Take a trip down memory lane and revisit some happy memories at one of the many retro-inspired events that this city has on offer. From ’90s karaoke to the best Vintage Fair in town, there’s never been a better time to escape the noughties…
1. Go swing dancing
Forget fist pumping (no seriously, please forget it), these days the shapes you should be throwing on the d-floor are of the swing variety. Swing Patrol is a community o6f over 1000 dancers, troupes and teachers who host festivals, social dances and over 40 weekly classes in 35 different quirky venues across London. If you’re keen to learn a few new tricks, meet a LOT of new people and let loose, then swing dancing is most definitely your answer. From dance studios to town halls, speakeasys to good old fashioned pubs, the classes quite literally take place anywhere and everywhere, so take a look at their schedule and get those dancing shoes ready…
2. Go bargain hunting at the Hammersmith Vintage Fashion Fair
Quite literally a vintage clothing PALACE, the Hammersmith Town Hall becomes the go-to destination once a month for any fashionista looking for a bargain. Over 100 leading vintage fashion dealers from all over the UK and abroad gather together to share their prized stash of highly sought-after wares spanning from 1800 to the Eighties. We’re talking handbags, hats, gowns, necklaces, gloves, trimmings, THE WORKS. And the best part about it? It’s definitely cheaper than going to a dedicated shop. The next fair will be on the 21 February and costs just £5 to enter. Go on, you deserve a splurge.
3. Check out a whole century of style at the National Portrait Gallery
Another one for the fashionistas, this 100 year retrospective celebrates the history of the fashion bible British Vogue. The show will include early original magazines, vintage prints and Condé Nast archival material, as well as featuring work from some of the fashion world’s most influential photographers. Prepare to enter the magical world of one of the most successful publications of all time…
11 February – 22 May
4. Sing your heart out at a 90s karaoke night
Hot Since ’91 celebrates, yeah, you guessed it, the 1990s: that golden decade where tamagotchis and Billie Piper reigned supreme. Every last Friday of the month sees the crew taking over three floors at the Macbeth of Hoxton, bringing you the only Karaoke night dedicated entirely to ’90s music. That’s a whole lot of 2Pac right there. Not only can you sing your heart out to all your favourite radio chart toppers, there will also be free fried chicken, candy floss and a ’90s photo booth with enough accessories to evoke some pretty special childhood memories. The next night is this Friday 29 January, and at £10 a ticket, prices don’t appear to have undergone any noughties inflation either… Get yours by downloading the Fever app – we’ll see ya there.
5. Stuff yourself silly at a ’40s diner
Fatboy’s Diner is an old school converted trailer on Trinity Buoy Wharf. From the 1940’s decor to the counter-style dining, this place is 100% Grease certified (that’s the movie not the financially unstable country – learn to spell). Go for the bottomless filter coffee and Lumberjack breakfast for a rootin tootin time. (No but seriously, watch out for those baked beans). Often used for photoshoots and movies, you can rent out this fabulous space for your very own themed party, with peanut butter milkshakes that are sure to bring all the boys to your yard.
Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, E14 0JY
6. Have a big slice of ’70s nostalgia at The Coin Laundry
Britain in the 1970s wasn’t exactly famous for its cuisine (for the right reasons, anyway) but who doesn’t love a bit of chicken kiev? The Coin Laundry in Exmouth Market gets it so-wrong-its-right with their nostalgic, ’70s inspired menu. Prawn cocktail and sardines on toast just got cool again. Pop in for a cocktail or some ‘proper good’ comfort food in a totally relaxed – yet achingly trendy – setting. The restaurant stays open later on a weekend and often plays host to book clubs, swap shops, music nights and parties; keep an eye on their events schedule that they’re currently putting together. And don’t forget your flares. Obvs.
70 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4PQ