Mamma Mia O2 Experience: The Ultimate London Guide to Hotels, Restaurants and Insider Tips for the Perfect Night Out

The Mamma Mia O2 experience combines ABBA’s magical music with an immersive Greek dining adventure that transforms a night out in London into an unforgettable celebration. From the moment you step into Nikos Taverna at the O2 Arena, you’re transported to a Mediterranean paradise where servers double as performers, delicious Greek cuisine fills your plate, and ABBA’s timeless hits provide the perfect soundtrack.

Key Takeaways

Enjoy a four-course Greek feast with mezze, Greek salad, and main courses like braised lamb or vegetarian moussaka
Tickets start at £149.50 including a welcome drink and meal, with performances running until June 2025
Stay at the luxury Intercontinental London – The O2 for the ultimate convenience, just steps away from the venue
Book ground-floor courtyard seating for the best views of the immersive performance
Arrive early to explore the O2’s shopping and dining options before dancing the night away at the ABBA-themed disco

A Night of ABBA Magic: What to Expect at Mamma Mia! The Party

Created by ABBA’s own Björn Ulvaeus with a script by Sandi Toksvig, Mamma Mia! The Party takes the beloved musical to new heights. This isn’t just dinner and a show – it’s a fully immersive experience where you become part of the story unfolding at Nikos Taverna. The four-hour adventure begins with a welcome drink before diving into an authentic Greek feast served family-style.

The four-course menu features Mediterranean delights including mezze platters with dips, olives, and bread, followed by Greek salad, braised lamb stifado, and orange cake for dessert. Vegetarian guests can enjoy aubergine moussaka instead of lamb. Throughout dinner, the entertaining staff doubles as performers, creating a seamless blend of service and entertainment that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Performances run Wednesday through Sunday at 6:30 PM, with additional matinees at noon on weekends until June 2025. After dinner, the taverna transforms into a disco where you can dance to ABBA hits until midnight – so wear comfortable shoes!

Luxury Stay: Top Hotels Near The O2

For the ultimate hassle-free mamma mia o2 experience, staying close to the venue makes perfect sense. The Intercontinental London – The O2 stands as the premier accommodation option, located at 1 Waterview Drive just steps from the arena. This luxury hotel features 453 rooms including 59 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning Thames views.

Midweek rates at the Intercontinental start around £260, with Club Intercontinental rooms providing exclusive lounge access and additional perks. After the show, you can unwind at the rooftop bar, take a dip in the pool, or treat yourself to a spa session. The hotel’s proximity to London City Airport (15-minute drive) and Canary Wharf (10-minute drive) also makes it convenient for visitors from out of town.

If you’re traveling on a budget, looking at alternative accommodation options in Canary Wharf or Greenwich can provide more affordable rates while still keeping you relatively close to the O2.

Dining Options Beyond the Show

While the Mamma Mia! experience includes a substantial Greek dinner, those looking to explore other culinary options before or after the show have plenty of choices within the O2 complex. Gaucho offers premium Argentinian steaks with a wine-tasting cellar and balcony seating for those seeking a luxurious pre-show meal.

For casual dining, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger provides excellent value with £15 burger meals including chips and unlimited soft drinks. Meat lovers might prefer Rodizio Rico, an all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ featuring specialties like pork legs and rib-eye steak.

Late-night options after the ABBA disco include:

Cabana – Serving vibrant Brazilian street food
Hook – Offering traditional British fish and chips with a modern twist
Five Guys – For classic American burgers and fries

Insider Seating Tips and Reservation Strategies

Getting the most from your Mamma Mia! experience starts with strategic seating selection. The Ground-Floor Courtyard offers the best views of the performers despite higher pricing (typically £200+ per ticket). To ensure you get preferred seating, book well in advance – especially for weekend performances which sell out quickly.

For groups, securing private tables becomes easier when booking for parties of 4, 6, or 8 guests. This arrangement enhances the experience by keeping your group together while making your London adventure more memorable.

Before booking, check for concurrent events at the O2 to avoid large crowds and congestion. When making reservations, don’t forget to mention any dietary requirements – the kitchen can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and most allergen-free requests when notified in advance.

Transportation and Accessibility Guide

Getting to the O2 Arena is straightforward with multiple transportation options available. The Jubilee Line to North Greenwich station leaves you just a 5-minute walk from the venue, making it the fastest public transit option.

For a scenic journey, Thames Clippers boats stop directly at North Greenwich Pier, offering beautiful river views en route to the arena. Multiple bus routes also serve the area, including routes 108, 129, 188, 335, 422, and 486.

I recommend arriving by 6:00 PM for evening performances to allow time to explore the O2’s retail outlets before the show begins at 6:30 PM. After the experience ends around midnight, pre-booked taxis are advisable to avoid surge pricing and long waits, especially on weekends. Alternatively, staying at nearby hotels eliminates transportation concerns entirely.

Making the Most of Your Night: Timeline Tips

To maximize your mamma mia o2 experience, follow this optimal timeline:

Arrive at least 30 minutes early to enjoy welcome drinks and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere of Nikos Taverna. The four-course meal is served at a relaxed pace, allowing you to savor each dish while enjoying the entertainment that weaves through your dining experience.

After dinner, participate fully in the ABBA-themed disco that runs until midnight. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential as you’ll want to dance without restriction to classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Voulez-Vous.” Allow time before or after the show to browse the O2’s shopping outlets for souvenirs or essentials.

For those not staying nearby, remember that the last tube trains typically depart around midnight, so plan your return journey accordingly or pre-book a taxi to avoid transportation stress.

What Previous Guests Recommend

Based on feedback from past attendees, these practical tips can enhance your experience:

Book tickets at least 2-3 months in advance for the best seating options and date flexibility
Arrive hungry as the Greek feast is substantial with generous portions
Take part in the immersive environment by joining in the dancing – participation makes the experience more enjoyable
Wear comfortable shoes that you can dance in for hours
Bring extra money for specialty cocktails and unique ABBA-themed souvenirs

Many guests mention that the energy of the room depends on audience participation, so don’t be shy about joining in the fun. The performers are skilled at encouraging involvement without making anyone uncomfortable.

Planning Your Complete O2 Weekend

While Mamma Mia! The Party makes for an incredible evening, you can extend your experience into a perfect weekend getaway by exploring other attractions in the area. Consider combining your visit with other O2 attractions like Up at The O2 – a rooftop climbing experience offering panoramic views of London’s skyline.

The following day, explore Greenwich and its fascinating riverside attractions, including the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and Greenwich Market. A short tube ride takes you to Canary Wharf’s shopping and dining district, which makes for an excellent day-after activity.

For a scenic perspective of London, consider taking one of the Thames river cruises departing from North Greenwich Pier. These cruises provide spectacular views of London’s landmarks while allowing you to relax after your night of ABBA-fueled dancing.