Named after a defunct British department store where owner Mark Holdstock’s mother once sold gloves, this closet-size basement bar is part 1920’s speakeasy and part English tearoom—floral wallpaper and killer retro cocktails (try the gin fizz or one from the innovative drinks list served Prohibition-style in teacups). The place is... More known for its monthly events, such as a swing music-powered Forties Blitz Party and gentlemen’s etiquette classes on tie-knotting and martini-shaking.

Address:
28 Rathbone Pl.
London, England
United Kingdom

Phone:
44-20-7636-8228Less

Two-part Cocomaya is both a fine chocolate shop and artisan bakery. The vintage cabinets and central table in the lime-green-and-magenta chocolate shop are lined with huge cookie displays, fruit tarts, bowls of powder-sugar-dusted truffles, and various square chocolates with unique flavors like lavender, ginger, green tea, and sour cherry. Former f... Moreashion industry leaders Walid Al Damirji and Joel Bernstein opened Cocomaya in 2008, and since then it’s been hit thanks to whimsical treats (think chocolate shoes, skulls, and flower-shaped chocolates with edible glitter) and the bakery’s mostly organic offerings. Pick up a box of treats, which Brazilian chocolatier Alex Mariz makes daily with fair-trade South American cacao beans. Then visit the adjacent deli, with toned-down decor that includes bleached-wood walls, white marble surfaces, and a menu of more than 70 types of freshly baked bread and Vienna-style pastries. Light lunch options include seasonal salads and salmon and cucumber sandwiches.

Address:
35 Connaught St.
London, England
United Kingdom

Phone:
44-20-7706-2770Less

Inside London’s Covent Garden, Hope and Greenwood is a small confections shop offering a variety of handmade British sweets. Inside the red storefront with a peppermint-striped overhang, this old-fashioned sweet shop features massive shelves and marble counters lined with glass candy jars, each filled to the brim with milk bottles, bonbons, g... Moreobstoppers, and classic candies that are measured out with a scoop and placed in a red and white bag. Miss Hope and Mr. Greenwood also create their own candies, such as Fizz! Bang! Wallops! and Gingerbread Humbugs. Chocolates, including bars, chocolate peanuts, chocolate caramels, truffles, and fudge, are arranged in a glass deli case, and the store even sells sugar-free treats.

Address:
1 Russell St.
London, England
United Kingdom

Phone:
44-20-7240-3314Less

Opposite the Crofton Park overground rail station, the Rivoli Ballroom is one of the city’s few remaining ballrooms. The grade two-listed building is known for its original 1957 interior, making it a popular place for photo shoots. The ballroom’s large maple dance floor is surrounded by red velvet draperies, elaborate chandeliers, flock... More wallpaper, and over-sized Chinese lanterns. Londoners head here for the monthly dance events, including the Jive Party held every third Saturday of the month and the Ballroom Dance Night held every first Sunday of the month. Events are open to dancers of all skill levels.

Address:
350 Brockley Rd.
London, England
United Kingdom

Phone:
44-20-8692-5130Less

Situated in London’s East End in the famous Columbia Road flower market, Treacle aims to keep the traditional British teahouse alive. Open just on Sundays, the small bakery sells a selection of fairy cakes, Victoria sponges, and fruit loaves, all lined up in vintage wooden cabinets. The minimalistic décor reflects the basic menu select... Moreion, which includes the signature cupcakes available in three flavors: traditional vanilla, luxurious chocolate, and zesty lemon. The cakes are available in a large or small size, and they all come topped with buttercup icing and sprinkles. The shop only has tea and seasonal drink options of old-fashioned lemonade (with elderflower), ginger beer, and hot chocolate.

Address:
110-112 Columbia Rd.
London, England
United Kingdom

Phone:
44-20-7729-5657Less

For more glamour, head to the Waldorf Hilton, which has reintroduced its afternoon Tango Tea in the sumptuous Palm Court; guests can relive 1920’s elegance and take to the floor, accompanied by a five-piece band.?

Address:
Aldwych
London, England
United Kingdom

Phone:
44-20-7759-... More4083Less