If you can clap to a beat, you can do this.

A Sunday country party at Big Belly Bar in Southwark turns line dancing into a full-on social workout, not a stiff class. You’ll learn crowd-favorite moves like the Electric Slide and Cotton Eye Joe, plus a two-step, with live musicians and singers keeping the energy up. I especially like that the teaching spans beginner to more advanced routines, so you’re not stuck feeling lost or bored.

My second big win: the host, Brandon Burke, runs the room like a party, not a lecture. I’ve heard he’s great at getting everyone laughing while you dance your way through the steps, and that matches what you’ll feel once the music starts. One thing to consider: this is a standing, moving event, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with low fitness.

Key highlights worth showing up for

• Brandon Burke hosts the hoedown in Southwark, and the vibe stays playful while you learn
• Live country music and singers keep you dancing instead of counting beats in silence
• Lessons for real levels: Electric Slide, Cotton Eye Joe, and tougher options like Watermelon Crawl and Tush-Push
• Texas Two-Step coaching with easy-to-follow guidance so you can two-step with confidence
• Optional Bottomless Brunch add-on with mimosas, hamburgers, and a vegan option
• Big dance floor at Big Belly Bar plus a bar for beer or soda pop if you want to cool down

Big Belly Bar in Southwark: your country-weekend shortcut

This event is built for people who want energy, not formality. Big Belly Bar is the kind of place where you can show up in sneakers or boots, grab a drink, and still feel like you’re part of the fun. It’s in Southwark, so it’s an easy London stop if you want something outside the usual museum-and-castle rhythm.

One practical detail that matters: doors open at 12:00, and the dancing window runs 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. That means you can arrive earlier for pre-drinks and settle in before the lesson kicks off. If you add the Bottomless Brunch, that starts at 12:30, which makes the afternoon feel like one continuous hangout.

You don’t need to come dressed like you’re heading to a stadium. The event encourages cowboy boots if you’ve got them, but it’s not a costume contest. If you’re not feeling coordinated, that’s fine. The format works whether you’re a dancer or someone who just wants to stomp along.

How the 2-hour session actually works

Think of the 2 hours as a guided party: you’ll get instruction, then you’ll put it into motion to live music. The core includes line dance lessons plus two-step lessons, and the day is anchored by a big dance floor where everyone can practice without crowding out the group.

The class structure is designed to handle different comfort levels. You can start with simpler steps and then move to harder routines when you’re ready. That matters in real life. A lot of dance events turn into either “too easy” or “too hard.” Here, you get options—so you’re not trapped in one level the whole time.

Also, because there are live musicians and singers, you’re learning to dance with sound you actually feel. Recorded tracks are fine, but live performance changes your timing and confidence. You’re not just repeating choreography; you’re responding to the band and the room.

The dances you’ll learn: from Electric Slide to Texas Two-Step

If you want a quick sense of what’s on the dance menu, you’re looking at a mix of classic line dances and country two-step basics. The event specifically includes line dance lessons for:

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

It also includes Texas Two-Step instruction with easy-to-follow guidance. In plain terms, Texas Two-Step is the move that helps you move in partner-style rhythm without needing a partner who knows what they’re doing. Even if you come in with two left feet, the coaching is meant to get you moving with confidence by the end of the lesson.

What I like about this mix is that it covers two different kinds of fun. Line dances (like Cotton Eye Joe) are social and easy to follow as a group. Two-step is more rhythmic and personal. You’ll get a chance to do both, so you don’t end up doing only one type of movement for the full session.

And because the teaching covers multiple routines—from beginner-friendly crowd staples to more advanced patterns like Watermelon Crawl and Tush-Push—you can keep your ego flexible. You can nail the easy steps, then try the tougher ones as a stretch goal. That’s the right mindset for a party learning experience.

Live country music and the sing-along energy

The event isn’t quiet. It’s built around live performers who belt out country songs and keep the momentum moving. You’ll get live musicians and singers, so the experience stays loud, bright, and upbeat the whole time.

There’s also a country sing-along element. The vibe is basically: you learn steps, you practice them, then the music pulls you through the rhythm like a good night out. That’s why it can feel like more than just “a class.” You’re going to the point where you stop thinking and start participating.

From what I’d consider the “most praised” part of the experience, the room energy is the secret sauce. The host, Brandon Burke, is repeatedly linked with fun and good laughs, and that’s exactly what you want in a dance lesson. If the instructor keeps things relaxed, you’ll dance more, and you’ll learn faster. If you feel embarrassed, you’ll freeze. This is designed to help you avoid that trap.

Where food and drinks fit: the bar and the Bottomless Brunch add-on

You’ll have a bar available during the event. The information you’re given is clear that you can expect beer, and there’s also soda pop if you’d rather keep it easy.

The Bottomless Brunch is an add-on, not included in the base ticket price. If you do add it, you’re looking at mimosas, hamburgers, and a vegan option. That combination is practical: it gives you a classic brunch meal with a plant-based fallback. It also makes the afternoon feel like a full “event day,” not just a two-hour dance block.

One more useful detail: there’s a menu for lunch included with the overall setup. So even if you skip the bottomless option, you’re not walking in hungry with nothing to eat. The goal here is comfort. A dance party gets easier when your stomach isn’t on strike.

If you’re deciding whether to add brunch, here’s the honest way to think about it: the base ticket gets you dancing, instruction, and the music. The brunch add-on is for people who want to start earlier and turn it into a longer hangout. If you’re traveling with friends and want a celebratory feel, it can be worth it.

Value and price: is $26 a fair deal for two hours?

At $26 per person for a two-hour experience, you’re paying for more than “a place to dance.” You’re paying for instruction in multiple routines, a two-step lesson, and live music and singing. That matters for value because the cost of a studio class plus live band entertainment would usually push higher in London.

So what makes it feel like good value is the blend:

• teaching time (line dance and two-step guidance)
• performance time (live musicians and singers)
• social space (big dance floor and event setup in Southwark)

The only “extra cost” you might consider is the Bottomless Brunch add-on. Since that’s not included, you control how much you want to spend. If you want maximum value, go base ticket and just eat from the lunch menu. If you want a full afternoon of food and mimosas, add the brunch.

Also note the event is positioned for groups and celebrations like hen-dos, birthdays, anniversaries, and work parties. That usually means the format is built for fun and participation, not strict etiquette. You’re buying into an easygoing atmosphere where the steps are the focus, not perfection.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This works best for you if you like:

• learning by doing, with live music driving the pace
• a social atmosphere where you can stomp along even if you’re not confident
• a mix of easy and harder routines so you can choose your comfort level

It’s especially good if you’re going with a friend. The coaching style seems aimed at making the room feel friendly, which helps anyone who’s nervous about dancing.

It’s not a great match if you:

• need wheelchair access (the event isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)
• have very low fitness needs (it involves standing and dancing)
• are over 95 years old (not suitable based on the event info)

The take-away is simple. If you can stand and move for two hours, and you’re okay with a workout feeling, you’ll likely have a great time.

Practical tips so you enjoy it more

A few small things can make a big difference with a dance party like this.

Bring your ID. You’re told to bring a passport or ID card. London days have a way of getting complicated, so it’s smart to have the right document ready.

Wear shoes you can trust. Cowboy boots are fun if you own them, but dance is still dance. If your boots are stiff or your soles are slick, you might regret it. Aim for stable footwear you can move in.

Arrive with the right expectations. You’re learning steps, not doing a formal performance. If you stumble, it’s part of the process. You’ll get more out of the instruction when you treat it like practice in a party setting.

Decide early about brunch. If you want the longer afternoon, the Bottomless Brunch add-on starting at 12:30 helps. If you just want to focus on the dancing, base ticket keeps things simple.

Should you book Brandon’s Barn Dance?

If you want a uniquely London experience that feels different from the usual itinerary, I’d book it. You get two hours of line dancing plus two-stepping, live country music and singing, and coaching that covers both beginners and more advanced dancers. It’s also priced in a way that feels reasonable for what’s happening on stage and on the floor.

I’d skip it only if you know you won’t be able to stand and move for the full session, or if mobility needs make a dance floor environment tough. If that’s not you, this is the kind of activity that can turn into a story you tell for weeks: learning classic moves in a party room, with Brandon Burke keeping the vibe light and the steps clear.

One last reason to feel confident: the overall ratings are high, and multiple people specifically call out the host’s ability to make it fun and even a bit of a workout. That’s a strong sign the event succeeds at both goals—entertainment and participation.

FAQ

How long is the London country music party and dance session?

The experience lasts 2 hours.

Where does this take place?

It takes place at Big Belly Bar in Southwark, London.

What time does the event run?

The dance party is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and doors open at 12:00.

What dances and steps are included in the lessons?

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

Is the Bottomless Brunch included with general admission?

No. The Bottomless Brunch is an add-on and is not included in the general admission price.

What’s included with the Bottomless Brunch add-on?

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

Is there live music and singing?

Yes. The event includes live musicians and singers.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Is this activity suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with low level of fitness, or people over 95 years.