If you’re a sucker for some seventies nostalgia and are looking for somewhere to ‘shake your groove thing‘, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 8 places in London that will transport you straight back to the 1970s, patterned wallpaper and all.
1. Bandra Bhai, Fitzrovia
Step into the dimly-lit world of India’s old smuggling dens at this retro-themed cocktail bar. Bandra Bhai is hidden beneath a concealed staircase at the back of Fitzrovia’s Pali Hill restaurant, inviting you to explore the secrets of India’s 1970s era. Decked with red velvet chairs, golden lamps, leopard-print pillows, life-sized peacocks, and retro wallpaper; the bar’s basement interiors emulate the luxurious, secretive vibes derived from India’s infamous underground operations.
Plan your visit here.
79-81 Mortimer Street, W1W 7SJ
2. Bobby Fitzpatrick, West Hampstead
Get ready to feel extremely nostalgic as you step into your nan’s living room, or rather this 70s-inspired cocktail and pizza haunt. The decor of this place is so spot on that it’ll have you second guessing what year you’re in. The nostalgia will keep coming in spades at Bobby Fitzpatrick’s, where shag pile carpets, retro wallpaper, and 70s board games fill the place. Go for the banana cream pie and stay for the rum cocktails and deep fried pickles.
Plan your visit here.
273 West End Lane, NW6 1QS
3. Sweeties, King’s Cross
Located up on the 10th floor of The Standard, London; Sweeties promises ‘naturally mood-boosting cocktails’ in a 1970s Hollywood-inspired lounge. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a disco ball, velvet sofas, leather banquettes, mirrored tables, and, interestingly enough, a six-foot ‘antique phallic sculpture’. The bar’s theme is ‘new wave glamour meets glorious misbehaviour’, which sounds both intriguing and incredibly fun, and might also explain the somewhat risqué decor.
Plan your visit here.
10th Floor, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
4. Little Nan’s, Deptford
Tucked away in the arches of Deptford Market Yard, Little Nan’s is a super kitsch bar filled with one lad’s grandma’s furniture, ornaments, Pat Butcher portraits, and treasured heirlooms. Known best for its off-the-wall cocktails served in various zany vessels – including teapots and vases – Little Nan’s is a firm favourite in South-East London and will well-and-truly transport you right back to the 1970s.
Plan your visit here.
Arches 14-15, Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX
5. Blame Gloria, Clapham Junction and Covent Garden
From Covent Garden to Clapham Junction, Blame Gloria has been causing a buzz about town for a few years now. So, what can you expect at groovy Gloria’s gaff? World-class drag acts, wild games of bingo, epic dance battles, and a whole load of sparkly, disco-themed fun (and that’s just what you’ll find at one of their raucous bottomless brunches).
Plan your visit here.
89-91 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HW and 20 Bedford Street, WC2E 9HP
6. Nikki’s Bar, Shoreditch
Inspired by ‘the nightmare girlfriend your mum warned you about’, Nikki’s is a place to get ‘lit’ and where hedonism reigns. Haters and hangups should both be left at the door for this one, because you never know where the night will take you. Drawing kitschy influences from the likes of Quentin Tarantino, amongst others, Nikki’s promises outlandishly trashy décor, splashed with colour. They’ve also stuck a bed in the middle of the bar – purely for the purposes of lounging around and giving zero f**ks, mind you (and what’s more 70s than that?).
Plan your visit here.
39A Hoxton Square, N1 6NL
7. Oslo Court Restaurant, St John’s Wood
When you inevitably need some refueling after all that disco-dancing, head on over to Oslo Court Restaurant and be transported straight back to the 1970s. This restaurant (located in a north London block of flats) does 70s extremely well. We’re talking an old-school dining room, pink tablecloths and some bloomin’ delicious retro dishes. A 70s throwback that is most definitely worth the visit.
Plan your visit here.
Charlbert Street, NW8 7EN
8. Maggie Jones, Kensington
The final entry on our list of places that’ll transport you back to the 1970s is Maggie Jones, a favourite among Kensington locals for over 40 years. It’s 1970s-style dining in a cosy and romantic setting and if they could sell their rustic charm by the bottle, Maggie Jones’ would make an absolute killing. As it is, we’ll have to settle for their delicious food and impeccable vibes instead!
Plan your visit here.
6 Old Court Place, W8 4EP