Inspiring Locations

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 them...

Eltham Palace is one of those places you’ve probably never heard of but really should have. Once the childhood home of Henry VII the Palace fell into ruin following the English Civil War but was transformed into the most incredible Art Deco mansion in the 1930s by millionaire couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld (of the famous family of art patrons). From the outside the Palace looks like it is half church and half a traditional mansion, it’s only when you step inside that you realise quite how special this place is. The chic circular entrance hall is one of the most arresting spaces I’ve seen; with it’s 1930s furniture, wood paneled walls featuring a Roman soldier and a Viking the room is topped off by an enormous glass domed ceiling through which dappled light streams even on the gloomiest days. Leading off the entrance hall are several similarly striking Art Deco rooms and a pair of curved staircases for making the most glamorous of entrances like a true Hollywood...