Retro Bars In London
We love discovering new retro bars in London, where the traditional British drinking experience is transformed into a magical pursuit of decadent entertainment and creative drink combinations, set in an atmospheric setting reminiscent of bygone eras. For those of you keen to experience these unique venues for yourself, we have come up with a list of the best retro bars in London for you to explore.
Last updated on 8th May 2017
Located above the stylish Fulham restaurant bar Goat DINE, The Chelsea Prayer Room is an alluring speakeasy-style bar serving only unbranded drinks to its select number of guests. This mysterious drinking experience combined with the venue's dark and intimate candlelit setting makes The Chelsea Prayer Room a great spot for a romantic date. Although it is a members only venue, if you book in advance with DesignMyNight, you can get yourself in!
Harking back to the 1950s, The Diner is the ultimate retro restaurant in London. Decked out in vintage leather booths and giving off that ultimate, Americana edge, join The Diner for pancakes and brunch come the morning, and hard shakes and burgers come the night.
Worship Street Whistling Shop is a retro bar of utmost style and flavour. This West London venue combines the charm of Victorian slums with the elegance of grand Gin Places, and is host to some of the most exciting and imaginative cocktail combinations in London. Guests can sample a whole cupboard full of their delicious creations which are crafted using innovative molecular mixology techniques.
Discover the secret speakeasy bar that is Ruby's, hidden in a basement in Dalston. This quirky setting is home to one of London's most intimate retro bars, featuring a whole host of delicious quality drinks and a great atmosphere. Ruby's is perfect for an evening with the girls or even a romantic date, and on your visit you should definitely try their refreshing cocktails which all feature an innovative twist.
Trailer Happiness is a tiki den offering the e-z boy feel of a low rent, mid-60s California valley bachelor pad. It’s an intimate and personal basement space on Portobello Road, where visitors tuck into Dim Sum treats washed down with their renowned range of rum cocktails. Make yours a Dia De Los Muertos, and don’t forget there’s feel-good tunes from the DJ towards the end of the week.
Doused in a bit of 19th Century swag, The Punch Room is like a time capsule for the classic style of manor house libraries with some super cool drinks thrown in. Sink back into the velvet sofas and the brooding ambiance of this oak paneled, retro inspired London bar and sup on one of their specialist punch bowl cocktails.
The '80s and '90s sure were great and one place that agrees with us is Bloomsberry Bowling Lanes as they put on a night dedicate to the decades. There will also be giant pizza, arcade games, sing-alongs and movie screenings - 2016, you are so over.
Channeling the speakeasy vibe with utmost authenticity thanks to an unassuming door and sliding hatch, The Luggage Room at the London Mariott in Grosvenor Square is one of London's most impressive retro bars. The decadent 1920's bar is an oasis of period curiosities, jazz music, delicious cocktails and even a rather spectacular giant block of ice behind the bar that is carved for each drink.
Discover the hidden speakeasy bar The Nightjar; a charismatic retro-style venue that is a 1920's oasis of candle lit tables, vintage tin cup cocktails and a soundtrack of crooning jazz and swing bands. The service is impeccable, the drinks are tantalising and regular live music sets keep the vibe varied and interesting.
Four Quarters is coming to Hackney Wick to open the second of their amazing retro arcade bars. The bar is located near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and will have incredible arcade games including Pacman and Space Raiders as well as the usual muddle of craft beers.
If 'That 70s Show' had a club, it would be Strawberry Moons (perhaps with a bit more of a contemporary edge). Rally up all of your lovers of retro music in London and head to this Oxford Circus club where the playlist will take you through the biggest disco decades with a multi-coloured dance floor to match.
Famous across London and New York, Little Nan's Bar is a well-known pop-up retro bar that sets up shop in some of the most unusual spots in town. Serving classic cocktails in novelty teapots and a range of vodka candy shots, the famous bar will be popping up all over London this summer.
With a nod to the 70s and some of the coolest interiors in the business, Coin Laundry is a great retro bar in London with East London style on its side. Whether you're chowing down to their retro chicken kiev inspired menu or hoofing down cocktails, Coin Laundry has a little something for everyone.
It doesn't get much more throwback than the days of school. Perfect for Grange Hill fans and those looking for a retro place to drink in London, head on down to The Schoolhouse for science themed cocktails, vintage interiors, retro antiques from the dinner-lady era and plenty more.
Based in an idyllic ballroom in South London, Rouges doffs its cap to the 70s and 80s, celebrating all the things we loved about those iconic decades. With DJ Kobayashi playing all the best funk and soul tracks long into the early hours, a stunning aerialist performance by Kellie Sky of the Tear Drop circus will have jaws hitting the ground. If that wasn't enough, be sure to visit one of the two bars in this venue, both of which are over 50 years old. You'll struggle to find a more retro night in London.
A hidden gem in the heart of Shoreditch, the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a glamorous retro bar of exquisite decadence and eccentricity. The venue, entertainment and imaginative drinks selection all perfectly complement each other, providing a mesmerizing and out of this world experience that guests will have never before encountered.
No results found, please try again by changing your search or look at all the results.
