Come dancing… at the gorgeous Rivoli Ballroom.
There’s no shortage of places for a dance in London, many boasting rumbling sound-systems, lasers piercing the dark and easily-disinfected surfaces to catch clubbers’ bodily fluids. But if you’d rather bust a move in more salubrious surroundings, however, have we got the nightspot for you. [Photo: @findlerella]
As dancefloors go, nowhere in London can rival the Rivoli’s vintage features. The barrel-vaulted space is over 100 years old, and the decor has been wisely frozen around the 1950’s, with a golden ceiling, crystal chandeliers and luscious scarlet furnishings everywhere you look.
You might recognise the Rivoli from any number of music videos or film appearances (Legend, Avengers Assemble and The Infiltrator among them) or countless fashion shoots where the art director wants to recreate that unmistakably retro vibe. Here’s one example…
The adjoining bar boasts some seriously ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ vibes:
And even a random corridor out back offers scenes from a Kubrick film:
Truly, a feast for the eyes. But how might the average punter set about attending the Rivoli?
You’ll be pleased to know, despite the exquisite interiors this is a welcoming joint – family-owned and much-beloved among the local community, it puts on a small selection of fun and affordable events that cater to all ages.
Three recurring nights include the monthly Jive Party, with live band, Jacky’s Jukebox, which offers a chance to do your best Strictly impression with ballroom, salsa and latin; and Rouges at the Rivoli which fills up the dancefloor with disco and funk from ’70s and ’80s.
There are also frequent cinema screenings in the atmospheric ballroom, courtesy of Crofton Park Pictures. Didn’t we just mention Kubrick?
All told it’s a night to pop on a spangly frock, flail around freely without bumping into anyone on ketamine, and spam your feed with tons of photos of your pals being amazing. (If you want to go all out, you can even hire the entire venue…)
It’s strictly (come dancing) a must-visit on any Londoner’s bucket list. See you on the (sprung, maple) dancefloor, people!
Location: 350 Brockley Rd, SE4 2BY. Nearest station is Crofton Park. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: only open for events a few nights per month, generally 8pm – 1am; check site for details.
Price: tickets are £10 – £16, depending on the event. The bar is rather reasonably priced.
More information: on their website.