The English Riviera – A Definitive Guide to Live Music Venues and Bands in The Bay

The English Riviera is one of the biggest and best holiday destinations in the UK. However, what most people don’t know about the area is its richness in live music. Nestled in the heart of Devon in the South West of England, it gets its name due to the rolling hills, the seaside resort vibe and of course the streets lined with Palm trees.

Torbay (The English Riviera) has a long history of live music. No matter what your taste in music might be there is something there for everyone. From cabaret, to rock, to indie folk and cover bands, no matter what you want, Torbay can offer it up to you.

Here I will give you a definitive guide to staying in the bay and experiencing the best that the bay can offer you as well as where to go to experience it and make your stay a tuneful one and hear some of the best bands to the bay serves up.

The Offshore Bar and Restaurant (The Harbourside Torquay)

Offshore has one of the best reputations for live music and undoubtedly one of the best locations too. Offshore enjoys an unrivalled reputation for the best Live Music in Torquay, Torbay. Offshore features only the best local artists and bands that Torbay has to offer. The music is always lively and full of popular songs… all styles, from acoustic, funky, current, classics… which all create a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere. For more information click here

The Spinning Wheel (Paignton Seafront)

The Spinning Wheel on Paignton Seafront has a long-established reputation for being the No.1 entertainment venue in Torbay. A fantastic atmosphere and a great night out awaits you in our immensely popular cluster of bars and function area that provide an exciting program of nightly entertainment, including live music, dance music with our resident DJ and weekly karaoke.

Click here to find out more.

The Apple and Parrot (Torquay)

The Apple and Parrot is fully equipped with an in-house PA system and moving into a new era of Live music scheduling and promotion. Alongside their impressive range and genres of bands and musicians, they also have a fantastic assortment of ciders, ales and spirits to keep you going all night. They also have a music festival coming up on 1st September. All info here

The Babbacombe Inn (Torquay)

With live entertainment every Saturday night, The Babbacombe Inn boasts not only great live music but a whole host of other entertainment including quiz nights and tribute acts. Eye-watering views across the bay and down to Babbacombe beach and the infamous cliff railway for ease of access to the beach. See what’s coming up here

The Trawler (Brixham)

The trawler, in the quaint fishing town of Brixham, is a community pub which hosts a wide range of music and entertainment. One of the best Sunday Carvery’s in the bay and some of the best ‘fresh from the fish market’ fish. Kids under 12 can enjoy a free meal with accompanying adults. They have a Family fun day planned for 26th August 2018 which would make it a perfect day out for all the family. Get details here

The Ferry Boat (Shaldon)

The Ferry Boat Inn (known as the FBI to the locals) is a historic pub next to the beach in the beautiful fishing village of Shaldon, Devon, on the mouth of the  River Teign. The landlady Kat is always full of smiles and alongside her mums amazing home cooked food served daily from 12 – 3, stunning views of the mouth of the river Teign, The Ferry Boat Inn is best described as fun, with great music (Thursday/Friday evenings and Sunday Afternoons), great food and excellent beers. Families (and well behaved dogs) warmly welcomed. Details here

The Jolly Farmer (Newton Abbot)

Jolly Farmer Pub Newton Abbot, Devon is a family based run pub. At the Jolly Farmer, they celebrate everything local. From great food to fantastic live music. They source the best produce locally to provide a pub experience that you can believe in. Check out their What’s on guide to find out what’s going on and coming up at the JollyFarmer.

The Blue Anchor (Teignmouth)

Teignmouth’s Real Ale Pub, offering a wide range of real ales, many brewed locally. A good choice of ciders, including a guest cider, lagers, wines & spirits, sunny beer garden, pool table & the best Jukebox around, as well as live music, there’s something for everyone.

The Royal Seven Stars Hotel (Totnes)

Situated in the heart of the historic town of Totnes just outside the bay area, The Royal Seven Stars Hotel is the place to be on a Friday night in Totnes. Not just for the atmosphere, great food and a wide range of drinks, but because they also have live bands playing in our Saloon Bar with music from a variety of popular acts. It’s free entry with a different musician and genre each week. More info here

Premier Bands to Watch Out For

The English Riviera and the Devon region has, in its time, produced worldwide acts such as Joss Stone, Chris Martin (Coldplay), Matt Bellamy (Muse), Ben Howard, Will Young, Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz) and Shelly Smith (X-Factor). As well as all these there are a multitude of acts to look out for in the bay if you are ever there.

Busta Grove

Busta grove is a 3 piece funk band with a difference. Consisting of Oliver Holmes – guitar/vocals, Mike Taylor- bass guitar and Dean Mancey – djembe//vocals. Dean of former Torbay infamous band 3BF told me “There really is no better place to listen to Live Music, it really is ace”

All enquiries: bustagrooveuk@gmail.com or visit their facebook page here.

Buried Hedz

Buried Hedz are a 3 piece band consisting of husband and wife Barney and Angie (also originally of 3BF), and Myk playing top tunes to get the night pumping, using guitar, bass, beatbox and samplers/weird things. Barney said, “Music in the bay is better than ever, there are loads of great young bands which creates a thriving scene and amazing live music every day of the week”.

All enquiries: Visit their facebook page here.

Mafia 4 / Babysnakes

Two bands formed by the same frontman Christian. Different vibes and both great bands. Mafia 4 delivers you funky vibes covering tunes that we all know and love. More info and contact here. Babysnakes has two of the same members and delivers you fresh new original material with a kick. Well worth seeing both if you ever get the chance. Contact here.