London in music: from rock to jazz among craft beers

Accommodation.

Arrival in London and check-in at the 4* Cumberland Hotel, currently being converted into London’s first Hard Rock Hotel. Jimi Hendrix once stayed here, so what better place to start? Start the morning by visiting the lively South Bank, along the Thames. The stretch between Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge is home to several cultural venues, such as the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre, as well as a wide variety of bars and restaurants. Some of London’s top tourist attractions are located in this area, such as the London Dungeon, which allows visitors to relive several centuries of London’s darkest and bloodiest history, and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. But above all, the London Eye. After exploring South Bank, we suggest you hop on a boat to Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As soon as you disembark at Maritime Greenwich, the first thing that will catch your eye is undoubtedly the Cutty Sark, the only surviving tea clipper in the world. Built in 1869 to transport the much-loved beverage from China to Britain, the ship was in service for almost a hundred years, during which time it called at most of the world’s major ports. Today it is ‘moored’ in an enchanting ‘sea’ of glass beside the Thames. Greenwich is a charming London neighbourhood with a rich cultural heritage. Probably the most fascinating in the country. The area is not only home to the Prime Meridian, but also to the Queen’s House, the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. After a bite to eat at Greenwich Market or in one of the historic riverside pubs, such as the Cutty Sark or the Trafalgar Tavern, what better way to stretch your legs than a stroll up the hill through the delightful Greenwich Park to reach the world’s prime meridian? The Royal Observatory is situated exactly at the zero point of longitude and was commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II of England; today it is a museum offering visitors the chance to discover everything there is to know about how longitude was determined at sea, long before the invention of satellite navigation. To round off this first day in London, we recommend a visit to Zerodegrees. It is an award-winning microbrewery situated in the heart of Blackheath. Founded in 2000, it is the first in a chain that also includes branches in Bristol, Cardiff and Reading. The venue offers a complete experience, combining craft beer production with a restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and a selection of innovative dishes. Zerodegrees brews a variety of beers on-site, including Pilsner, Pale Ale and Black Lager. A seasonal beer is introduced every month, offering ever-changing options to discover. And plenty of reasons to come back!,

The morning begins with a musical theme, with a visit to the Handel & Hendrix exhibition at the London Museum: two musical legends, two different eras, one home. From Baroque music to the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s, it is a fascinating journey through the rooms where two absolute geniuses once lived. From here, head to the musical heart of London: Mayfair and Soho. Just a stone’s throw away is 3 Savile Row, where the Beatles held their final rooftop concert for Apple Corps. A symbolic spot, perfect for a photo opportunity. If you’d like, you can join a guided Beatles-themed walking tour that also includes Abbey Road and other iconic sites linked to the band. Did you know that it wasn’t just the Beatles who recorded at Abbey Road Studios, but that Queen also recorded part of their album ‘A Night at the Opera’ there? In the afternoon, a guided music tour takes you through the legendary streets of Soho. You’ll discover the history of Swinging London as you stroll down Carnaby Street and Denmark Street, popping into shops selling rare vinyl and the haunts of the Rolling Stones, Bowie and The Who. And finally, round off the day at the Hard Rock Café. Strategically located in the Piccadilly area, between the green spaces of Green Park and Hyde Park, this was the first Hard Rock Café to open its doors, back in 1971. It is renowned for its collection of memorabilia, much of which has been donated, whilst other items have been purchased at auctions worldwide, including autographed guitars, costumes from world tours and rare photographs. The collection began in 1979 with a red Fender Lead II guitar belonging to Eric Clapton, who was a regular at the restaurant. Clapton had asked the management to hang the guitar next to his seat to stake his claim to it. But today you’ll also find items belonging to Madonna, Kurt Cobain and John Lennon,

The morning begins at the famous Madame Tussauds, the wax museum where you can have your photo taken with hyper-realistic replicas of your favourite music icons, from Freddie Mercury to Adele, including Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé and many others. In the early afternoon, transfer to Stratford to explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, reborn after the 2012 Olympics as a modern, sustainable and culturally vibrant neighbourhood. You can take a stroll among the park’s installations or climb the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Famously designed for the 2012 London Olympics by two of the most renowned modern artists, Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the best way to admire the Olympic Park, combining breathtaking views of the city, entertainment and contemporary art. If you’re looking for a thrilling descent, there’s only one way down: the world’s fastest, highest and longest tunnel slide! A 115-metre spiral awaits you… Back on solid ground, you can easily reach the London Stadium, a multi-purpose sports venue built between 2008 and 2011, designed to be the main stadium and host to various events at the Games of the XXX Olympiad in 2012. After the Olympics, West Ham United secured it as their new home. You can visit the changing rooms, walk through the players’ tunnel and enjoy the view from the dugout. But that’s not all... Numerous world-famous artists such as The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Beyoncé, Green Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers have performed on this stage since AC/DC’s first concert in 2015! And what better way to round things off than with a concert that will leave you speechless? We’re talking about “ABBA Voyage”, the innovative show featuring digital avatars and a live band that brings the Swedish group’s timeless hits back to the stage in an unprecedented immersive experience. A true journey through time…,

The day begins with a street food tour of Borough Market and the surrounding area, the perfect way to dispel any preconceptions about British food. From savoury and sweet tarts, handmade fudge, Cumberland sausages, local cheeses, crispy fish and chips, and a taste of beer, cider or ale, you’ll discover the city’s true culinary heart. Here you’ll also find hidden spots along the Thames and the area’s most authentic pubs and bars. After the food, it’s time for music. Among the narrow streets of Bankside and Southwark, you’ll discover an alternative London, brought to life by record shops, historic pubs with live music and vibrant cultural venues. You can visit the Menier Chocolate Factory, a former factory converted into a musical theatre and venue for intimate concerts, or lose yourself among the stalls and venues that have hosted spontaneous performances by London artists. For true music lovers, it’s time for a detour into the heart of East London. Rough Trade East awaits you, a temple of indie and alternative rock, where you can listen to records, discover emerging artists and, if you’re lucky, catch a free live set amongst the shelves. Not far away, Vinyl Pimp is a paradise for DJs and electronic music collectors: a unique venue celebrating vinyl culture through techno, house and drum & bass. If you prefer to stay on the Thames side, you can explore iconic pubs such as The Gladstone Arms, known for its acoustic evenings, or the Union Theatre, which hosts a variety of off-West End musicals. The tour ends on a high note at The Shard. From the viewing terrace on the 70th floor, you can sip a glass of Champagne as the lights of London come alive beneath you. With music in the background and the city at your feet, it’s the perfect way to round off a day of flavours, sounds and unforgettable views.,

The day begins in Camden Town, the neighbourhood that epitomises London’s rebellious and creative spirit – home to Amy Winehouse and Madness, but also a temporary haven for Jimi Hendrix, The Clash and Blur. Start with a visit to Camden Market, a colourful maze of stalls and food stands: here you can sample dishes from all over the world, from bao buns to Caribbean cuisine, including artisan burgers, vegan curries, jerk chicken and spicy falafel. To wash it all down, pop into the Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall: a brewery founded right here in the area and now famous for its ice-cold lagers, often served straight from the tank. Their original brewery is still open to visitors and frequently offers tours with tastings. For music fans, you can join a guided walking music tour: you’ll discover historic venues such as Dingwalls, where artists like The Foo Fighters and Oasis have played, or the Good Mixer, a legendary pub frequented by Amy Winehouse and the 90s Britpop scene. The guide will share anecdotes, stories of impromptu gigs and iconic moments from Camden’s musical history. In the early afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing stroll along Regent’s Canal, a peaceful green spot linking Camden to Little Venice. The route is perfect for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle and discovering a slower, more poetic side of London. Along the way, you can stop at one of the many historic pubs by the canal, such as The Engineer or The Constitution, where you can sample a traditional ale or one of the new offerings from local breweries. Halfway along the route, you might come across the Pirate Castle, a community and cultural centre that often hosts independent music events. Alternatively, pop into the Canal Café Theatre in Little Venice for an evening show featuring alternative musicals or cabaret. In the evening, head back to Camden to experience its nightlife. The evening is perfect for catching live concerts in its most iconic venues: The Dublin Castle – an authentic pub where Madness took their first steps. It still hosts live bands every night. Electric Ballroom – a historic venue that has seen Sid Vicious and Joy Division perform, and now hosts international acts and indie parties. Jazz Café – a more refined atmosphere, with contemporary soul, jazz, hip-hop and R&B concerts, often with dinner included. For a final beer to round off the evening, head to BrewDog Camden, where you can enjoy innovative IPAs, seasonal beers and a lively atmosphere.,

Today, we invite you to discover the urban vibe of one of London’s most eclectic neighbourhoods. Start with a walking tour through Shoreditch and Brick Lane, in the beating heart of London’s most creative district. As you stroll past walls adorned with street art by Banksy, ROA, Ben Eine and Stik, you can lose yourself among vintage markets, independent boutiques, alternative bookshops and small cafés that look like they’ve stepped straight off a film set. In this area, music is everywhere – not just in the earphones of passers-by, but in bars, shops and even the alleyways. You can pop into Rough Trade East, one of the city’s most beloved record shops, where free live sets and acoustic performances are often held. The Old Truman Brewery, a former brewery now converted into a venue for events and markets, also hosts independent music festivals and DJ sets throughout the year. If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, 91 Living Room offers brunch accompanied by live music, perfect for a break between stalls.,

Your final day in London is all about exploring the beating heart of British music. Start the morning with a walking tour of Soho, one of the most iconic areas in London’s musical history and the birthplace of rock, jazz and punk. As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll have the chance to visit legendary record shops such as Phonica Records, famous for its selection of electronic and indie vinyls, or Sister Ray, which offers a wide range of musical genres and emerging trends. During your walk, be sure to stop off at Soho Square, a historic spot frequented by artists and musicians who have drawn inspiration here over the years. You can’t miss a visit to venues that have shaped the history of London’s music scene, such as the Marquee Club, where Queen, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Who and many others have performed. Or the famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, where the world’s greatest jazz musicians have performed, from Miles Davis to Chet Baker. The atmosphere of these legendary venues will transport you back in time, allowing you to relive the magic of the music that has shaped generations. Finally, relax with a visit to some of the live music venues that bring the Soho neighbourhood to life. If time allows, try popping into The Pizza Express Jazz Club, which offers excellent live music accompanied by delicious food, or The Spice of Life, a historic pub that hosts jazz, soul and folk music concerts. The day will conclude with a transfer to the airport for your return journey, your mind filled with musical memories of a London that never stops playing.,