The Rivoli

There’s been a revival for all things retro in recent years, with prohibition-era parties, vintage clothes shops and swing making a comeback in the form of electro-swing. But the Rivoli isn’t merely emulatinga bygone era, as the building is an actual 1950s ballroom, in fact the only one remaining in London. Over the years it’s been used as a music hall and cinema; today it hosts fancy dress parties like Magic Theatre, where punters are encouraged to dress up as anyone from Peter Pan to Audrey Hepburn, and live swing and jive concerts. There are also regular salsa and ballroom dancing events. The venue is decked out with Chinese lanterns, crystal chandeliers and heaps of red velvet and gold; it’s little wonder it often features in the background of photoshoots and music videos.