Tom Chaplin at Pizza Express Live (Holborn)

Last Friday the hottest ticket in town was to see Tom Chaplin at Pizza Express Live Holborn. I knew that you could listen to live music at Pizza Express Soho but it’s been a long time since I went out in the evening thanks to my children and no babysitters nearby. When I heard that Tom Chaplin was playing I knew I had to do – tickets first then worry about a babysitter later.

Miraculously we got two tickets! I persuaded my mum to come up for the weekend so she could look after the children and we could go out. Pizza Express Holborn wasn’t too far away and after a quick ride on the Central Line we were there.

We knew that tables were allocated according to the order tickets were bought so there was no point in queueing before the venue opened at 6.30. Instead we went to a nearby pub and enjoyed a drink which was amazing as I really don’t go out very much anymore!

Before we knew it it was time to head round the corner to Pizza Express Holborn. We were shown to our table which was amazingly right in front of the stage! I couldn’t believe we would be so close to Tom Chaplin. The tables were really squashed in which was the only downside. It was impossible to not hear every conversation your neighbour was having, or smell their food and drink!

We ordered delicious food (Slimming World was totally forgotten for the evening!) and it was really nice to relax and enjoy ourselves. Not that I don’t love going to Pizza Express with my children but this was a totally different experience.

There were a few people buzzing around the small stage and then I noticed Tom Chaplin walk past! I do like him quite a lot and was pleased to see he had aged a little like me. I think it must be over 10 year since I first watched Keane perform at Ally Pally, but have also seen them at Wembley, the O2 and the O2 Academy Brixton.

Pizza Express Live Holborn takes place in the basement of the venue. It’s a curved area with seating around a small stage area. Tom Chaplin came on at 8.30 and played until 10.15 with a 20 minute break. No food or drink can be ordered whist the artist is performing so make sure you stock up before the performance starts!

Tom played some brilliant songs, lots of my very favourites. He opened with Still Waiting and Hardened Heart, then Bend & Break, I Remember You, Silenced by the Night, Hold On To Our Love, Everybody’s Changing and Somewhere Only We Know before the break. After the interval he played Worthless Words, Bring The Rain, Bedshaped, The River, Quicksand, Betterway, Sovereign Light Cafe, See It So Clear, Bound Together and Crystal Ball.

I’ve never been to such an intimate gig but Pizza Express Live Holborn was a great venue. Tom was amazing too and I thought it was funny when he forgot the words to one of his songs. He’s seems like such a lovely person and promised something exciting before the end of the year. I can’t wait!