{"id":19241,"date":"2016-09-01T09:00:29","date_gmt":"2016-09-01T13:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/?p=19241"},"modified":"2022-01-27T17:10:59","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T22:10:59","slug":"london-musical-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/london-musical-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A Musical Guide of Britain – London"},"content":{"rendered":"

A MUSICAL GUIDE OF BRITAIN<\/strong><\/h3>\n

From the Baroque to The Beatles \u2013 music is alive and hopping in the U.K.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Music has always had a loving home in the British Isles<\/a>. It’s a land of music lovers as well as a major exporter and source of musical innovation. Inspiration from the Medieval and Renaissance periods to Baroque and classical music to western culture and ancient\/traditional folk \u2013 all paved the way for the many forms of popular music including Jazz, rap, hip-hop, rock \u2018n’ roll and a range of live music, disco, and cabaret.<\/p>\n

In the 50s, young artists picked up ideas from the U.S. and spun it into their own versions, including \u2018rock,’ which eventually led to the 60s and the British Invasion led by The Beatles – securing a major place for Britain in the pop and rock music world.<\/p>\n

Well, that’s the history! Today, with their world-renowned bands and musicians, annual music festivals, classical concert halls, jazz clubs and local pubs, the British music scene is rich and flourishing with a thriving audience of tourists and locals alike.<\/p>\n

\"london\"<\/p>\n

LONDON<\/strong><\/h1>\n

History, Royalty, Culture, and Music \u2013 all this and more – in London.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can hear a symphony orchestra at Royal Albert Hall or blues at Ain’t Nothin’ But (a haunt for musicians and blues lovers) or Jazz at one of the many clubs (speakeasy-style Nightjar or Ronnie Scotts). This is a city that continually lures music lovers to its shores.<\/p>\n

Live Music Venues<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Photo:<\/a>

Royal Albert Hall. Photo Credit: David Iliff<\/p><\/div>\n

Royal Albert Hall<\/a><\/strong> built for the advancement of the Arts & Sciences (the first stone of this magnificent concert hall was laid by HM Queen Victoria), opened March 29, 1871. If you’re planning a London visit, check what’s on in advance. Some of the best entertainment in the world has been featured at the Albert \u2013 like Phantom of the Opera, The Beach Boys, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, Frankie Valli and Adele. They have a wide range of restaurants and bars and are affiliated with Jeremiah Carlton Tower, Gore Hotel, and the boutique Milestone Hotel; each property is within walking distance of the Hall and has preferential rates for Hall customers.\u00a0Located at Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Southbank Centre<\/a><\/strong> is an independent arts organization with a wide range of cultural events. The site covers 21 acres in the middle of London’s cultural quarter on the South Bank of River Thames. Their programme offers a wide range of cultural events – the arts, dance, cultural festivals and music including classical, rock, pop and jazz, with thousands of musicians performing every year. They are committed to working with young, emerging as well as established talent. *They also have a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.\u00a0Located at Belvedere Rd., London SE1 8XX\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Southbank<\/a>

Southbank Centre. Photo Credit Belinda Lawley<\/p><\/div>\n

Ronnie Scott’s<\/a><\/strong> is a legendary jazz club in Soho. This well-respected club oozes atmosphere and is considered the home of British Jazz. It’s known for bringing US Jazz greats to the UK and has played host to the likes of Stan Getz, Buddy Rich, Donald Byrd, the incredible Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis. This outstanding basement club has a casual jazz venue above the main club.\u00a0Located at 47 Frith St., London W1D 4HT\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Ronnie<\/a>

Ronnie Scott’s. Photo Credit Ronnie Scott’s Facebook<\/p><\/div>\n

Caf\u00e9 Oto<\/strong><\/a> opened in 2008. Its large open space is home to a wide range of experimental music \u2013 really outside the mainstream with everything from underground Japanese artists to Norwegian improve and free jazz. Expect to encounter the unexpected, like the psych-rock power trio Bushmen’s Revenge or a talk by minimalist composer Terry Riley. During the day they’re open as a caf\u00e9 with a Persian-inspired menu.\u00a0Located at 18-22 Ashwin St., London E8 3DL\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Cafe<\/a>

Cafe Oto. Photo Credit todolist<\/p><\/div>\n

O2 Academy Islington<\/strong><\/a> is a live music venue inside a shopping center; key in the London gig scene. Since opening in September 2003, the intimate venue has hosted rock and pop acts and some of today`s biggest international artists, including American hip-hop legend, Eminem.\u00a0Located at 16 Parkfield St., Islington, London N`1 0PS<\/em><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart perform at the O2 Academy, Islington, London. 8th March 2012. Photo credit Steve Asenjo<\/p><\/div>\n

Bloomsbury Lanes<\/strong> <\/a>under the Tavistock Hotel is a 50’s style bowling club where you can have a drink (late license) diner-style dinner in a cozy booth, dance and enjoy a little ten-pin bowling. They have themed music nights plus live bands and DJs on the weekend. There’s always a party atmosphere. They also have karaoke rooms that accommodate 6 \u2013 35 for a group party.\u00a0Located at Bedford Way, (between Russell Square and Euston underground) Tavistock Hotel Basement, London WC1H 9EU<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Bloomsbury<\/a>

Bloomsbury Lanes. Photo Cedit Londontown.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Music in the Park<\/strong> – During the summer, London parks play host to many music festivals. Visit London’s Summer Festivals<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

When You Go, Don’t Miss:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Abby Road<\/strong>\u00a0should not be missed by any Beatles fan. It looks like an ordinary street corner, except for the heart-felt messages of love on the sidewalks and brick buildings surrounding the zebra crossing on this iconic corner. How to get there<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Denmark Street<\/a> or “Tin Pan Alley” –<\/strong> This 354 ft. long street connects Charing Cross Rd with St.Giles High Street and is phenomenally rich in music history; from the early music publishers to rock stars and their studios, to merchants of fine guitars. This is where The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and Jimi Hendrix all recorded. (nearest underground is Tottenham Court Road, 2 \u2013 3 min. walk away)<\/p>\n

Vinyl Shops<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sounds of the Universe<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This is an eclectically minded store with an extensive range, a good second-hand section as well as original vinyl. 7 Broadwick St., London W1F 0DA\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Phonica Records<\/a>\u00a0– <\/strong>Famous for its collection of house and electronica records, this is probably the only place where you can still record a message straight to vinyl, as they have one of only two working historical Voice-O-Graphs in the world. 51 Poland St., London W1F 7LZ\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Honest Jon\u2019s Records<\/a> <\/strong>on Portobello Road in Notting Hill has famous blues, jazz and folk vinyl.<\/p>\n

\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

Browse tours that suit your interest:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Literary, Art & Music Tours<\/a><\/p>\n

Theater, Shows & Musicals<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

Where to Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Athenaeum Hotel <\/a><\/strong>was originally the home of MP Henry Hope. Hope House became a Gentlemen’s club in the Victorian era, up to 1930 when it was transformed into luxurious Art Deco apartments. Today it’s The Athenaeum, a 5-star hotel frequented by world leaders, movie stars and the well known, their discreet home-away-from-home where the 5-star service never ends. It’s a fabulous spot for afternoon tea, dinner or cocktails. The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Hotels with Musical Connections<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Cumberland<\/a>

Cumberland Hotel. Photo credit guoman.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Cumberland Hotel<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>– One fab suite to see is \u2018The Jimi Hendrix Suite’ complete with vintage fabrics and wild murals.\u00a0Great Cumberland Place, London, W1H 7DL, UK<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Corinthia<\/a>

Corinthia Hotel. Photo Credit ampersandtravel.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Corinthia Hotel<\/strong><\/a> has an unbelievable two storey suite, \u2018The Musicians Suite” (named for big band impresario, Mantovani) is 2,475sq.ft. of super-stylish luxury complete with Steinway grand piano. Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, UK\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Getting Around<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Underground:\u00a0<\/strong>The London \u2018Tube’<\/a>, the underground rail network, is one of the best ways to get around the city. They have 12 \u2018Tube lines’ as well as the Docklands Light Rail (DLR) which is a network of interconnected local trains. This underground system has reduced operating hours on Sunday, but the rest of the week it runs 5: am until midnight.<\/p>\n

London Buses:<\/strong>\u00a0Make use of the bus system. It’s an inexpensive way to get about town and you have a phenomenal view of the sites from the top of an iconic double-decker bus.<\/p>\n

Airports:<\/strong>\u00a0There are 5 major airports in London;. Flying in from North America, you would probably land at Heathrow or Gatwick. On arrival, you’ll find several transfer options \u2013 bus, rail or taxi.<\/p>\n

Train:\u00a0<\/strong>There’s a dedicated express train service running from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports into the center of London. You can save up to 43% by booking in advance, through thetrainline.com.<\/p>\n

Heathrow Express<\/a> trains run every 15 mins to Paddington station from all 4 Heathrow terminals – one-way fares from 21 pounds.<\/p>\n

Gatwick Express<\/a>, from the South Terminal station, runs to Victoria Station every 15 minutes \u2013 book in advance to get the best rates – one-way fares from 17.75 pounds. You can use an Oyster or contactless card or pay-as-you-go between London and Gatwick on Southern Gatwick Express and Thameslink services.<\/p>\n

* Tip: You may find paying cash for transit rides inconvenient; you can save by purchasing the Oyster Card, which gets you around town by Tube or London Bus. When the card runs out, you can top it up at any station.<\/p>\n

\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

Read the full London travel guide<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Don’t miss these musical cities on your Scotland<\/a>,\u00a0England<\/a>, and Wales <\/a>musical tour:<\/strong><\/p>\n