it too seriously. The main drawback to weigh is that it’s not designed for wheelchair access and it can feel like a workout, so go with comfy shoes and a reasonable fitness level.
If you’re after something more social than a pub crawl, this hits the sweet spot: music, instruction, and a large dance floor in one block of time. You can even add the Bottomless Brunch option (mimosas, burgers, and a vegan choice), which turns it into a full afternoon plan rather than just a single event.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- The vibe at Big Belly Bar in Southwark
- What you learn during the 2-hour country session
- Brandon Burke as your host: the secret sauce
- The live music and Dolly Parton sing-along factor
- Bottomless Brunch add-on: worth it if you want a longer afternoon
- A realistic walkthrough of the schedule
- Who this works best for (and who should skip it)
- Value for money: why $26 can make sense here
- Practical tips before you go
- Should you book this country music party?
- FAQ
- How long is the London country dance party?
- Where does the event take place?
- What dance lessons are included?
- Is the Bottomless Brunch included in the price?
- What should I bring for entry?
- Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Key things to know before you go
- Southwark at Big Belly Bar: a focused venue setup built for dancing, not wandering around.
- Real country learning, not just freestyle: instruction includes line dances like Electric Slide, Cotton Eye Joe, Watermelon Crawl, and Tush-Push.
- Two-step and Texas Two-Step: you get structured practice, plus easy-to-follow guidance.
- Live musicians and singers: you’ll hear country music performed live, with a Dolly Parton sing-along vibe.
- Beginner to advanced options: the lesson includes simpler moves and tougher dances, so you won’t feel stuck.
- Optional Bottomless Brunch add-on: mimosas and food can start the day early if you want it.
The vibe at Big Belly Bar in Southwark
This isn’t a quiet class. It’s a dance party with teaching layered on top. The setting matters: you’re in Southwark at Big Belly Bar, where the whole point is a big dance floor and an event feel. If you’ve ever tried to line dance at a random bar night, you know how chaotic it can get. Here, the plan is clearer, because instruction is built into the experience.
One of the smartest parts is that you’re not expected to know anything. The event is structured around learning specific dances, so even if you’ve got two left feet, you’re given the steps and then time to put them into action.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
What you learn during the 2-hour country session
The event runs for about 2 hours (with dance party time listed as 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Within that block, you’ll get a mix of line dancing and two-stepping practice, plus group dancing that keeps the momentum going.
Here are the specific dances and styles you can expect to learn:
- Electric Slide
- Cotton Eye Joe
- Watermelon Crawl
- Tush-Push
- Two-step lessons, including the Texas Two-Step with easy-to-follow instructions
The best part is the range. The set includes moves that are friendly for beginners and also dances that feel more demanding for people who already know the basics. That’s why it works as a shared activity with friends—one person can focus on nailing the simpler steps while another can enjoy the harder routines.
And yes, the music is a big deal. The format includes live musicians and singers, so the sound isn’t just background playlist energy. It’s more like you’re being coached while the room is getting amped up.
Brandon Burke as your host: the secret sauce
Brandon Burke (linked with Brandon’s Barn Dance) is front and center. The host role matters more than people think. When a dance event is run poorly, you end up watching other people. When it’s run well, you get pulled into the rhythm quickly—and that’s exactly what this seems to do.
The feedback highlights two big themes that matter for you: the event is genuinely fun, and it’s also more physical than you might expect. That combination is often the difference between a novelty activity and a day you’d actually repeat.
If you like hosts who keep it friendly and moving, this is the kind of session that feels like an organized hoedown rather than a drill.
The live music and Dolly Parton sing-along factor
Country music nights can be either one-note or full-on. This one goes for full-on, with live musicians and singers belting out country tracks. There’s also a Dolly Parton sing-along vibe, which adds a recognizable pop-culture hook for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on dance knowledge alone.
That’s a practical advantage: even if you’re still learning the steps, you’re still enjoying the soundtrack. It’s also a good way to get comfortable fast. Singing along is an easy way to join the moment without having to perfect technique immediately.
Bottomless Brunch add-on: worth it if you want a longer afternoon
The Bottomless Brunch is not included in the general admission ticket price, but it can be a smart add-on if you’re turning this into a full outing.
From what’s listed, the brunch includes:
- mimosas
- hamburgers
- a vegan option
There are two reasons I’d consider it. First, it gives you something to do before the dance party starts, so you’re not just standing around waiting. Second, it smooths the social aspect. Eating together and having drinks first makes it easier to get comfortable in the group once the dancing begins.
A small practical note: bottomless mimosas plus lots of dancing means you’ll want to pace yourself. Drink water too. Your shoes will thank you.
A realistic walkthrough of the schedule
Here’s how to think about the flow based on the timing details given:
- Doors open at 12:00 for pre-drinks
- Brunch starts at 12:30 if you’ve added the Bottomless Brunch
- Dance party time is 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The key takeaway is that the event is set up so you can make it a relaxed afternoon rather than a sprint. If you only care about the dancing, you still get the full 2-hour experience. If you want the full country-day feel, the earlier opening times make it easy to arrive, get a drink, and settle in.
Who this works best for (and who should skip it)
This is ideal if you want a social activity with real structure. It’s great for:
- couples who want a shared laugh and a shared “we learned that” moment
- friends on a weekend who want something more interactive than sightseeing
- beginners who want guided steps
- intermediate dancers who like the idea of learning specific routines rather than guessing at a club
It may not be your best match if:
- you’re in a wheelchair (not suitable)
- your fitness level is low (it can feel like a workout once the dancing ramps up)
- you’re older than 95 (not suitable)
Also, bring the right expectations: this isn’t silent, focused technique. It’s learning while the room is alive with music and movement.
Value for money: why $26 can make sense here
At $26 per person for a 2-hour event, you’re paying for more than a ticket to a room with music. You’re getting:
- line dance lessons for multiple dances
- two-step practice, including Texas Two-Step guidance
- a bar setup during the event
- a large dance floor and an event-room style experience
- live country entertainment with musicians and singers
If you’ve ever paid for a standard dance class in a city, this can feel like a bargain because you’re not just learning one routine. You’re getting multiple dance styles taught and repeated in a group atmosphere. The optional Bottomless Brunch add-on can add cost, but it’s clearly separable if you want to keep your budget tight.
So the value comes from volume and atmosphere: you’re paying for structured fun, not just ambiance.
Practical tips before you go
A few small things will make your experience smoother:
- Bring a passport or ID card. You’ll need one for entry.
- Wear shoes you can move in. This is a dance party, not a sit-down meal.
- Arrive with a mind-set to learn. You’ll get instruction, but you still need to participate.
- If you’re adding brunch, go easy on the drinks. You’re dancing for two hours after all.
And if you’re going for a special occasion, there’s an event-room setup and packages for things like hen-dos, birthdays, anniversaries, and work parties. A cowboy hat for the bride or birthday girl is mentioned too. Even if you’re not celebrating, it helps explain why the vibe feels like a planned event rather than a drop-in jam.
Should you book this country music party?
I’d book it if you want a fun, structured activity in London that feels genuinely different from the usual dinner-and-drinks plan. The standout reasons are the live musicians and singers, the clear teaching of multiple dances, and the host energy from Brandon Burke, who seems to steer the room toward laughter and momentum.
Skip it if you need a low-movement, quiet experience, or if mobility and fitness limitations make dancing uncomfortable. Also skip it if you dislike interactive group activities; this is built for participation.
If you’re flexible, come curious, wear decent shoes, and plan to move—this looks like the kind of afternoon you’ll remember long after the playlist fades.
FAQ
How long is the London country dance party?
The experience is listed as 2 hours, with dance party time from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where does the event take place?
It takes place at Big Belly Bar in Southwark.
What dance lessons are included?
Line dance lessons and dance instruction include Electric Slide, Watermelon Crawl, Tush-Push, and Cotton Eye Joe, plus two-step lessons and the Texas Two-Step.
Is the Bottomless Brunch included in the price?
No. Bottomless Brunch is an add-on, not included in the general admission ticket price. It includes mimosas, hamburgers, and a vegan option.
What should I bring for entry?
You should bring your passport or ID card.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.
