Stunning ballroom in Brockley

The main ballroom at the Rivoli. Photo: http://rivolilondon.com/
The Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley is a real hidden find; even when standing directly outside it you have no idea of how special it is inside. From the street the building looks shabby an unassuming, but inside is a beautiful 1950s ballroom complete with a proper sprung wood dance floor, red velour on the walls and dozens of chandeliers and chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. It's super-kitch and oh-so beautiful. Tucked away off to one side is a long 'booth' bar room with friendly staff and the feel of an old university college bar or even a railway buffet car. There's another 'lounge' bar and an old-school ladies 'powder room' with plenty of room for a girlie hang out, plus another 'gold' ballroom with a ceiling made to look as if it's covered in old paintings which can be hired but isn't used for normal events as far as I can tell.

In keeping with the 1950s theme a fantastic fun monthly jive night is held at the Rivoli. A short lesson kicks off the evening followed by sets from an excellent live band. The atmosphere is really friendly and inclusive, there are often some incredible jive dancers but no one looks down on you if you've got too left feet. In a very un-London manner you may even be asked to dance by a stranger!

The Rivoli is so stranger to celebrity either. I've spotted a few famous faces there on jive nights and everyone from Tina Turner to Elton John, the Kings of Leon, Florence and the Machine and Kate Moss have used the Rivoli for video and photoshoots or even live gigs.

Planning a trip:
Directly opposite Crofton Park station in Brockley it's pretty easy to get to on the train and there are several buses which stop almost outside the front door (122, 171 and 172).

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