London: Country Music Party with Line Dancing, Two-stepping

Cowboy boots optional, joy required. At Big Belly Bar in Southwark, you get two hours of real country fun with line-dance lessons plus country two-stepping, a Dolly Parton sing-along, and live music. It’s the kind of setup where you learn by doing, not by watching.

What I like most is that the teaching covers beginner-to-advanced line dances, including Electric Slide, Cotton Eye Joe, Watermelon Crawl, and the Tush-Push. The second big win is the energy from live musicians and singers, plus the room layout that lets you actually move without feeling cramped.

One thing to consider: this is a floor-and-footwork party, so it is not a fit if you have low mobility or low fitness. And wheelchair users are not included in the suitability list.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Big Belly Bar in Southwark is the whole scene, from pre-drinks to dancing.
• Two hours means focused lessons, live music, and getting your steps in.
• Learn Electric Slide, Cotton Eye Joe, Watermelon Crawl, and Tush-Push, plus Texas Two-Step.
• Live country music and a Dolly Parton sing-along keep it from feeling like a class.
• Optional Bottomless Brunch adds mimosas, hamburgers, and a vegan option.

Big Belly Bar Southwark, where the hoedown actually happens

This party is set in Southwark at Big Belly Bar, and that matters. You’re not bouncing between venues or waiting around for the next stage to open. It’s one location, built for music, shouting along, and getting your body into rhythm.

The schedule is also pretty clear. Sundays run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the dance party, with doors opening at 12:00 for pre-drinks and brunch at 12:30 if you’re adding the Bottomless Brunch option. If you like easing into an afternoon instead of arriving at the peak moment, this timing works.

You’ll also see the event has an “anything can be a celebration” vibe. There’s an event room for special occasions, and the party can be used for things like hen-dos, birthdays, anniversaries, or work parties. For groups, it’s the kind of format where people who don’t dance much can still have fun by sitting, drinking, and stomping along.

What you do during the 2 hours of dancing

Think of the afternoon as a guided, high-energy mix of instruction and performance. You’ll get line dance lessons and two-step lessons, then you’ll apply the steps while the music and singing keep the room moving.

The teaching isn’t presented as one long lecture. It’s built around specific dance sets, with enough repetition that you can start remembering patterns instead of just copying moves. And because the lessons cover both easier and more challenging dances, you won’t feel like you’re either stuck in slow mode or thrown to the deep end.

Not a dancer? You’re still part of the experience. The vibe is social. Even if you keep to the edges at first, you can enjoy the music, join in when you feel confident, and gradually work up to the harder choreography like the Watermelon Crawl or the Tush-Push.

The dance lesson menu: Electric Slide to Texas Two-Step

This is not just one “learn one dance” situation. You’re given a menu of recognizable line dances, plus a two-step focus.

Here are the line dances included:

• Electric Slide
• Watermelon Crawl
• Tush-Push
• Cotton Eye Joe

There’s also Texas Two-Step instruction with easy-to-follow guidance. The key idea for you is that these lessons are designed so even people who feel awkward at first can still get moving by the end. That is especially helpful if you’ve never done line dancing before, or if you’ve tried in the past but felt lost in the timing.

One nice detail is how the dances range in difficulty. Electric Slide and Cotton Eye Joe tend to be friendlier for beginners to grasp. Watermelon Crawl and the Tush-Push are where you’ll feel challenged, which is great if you want a workout and a sense of progress, not just a casual stroll.

Two-stepping plus a Dolly Parton sing-along

The experience is described as more than line dancing, and that shows in the mix. The party includes country two-stepping, so you get to work with partner-style rhythm without needing a formal partner setup in your head.

Then there’s the Dolly Parton sing-a-long. That’s a big deal because it shifts the focus from steps alone to group energy. When the room starts singing along, you stop counting as much and start feeling the beat. That makes it easier to learn and it’s also more fun if you’re traveling solo or with friends who want a shared moment.

You’ll also have the option to drink beer or soda pop, so the mood stays light. If you come in a little nervous, the sing-along and the easy early dances help you settle in fast.

Live musicians and singers: the sound drives the steps

A lot of dance events fall into a playlist trap. This one leans on live musicians and singers, and you can feel the difference right away.

Live music does two things for you:

1. It keeps the room from going flat during instruction.
2. It helps your timing because the sound is happening around you, not coming from one distant source.

The lineup also includes country singing that goes hard, the kind where people actually shout back instead of quietly tapping along. That’s part of why reviews rate it so highly, and why the experience can feel like more than a ticketed class.

If you care about authentic atmosphere, live performance is the easiest “quality upgrade” you can get without extra cost. You don’t need technical music knowledge to benefit, you just need ears and a willingness to follow the rhythm.

Bottomless Brunch add-on: mimosas, burgers, and a vegan option

If you want to turn it into a longer afternoon, you can add the Bottomless Brunch. The add-on includes mimosas, hamburgers, and a vegan option, which is a practical win for mixed groups.

You’re not just paying for food here. The value is the pacing. Doors open at noon for pre-drinks, brunch happens at 12:30, and then you shift into the dance block from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This makes it easier to arrive hungry, hang out, and keep the day flowing.

One caution: since the brunch is an add-on, it’s worth checking your total budget upfront. If you’re already planning meals elsewhere, you might decide the base dance ticket is enough. If your group likes to linger and share drinks and food, the add-on can make the whole outing feel more like a proper event day.

Brandon’s Barn Dance and the host effect

This party is run by Brandon’s Barn Dance, with Brandon Burke as the host. In the vibe of the event, he’s not just there to announce music. He helps drive the fun and keeps the room engaged.

That matches what you should look for in a dance lesson. The best instructors do two jobs: they teach the steps, and they lower the emotional stakes. You’re less likely to freeze when the host keeps it funny, welcoming, and moving.

One review highlights the host making it fun and even turning it into a workout people did not expect. That tracks with the reality of learning multiple dances plus two-step patterns. You will be on your feet. Even if you start out cautious, you’ll likely finish with that “why are my legs tired” grin.

Price and value: is $26 per person a good deal?

At $26 per person for a 2-hour event, the value comes from how much you get in one place.

You’re paying for:

• Line dance lessons across multiple dances (beginner to advanced)
• Two-step instruction
• Live musicians and singers
• A bar and a large dance floor
• An event setup designed for celebrations

If you’ve ever paid for a dance class, you know the common problem is it can be pretty dry or limited to one style. Here, you get several dances, live music, and a sing-along that turns learning into a shared party. That’s why the money can feel well spent even if you only remember parts of the choreography.

One more value angle: it’s a social activity in London that does not require you to be already good at dancing. The teaching is framed for different skill levels, so you can participate without feeling like everyone else is miles ahead.

If you’re price-sensitive, keep the optional brunch in mind. The base ticket still includes the dancing and lessons, while the Bottomless Brunch is where your spend increases. For some, adding brunch is the best way to make it a full afternoon outing.

Where this fits best (and where it doesn’t)

This party is ideal if you want:

• A hands-on activity instead of a passive evening
• A way to try country two-step and line dancing with coaching
• Live country music and a group sing-along energy
• Something fun for friends, couples, or small groups who want a shared laugh

It’s also a good fit if you like structured play. You’ll get set dances with names you can remember, like Electric Slide and Cotton Eye Joe, and you can compare your progress between easier and harder patterns.

What it is not:

• It’s not suitable for wheelchair users per the provided info.
• It’s not suitable for people with low level of fitness.
• It’s not designed for people over 95 years.

So if you want a more seated, low-impact night, this might not match your needs. If you can handle moving for two hours and you’re comfortable learning with the group, you’re in the right place.

What to bring, and how to show up ready

The practical stuff is refreshingly simple. Bring your passport or ID card.

For the rest, plan for a dance party on a big floor. Cowboy boots are mentioned as a fun idea if you have them, but the real priority is comfort. You’ll be practicing steps repeatedly, and you’ll likely do more movement than you expect when you’re stepping from one dance to another.

Dress with one goal: help your feet and legs feel okay by the end. You don’t need “country cosplay.” You just need to be able to move.

Also, the event language is English, and the instructor is listed as English. If you speak English, you’ll have an easier time picking up the cues during instruction.

Timing tips so you don’t feel rushed

Because the dance block is 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., you should think about how you want the day to feel.

• If you like arriving early and easing in, come around the pre-drinks window when doors open at 12:00.
• If you want food first, brunch at 12:30 plus pre-drinks before dancing can set you up for a smoother start.
• If you’re only doing the dance portion, plan to arrive on time so you can get comfortable before lessons ramp up.

This matters because dance events have a learning curve. The room gets you more quickly when you’re there with enough time to settle, not when you arrive just as the instruction starts.

How to get the most out of the lesson fast

You’ll learn more if you treat it like repetition, not perfection.

Here’s what works:

• Focus on one dance at a time. Learn the basic pattern before you chase the flashier parts.
• Watch the timing, then copy the feet. Hand moves can come later.
• When the music hits, stop overthinking. If you’ve learned the pattern, the beat carries you.
• Be brave about joining in. The point of the event is that you’re practicing in public, in a friendly room.

One more tip: start modest on the advanced dances. The Watermelon Crawl and Tush-Push are great challenges, but you’ll learn faster by nailing the basics at your own pace first. Then you can build confidence as the session progresses.

Should you book this London country music party?

Book it if you want a fun, active afternoon with live country music, structured dance lessons, and a crowd that’s willing to sing along. The best reason to go is that it’s not just one style or one track. You’ll get line dances plus two-stepping, taught by Brandon Burke, with live musicians doing the heavy lifting on atmosphere.

Skip it if you need something low-impact or you’re not comfortable with two hours of movement. Also, if accessibility is a concern, remember it is not suitable for wheelchair users based on the provided info.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple decision rule: if the idea of learning Electric Slide and Cotton Eye Joe, then testing yourself with Watermelon Crawl or Tush-Push sounds exciting, you’ll probably have a memorable time. If that sounds stressful, you may prefer a more relaxed music option instead.

FAQ

How long is the London country music party?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where is the event held?

The event is at Big Belly Bar in Southwark.

What dance styles are included?

You get line dance lessons including Electric Slide, Watermelon Crawl, Tush-Push, and Cotton Eye Joe, plus two-step lessons and more, including the Texas Two-Step.

Is the Bottomless Brunch included in the price?

Bottomless Brunch is an add-on. It is not included in the general admission price.

What does the Bottomless Brunch include?

The add-on includes mimosas, hamburgers, and a vegan option.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring a passport or an ID card.

What is the language of the event?

The event language is English, and the instructor is English.