London remains one of the leading destinations in the world for possessing a mix of dynamic modernity and retro charm. The famous old city is steeped in several centuries’ worth of history, and it has witnessed some significant changes along the way. For some people, rediscovering elements from the past has great appeal.
While going to a chic, new spot that’s been featured on lists like ours is always a good shout, sometimes there’s comfort to be found in a more vintage atmosphere.
We’re here to help you find that comfort. Ranging from hotspot venues for retro gaming, to speakeasies celebrating a bygone era, this roundup will surely pass the vintage vibe check. Without further ado, here are London’s best retro spots for a weekend that luxuriates in the city’s past.
Rules Restaurant & Private Dining Rooms, Covent Garden
Stepping into Rules Restaurant on Maiden Lane is like taking a journey back in time to the very heart of London’s culinary history. Established in 1798 by Thomas Rule, this venerable institution holds the title of London’s oldest restaurant and has been serving traditional British fare for over two centuries. With its rich heritage, Rules has witnessed the reigns of nine British monarchs and has been a constant in the ever-changing landscape of the city.
The interior of Rules exudes old-world charm, with leather banquettes, low-level lighting, and walls adorned with antique pictures. It’s a setting that has attracted literary giants like Charles Dickens and H.G. Wells, and even today, it remains a place where history can be savoured alongside classic dishes.
The menu here is a testament to the best of classic British cuisine, specialising in game cookery, oysters, pies, and proper puddings. The restaurant prides itself on serving “serious food – not fancy, just lovely,” a sentiment echoed by patrons who appreciate the top-notch cooking and slick service.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the full experience, the upstairs cocktail bar offers a plush retreat. Once the favoured haunt of King Edward VII for his secret liaisons, today guests can enjoy a range of cocktails, including those named after British royalty, in the sumptuously refurbished space.
Indeed, Rules is more than just a restaurant; it’s a slice of London’s history, a place where every meal feels like part of a grander narrative. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of traditional British cuisine, or simply in search of a vintage night out in London, Rules Restaurant on Maiden Lane stands out as an essential destination.
Other London dining institutions to check out include Sweetings, Simpsons Tavern and Wiltons, which, incidentally, features on our roundup of the best places to eat oysters in London. Do check it out sometime.
Four Quarters Arcade Bar, Various Locations
For a fancy evening of retro games, while indulging in cocktails, the Four Quarters Arcade Bar is high on the list of places to visit. With three locations in London – Peckham, Elephant and Castle, and Hackney – there is plenty of opportunity to scratch an arcade itch.
Games differ per location, but there are many blasts from the past to explore and enjoy at any of them. Players can expect to find arcade classics such as Frogger, Guitar Hero, House of the Dead, Pac-Man and Tetris at the Four Quarters.
As part of the Four Quarters experience, there is the invitation to hang around for a long time, as they also offer food and drinks. Visitors are advised to book ahead, especially during busy hours to guarantee a table or console booth as they get very busy.
Little Nan’s Bar, Deptford
If you fancy a tipple at your granny’s (if she was the coolest granny on the block), then Little Nan’s Deptford Bar is your next port of call. This kitsch palace is decked out with trinkets from the ’90s, royal souvenirs, and Pat Butcher references. Sip on cocktails served in teapots amongst the plastic flowers and feel like royalty.
Dennis Severs’ House, Shoreditch
We’re sliding back a few centuries to the Georgian era next, with a visit to the Dennis Severs’ House. Located on Folgate Street on the peripheries of Shoreditch, this house is a Grade II-listed building that acts as a time capsule from the 1700s. Its interior depicts what life would have been like for a family of silk weavers during Georgian times.
Visiting this fascinating house requires some planning, as the opening hours are quite limited. The house is open from Friday to Sunday, and visitors are recommended to pre-book their visit to avoid disappointment; walk-ins are allowed, subject to availability.
A typical visit costs £75 and includes a full guided tour of the house with an actor. These tours take place in the evenings and can only accommodate up to six people at a time.
There’s a £15 silent, unguided tour on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for visitors who like to amble around at their own pace. On Friday evenings there is a higher charge to visit the candlelit house, which basks in tremendous 1700s glory.
Museum Of Brands, Notting Hill
For a unique step back in time, a visit to the Museum of Brands allows visitors to see how famous brands have evolved. To see how a humble tube of Smarties has evolved throughout the decades, for example, head to Lancaster Road in Notting Hill; just a few minutes’ walk from the Ladbroke Grove tube station.
The museum is open seven days a week, including bank holidays, from 10 am to 6 pm (11 am to 5 pm on Sundays and bank holidays). Adult tickets cost £9, while children can visit for £5. Other discounts are available, such as a £24 family ticket for two adults and two children.
The Blackfriar, City Of London
For those who don’t quite feel up to hitting their local Wetherspoons and would rather grab a pint with a side order of history instead, then a trip to an old Dominican friary may fit the bill nicely. Specifically, the Blackfriar pub, which is situated in such a place.
The pub has been there since 1875 and visitors can enjoy marble-topped bars, stained glass windows and a view of Blackfriars Bridge. Getting there couldn’t be any easier, either; as it is conveniently located only a few steps from Blackfriars station.
Cahoots, Soho
Talking of the Tube, a stop-off at Cahoots serves up a unique retro experience. The location is styled like a 1940s London Underground tube station, with a matching carriage to boot. Cahoot is situated at Kingly Court in Soho, around 5 minutes from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus and offers an intriguing experience just to get in.
There are two ways to enter the post-war-themed experience. To visit Cahoots as an underground station, with platforms and a tube carriage replica, the Kingly Court entrance is the pick. For further indulgence by exploring the ticket hall and signal station, go through Kingly Street. The entrances are in buildings right across from each other across a disused station.
While there, patrons can enjoy the 1940s London era and some aptly themed tipples. The history, railway and just some good food and drinks offer a fun time all around.
The Bottom Line
London’s vibrant nightlife offers a treasure trove of retro experiences for those yearning for a taste of the past. From the historic Rules Restaurant in Covent Garden, London’s oldest dining establishment, to the quirky Coin Laundry in Clerkenwell with its ’70s flair, the city caters to vintage enthusiasts with a variety of unique spots.
The Four Quarters Arcade Bar and Little Nan’s Bar in Deptford invite patrons to relive their fondest memories with classic games and nostalgic decor. For a more immersive historical experience, Dennis Severs’ House in Shoreditch and the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill provide educational journeys through time. The Blackfriar pub offers a pint steeped in history, while Cahoots in Soho transports visitors back to the 1940s with its London Underground-themed bar.
Each venue encapsulates a different era, ensuring that every night out in London can be a distinctive trip down memory lane.