Where to Experience the 1920s in London


 

With the next generation of 20s fast approaching, one finds greater interest in connection to the bygone ear that the 1920s embodied in London.

The Roaring 20s, as they were known, was a time of start contrast for Britain. One one hand you had this boom in nightlife, jazz clubs and speakeasies. On the other, a post-war depression with an ever declining employment rate.

Café de Paris in London – by Café de Paris – Uploaded by them

There are some spots in London that still capture all that was good during these times, no unemployment to worry about. Here’s what I’ve found thus far.

Nightjar in London

Those Roaring 20s were somewhat similar in events between both London and New York City. Both found a surge in demand for bars and lounges that could carry people through the prohibition.

Spaces like Nightjar began to pup up in secret nooks all across the cities; this one in London has a distinct New York feel to it, and is one of Shoreditch’s hidden gems.

The Nightjar has captured the 1920s to perfection, and delivers it to the people of London on a nightly basis. There is live jazz and blues every evening, so already the ambiance is something to write home about.

Nightjar in London – by Nightjar – Uploaded by them

Their staff and drinks are all reflective of the era as well; Old Fashioneds, aged whiskeys and classic cocktails like shaken martinis.

This is a great spot for a date; the music and dim lighting really set the scene of romance. Make a reservation so you’re not stuck listening to the band from the street.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 6pm to 1am
ADDRESS: 129 City Rd, Hoxton, London EC1V 1JB, United Kingdom
METRO STATION: Old Street

Ritzy Cinema and Cafe in London

Take any guided walking tour through Brixton and the Ritzy building is sure to be pointed out along the way. This art house cinema house opened its doors to London back in 2011, but it really found its prime during the 1920s when motion picture became one of societies most sought after pastimes.

Ritzy Cinema and Cafe in London – by Ritzy Cinema and Cafe – Uploaded by them

The Ritzy remains exactly as it was back then, with a few minor restorations to the main theatre and bar. There are a total of five screening rooms, two bars and a cafe. Everything from purchasing your tickets from the box office to sitting down in one of the cinema rooms is a blast straight to the past.

If you’re lucky you might be able to catch one of their notorious late night screenings that take place occasionally. Alternatively, their up stairs auditorium also hosts standup comedy .

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Daily
ADDRESS: Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, Brixton SW2 1JG, United Kingdom
METRO STATION: Brixton Station

Evans & Peel Detective Agency in London

The Evans & Peel Detective Agency in London is my personal favorite place to dive into the 1920s from a Gatsby themed perspective. This too is a hidden speakeasy-style space, tucked underground in Earl’s Court.

It’s customary not to give too much away when talking about the Evans & Peel Detective Agency. One should visit and see what it’s about for themselves. I will say that the space and experience of your evening will be heavily curated by very skilled actors who take over from the moment you walk in.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency in London – by Evans & Peel Detective Agency – Uploaded by them

It’s such fun, and a complete rarity to London’s entertainment scene. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else.

Come ready to spend money; the drinks aren’t cheap, nor is the food, but you’re paying for the experience and you’ll be only too happy to do so once you see what happens here…

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday — 5pm to 12:30am
ADDRESS: 310c, London SW5 9BA, United Kingdom
METRO STATION: Earl’s Court

Café de Paris in London

Paris was another city that was greatly influenced under the Roaring 20s era. They too saw the emergence of a massive jazz and cabaret scene, and the Cafe de Paris continues to represent this in London to this day.

This is a 1920s Parisian cabaret theatre that doubles as a nightclub and fine dining venue. The experience is all in one; so you’ll dine, drink, dance and be entertained throughout the evening.

Café de Paris in London – by Café de Paris – Uploaded by them

Again, there is really nothing quite like this elsewhere in the West End. One can experience many performances in this neighborhood but non are able to time travel to such an immersive extent quite like this one.

Booking in advance is somewhat imperative; most evenings sell out early on in the week. Don’t be shy to dress for the occasion. Smart casual is permitted, but it’s really great when everyone gets into the theme and makes an effort — most people do!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Friday & Saturday — 6pm to 3am
ADDRESS: 3-4 Coventry St, London W1D 6BL, United Kingdom
METRO STATION: Piccadilly Circus

Hoxley & Porter in London

Looking at Hoxley & Porter from the outside you’ll debate with yourself whether this is 1920s perfection or simply something from a street in Harry Potter.

Either way, this turn of the century space is the least frilly, most straightforward time lapses in all of London. I don’t believe anything has been or has needed to be renovated since the 20s themselves.

Hoxley & Porter in London – by Hoxley & Porter – Uploaded by them

You’ll eat great modern European food, you’ll drink classic cocktails, fine bourbon or even a gin, & you’ll converse with intellectual, inspiring individuals who seem to flock to this spot every night of the week.

There is something to be said about their opening hours before you visit; one needs to check on the day. Sometimes they open at midday and then close at midnight, sometimes they open late evening and close at 3am, sometimes they open late evening but close at midnight. It’s all very haphazard and 1920s typical indeed. Call ahead!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — Various Times
ADDRESS: 153 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1RA, United Kingdom
METRO STATION: Essex Road

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