Did you know that Lewisham is home of the only intact 1950s ballroom in London? Its name is the Rivoli Ballroom and it’s located in Crofton Park, on 350 Brockley Road (SE4 2BY). Surely many of you know this place very well and still remember many nights spent within its wall. However, its red velvet, its chandeliers, and its glitter balls are some of the best kept secrets in Lewisham. 

Henley Attwater designed this building with a simple barrel-vaulted auditorium and it first opened in July 1913. It became The Rivoli Cinema in 1929, which closed down in 1957. It reopened in 1959 as The Rivoli, a dance hall whose sprung maple dance floor guaranteed that people could dance all night without feeling it on their feet. 

Its interior has remained the same since then, so entering this place is like going 60 years back in time, like being in a movie. That’s why this space is used as a TV and film location and many pop music videos have been shot here too. It also hosts live music events and bands and musicians such as Florence + The Machine, Damon Albarn and Noel Gallagher have played here. Other events include cabaret nights, movie nights and dancing parties. 

This place has managed to keep its art deco style intact but also has adapted to the new times. That’s probably its secret. We are very lucky in Lewisham for being able to enjoy such a historic place. The best part is that we all can enjoy it, as thanks to its wide range of events, there is something for everybody.