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 edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 28th August 2024
Nightjar is a charismatic retro bar inspired by the 1920s, with candle lit tables, vintage tin cup cocktails and a soundtrack of crooning jazz and swing bands. Often hailed as one of London's best bars, the drinks are tantalising while regular live music sets keep the vibe varied and interesting.
A hidden gem in the heart of Shoreditch, the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a glamorous retro bar. The venue, entertainment and imaginative drinks selection all perfectly complement each other, providing a mesmerising and out of this world experience that guests will have never before encountered.
Channelling a speakeasy vibe with its unassuming door and sliding hatch, The Luggage Room 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 giant block of ice behind the bar that is carved for each drink.
Brimming with quirky, kitsch trinkets and vintage furnishings, Little Nan's Deptford Bar is like being at your granny's house if she never decorated after the 90s. Soak up the royal souvenirs, Pat Butcher references and plastic flowers while sipping cocktails served in teapots at this retro bar.
Located beneath the busy streets of Fitzoriva is the cool basement bar at Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai. With a 1970s vibe, it showcases retro decor, Indian film posters and quirky ornaments - the perfect backdrop for sipping signature cocktails.
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.
Disrepute is a retro gem combining the timeless qualities of Sixties counterculture with elements of London's exciting cocktail scene today. Offering an expertly curated drinks menu, the bar ensures cocktail lovers are well looked with their luxurious collection of expertly mixed creations.
Be transported back to the glamour of the roaring 20s at Fitz's. This place is bubbling with relaxed cocktail sippers on the velour sofas, while the cocktail menu take inspiration from free spirits of Bloomsbury's past and present, from novelist Emile Zola to spy princess Noor Inayat Khan.
Bobby Fitzpatrick is like stepping off the streets of West Hampstead and into a 70s interior decorating magazine, in the best way possible. Pop round and enjoy a pina colada, a rum cocktail or a pepperoni pizzas surrounded by Mr Fitzpatrick's memories, collected over a lifetime of Caribbean island hopping.
Nikki's is a little retro gem, found in the heart of Shoreditch and radiating plenty of sass. It plays the role of the girlfriend your mother warned you about but in bar form, open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and playing non-stop hits. It's well-known for its 00s-themed bottomless brunches, as well as a signature cocktail list featuring all things spicy and refreshing. Head on down to catch the happy hour where you'll be able to bag 2-4-1 on all cocktails and £20 bottles of prosecco.
Blame Gloria is a chic central London retro bar with plenty of vintage-inspired decor and Instagram photo ops. From its bold wallpaper to its corridor of glittering streamers, it's an essential visit for anyone who loves luscious libations and partying till the break of dawn.
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.
Rouges doffs its cap to the 70s and 80s, celebrating all the things we loved about those iconic decades, with DJs playing the best funk and soul tracks long into the early hours. 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.
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.
Situated within a former East-End pub on Mare Street, Martello Hall has transformed the old Victorian building into a decadent 60s-inspired lounge bar. Not only do they serve a mouthwatering selection of 48 hour proved pizza, but they even go so far as to distil their very own gin.
With outposts in St Petersburg, Moscow and New York, Mari Vanna is a gaudy-but-gorgeous interiors vintage bar in London. Think peeling wallpaper, shawl-covered lamps, crystal bowls and stacking dolls all taking you back to the days of Soviet Union Russia surrounding you as you sip vodka.
Bob Bob Ricard is a multilevel bar, mixing hotel chic with British and Russian design touches. Uniquely eccentric in its style, it's 20s decor is combined with rich texture, luscious cocktails and 'press for champagne' buzzers at each booth that create a fine mix between elegant and fun.
