Places with vintage vibes in Nostalgic London

Be transported to London during the 1940s at clever, themed bar Cahoots. It purports to be inside an old Tube station, and the stunning interiors will almost have you convinced. Expect theatrics, costumes, vintage decor and retro tunes, as well as a cocktail menu printed on newspapers. Book a seat inside the old Tube carriage for a jolly good time – it’s the only place you’re allowed to drink on the London Underground.

This retro-style fish and chip shop, with its music hall melodies and staff in vintage uniforms, harks back to the 1950s, when owner Pat ‘Pop’ Newland first started working in the batter business. Order classic East End fare like jellied eels and saveloys as well as delicious, ethically sourced fish and piping hot chips. There are also branches in Soho and Camden.

You’ll have a thing for retro tiling after a drink or two at Bobby Fitzpatrick. The 1970s-themed bar is clad in a wonderful array of bold and clashing patterns in muted shades. Feeling groovy? You will be when you’re sipping something punchy in a rattan chair beneath a macramé plant hanger.

If the 1980s are your jam, you’ll love the vibe at Maggie’s where the tables are Rubik’s cubes, hair is permed and Margaret Thatcher speeches are streamed in the loos. If it appeals, you can even drink cocktails out of the former prime minister’s head, while back-to-back 1980s hits blast out in the background.

You can make yourself right at home at Little Nan’s, a joyful bar the owner set up in honour of his late grandma Jojo. The Deptford location (Little Nan’s also has outposts in Fitzrovia and Stockwell) is a retro living room in a railway arch, stuffed full of quirky vintage memorabilia, like Princess Diana books, framed photos of former soap stars and novelty knick-knacks. Order sweet cocktails and soak up the silliness.

In London it feels like you’re never more than a street away from an old pub, but if you’re after something a little more immersive, pop into Mr Fogg’s Tavern. This Victorian-style boozer, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in 80 Days, is decked out in a changing array of bunting and aging curios. Drinks are served in tankards by staff wearing period aprons and hats, while group sing-alongs are strongly encouraged.