Who doesn't love a blast from the past? London is a city that provides exactly that. With amazing sights like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, history is on every corner. If you're looking for scenes of the retro era, hit up Poppie's Fish and Chips for a bite to eat or meander through Keake Street Graffiti Tunnel.
But what about retro locations for events or film shoots? Whether you're planning a birthday party, a retirement do, a wedding reception, or even a corporate gathering, a retro location adds an element of charm and nostalgia to any special occasion.
And with a little help from the Giggster app, your ideal London retro location is just a few taps away. With our collection of unique and inspiring venues, it's easy to plan a private party or filming project that's out of this world (and out of this decade). Here's how to find the perfect space.
A great vintage venue can make you feel like you're stepping back in time, tapping into the nostalgia of your youth or the glamor and intrigue of a bygone era. So if you're on the hunt for a unique retro location, Giggster's curated collection of London event spaces has got you well and truly covered.
Planning a film or photo shoot that calls for the gritty backdrop of a retro boxing gym? You can practically smell the sweat and feel the body blows just by looking at some of the images of spacious older gyms that practically ooze history.
If you're planning a bridal shower for a friend who loves dressing up and all things vintage chic, a cosy '60s cocktail bar and lounge in Kings Cross is the perfect choice.
Sometimes your event might call for a retro setting that looks a little out of place in London. And that's where a space like an old-school American dive bar ticks all the boxes.
Birthday bash for a mate who's always up for a feed and a pint? Steer into the classic British pub feel of a proper East End boozer with vintage decor, retro prints, and a copper bar top.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: There are 78 wonderful retro locations to choose from on the Giggster app, with a full range of one-of-a-kind spaces at your fingertips. Each venue offers a touch of something special to your event, and there are options to suit all budgets.
Hassle-Free Booking: You'll be pleasantly surprised by just how quick and easy it is to book a retro location with Giggster. Browse transparent pricing info and venue details upfront, narrow search results using filters aligned to your needs, and get in touch with the property host directly if you need extra info.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If your filming schedule or special event doesn't go to plan, we offer free cancellations within 24 hours of booking. Please note that you will need to book at least 48 hours before your scheduled event date.
Platform Protections: Give yourself some welcome peace of mind when organising your filming day or private party by adding option liability, damage, or cancellation insurance to your booking.
When it comes to pairing a special event with a retro location, the possibilities are just about endless. Organise your event or production session here.
Film Shoot – Vintage Look. From movies and TV shows to commercials and corporate marketing material, retro filming locations lend themselves to a diverse range of projects. A space likeDeerhurst Road, Retro Shoot Location will surely add a unique touch to your production.
Wedding Reception – Something Special. Opt for a vintage theme for your big day and celebrate your nuptials with your nearest and dearest in a retro venue. From historic houses to grand halls, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Team Building Activities – Unique Twist. Murder mysteries, escape rooms, arcade game nights—add an innovative twist to team building activities for your staff.
Retirement Parties – Fitting Farewell. Help a beloved colleague sign off in style with a night of fun, good food, and great conversation in a venue that harks back to their younger years.
Birthday Parties – 18th or 80th. The great thing about retro filming locations and event spaces is that they're versatile enough to suit a wide range of birthday celebrations and themes. Hip hip hooray!
Keep your eyes peeled for the following key inclusions when searching for top retro spaces in London.
Start by searching for the right venue atmosphere. The right London venue for you will have the ambience that matches your event or filming needs perfectly. You might want something quirky and whimsical, a taste of old-world charm, luxury vibes from decades past, or potentially something else entirely.
Make a checklist of essential amenities. Retro decor, off-street parking, a dance floor, a private bar—make a list of everything your space simply must have, then search Giggster's collection of locations for a venue that ticks all the boxes.
Don't forget your budget. Don't break the bank for your London event. Use Giggster's price filter to ensure that you only find retro filming and event sites that won't hurt your hip pocket.
Check out the full range of pros and cons before deciding if a London retro location hire is right for you, or whether you'd be better off choosing a different destination or venue type.
Advantages
A city with a history as rich and diverse as London's is the perfect location for a retro event.
From private homes to pubs, industrial spaces, and so much more, there's a wonderfully varied range of event spaces to choose from.
There's a huge and eclectic range of vintage stores across London if you need to buy costumes and decor for your event.
Disadvantages
Life in London isn't cheap, so you might need a bigger budget than anticipated to book the vintage location you want.
There's lots of demand for the best spaces, so you'll need to be an organised event planner to avoid missing out on the dream space you've been searching for.
Retro vibes may not be the perfect fit for some occasions, such as a child's birthday party or corporate event, so you may want to look for a modern venue instead.
No matter whether it's a small gathering or grand occasion, there's a long list of jobs that every successful event planner must tackle. Use the outline below to guide you through the full range of tasks you'll need to complete during the planning process.
Choose a Theme – Decide on a vintage event theme that will suit your retro location perfectly. Make sure it matches the desired ambience for your filming project or special occasion.
Set a Spending Limit – Do the sums to work out how much you can afford to spend on your event, then add up your expected costs to make sure you won't exceed your spending range.
Book a Venue – Compare London locations to find a retro venue that offers the full range of features you need. Keep a checklist of must-haves handy so you can tick off all the essentials.
Find Food and Drinks – Next, organise catering for your event or filming project, and if you'll be serving refreshments, be sure to arrange for a well-stocked bar.
Don't Forget the Entertainment – If you need live music, party games, or any other time of entertainment for the occasion, make those bookings now. And if you need costumes or decor, check out what the best London vintage stores have to offer.
If you're on a tight budget, use this collection of simple tips to help cut costs on your event or filming project.
Use the price filter.
No matter whether you're online or on the Giggster app, make the most of the handy filter that lets you filter search results based on price. This will ensure that you don't get tempted into considering venues you can't afford.
Check the fine print.
Read property listings closely to find out exactly what's included in the booking price. Choosing a venue that has everything you need, even if it costs slightly more upfront, will allow you to cut down on extra equipment hire costs.
Choose where to cut costs.
Make sure you know which of your event expenses are crucial, such as a great vintage location, and which would be nice to have but aren't really essential. This should help you decide where you can reduce expenses.
If you're searching for a vintage venue for your next event, download the Giggster app and start searching for the best London retro locations. From a cosy bar near Kings Cross to a Shoreditch emporium, must-see places are at your fingertips!
