Fans of old-school fun should definitely have London on their bucket list. From eats and drinks through to 1960s laundrettes, London has a lot to offer those after an authentic retro atmosphere. After a day checking out markets, boutique shops, and other hidden gems, London’s nightlife offers a range of vibrant activities to see the night through, from casinos to dance floors. Let’s take a spin through an evening in retro London.
Gaming
Why not start your retro evening with a visit to one of the city’s classic casinos? Casinos in London have a distinctive atmosphere to those in gambling destinations such as Las Vegas and Macau. Casinos are also more popular than ever, driven by the massive online gambling industry, where alongside iconic games like blackjack and roulette players can enjoy cutting-edge slots such as the Plinko Go game. London has a host of casinos to choose from — check out the Hippodrome in Leicester Square for loads of table games, slots, and more, as well as live entertainment and dining options. For the full, high rolling experience, head over to Maxim’s in Kensington. This establishment is luxuriously fitted out in marble and wood.
Snooker is a beloved game, and there are tons of places to play in London. Upton Park Snooker is a traditional venue, as is London Snooker in Tooting, both of which were originally founded as billiards clubs. If you want American pool as well, check the Hurricane Club, or the Boom Battle Bar in Oxford Street.
Dinner
That gaming will most likely make you hungry, and what better way to sate that hunger than with old-school pie and mash. Probably the most famous place is Manze’s in Bermondsey, which slings defiantly traditional pie suppers and has done so since 1902. These come with mashed potatoes and ‘liquor’, a rich parsley sauce.
Nothing could be more traditional than fish and chips, and you’ll find loads of great options in London. But if it’s a real retro feel you’re after, well, some chippies do it better than others. Check out The Fryer’s Delight in Holborn, a stubbornly old-school restaurant at reasonable prices, kitted out with formica tables and an interior largely unaffected by the passing of time. Or Toff’s in Muswell Hill, whose wooden interior has housed diners since back in the 1960s.
Dancing
Time to work off that dinner! At the Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley, time stopped in the 1950s, and every weekend you’ll find an ocean of quiffs and beehives strutting their stuff to classic music of the era. The interior of this old venue is lit by Chinese lanterns, and bedecked in red velvet for a truly immersive and atmospheric dancing experience.
But if it’s swing dancing you’re after, head up to the Arcola Theatre in Dalston on Friday night for Tiger Rag, where the energetic jazz pounds away deep into the night.
London plays host to a wealth of retro nighttime activities. From frenetic dancing to fish ‘n chips, revellers in search of old-school entertainment are spoilt for choice in one of the world’s great cities.
