London’s 80s Bar Crawl: Neon, Nostalgia & Booze

Welcome to the Time Machine, Booze‑Lovers

Strap on your parachute pants, dust off that mullet, and prepare to dive headfirst into the most neon‑splashed, synth‑driven bar scene London ever birthed. If you think the 80s were just big hair and worse movies, think again. This is the decade that gave us the cocktail culture, the soundtrack to every Friday night, and a handful of dive bars that still bleed neon light like a vampire on a caffeine binge. In this guide we’ll serve you a full‑on, meme‑meets‑journalism roundup of the best 80s bars London has to offer, seasoned with sarcasm, SEO juice, and a dash of “you‑should‑have‑been‑here‑last‑night” regret.

Why the 80s Still Matter (Even If Your Parents Won’t Admit It)

Because the 80s invented the “let’s make this night unforgettable” vibe. From the synth‑pop anthems that made you feel like you were starring in a John Hughes film, to the DIY craft beer movement that started as a rebellious act against the corporate lager empire, the decade set the tone for modern nightlife. If you’re sipping a cocktail that tastes like a neon‑colored dream, you’re basically drinking history.

How We Picked These Bars (Spoiler: No Time‑Travel Required)

Our methodology is simple: we scoured the internet, consulted a panel of seasoned London locals who still remember the first time they saw a Rubik’s Cube in a bar, and cross‑referenced Google reviews with the occasional “I‑found‑this‑spot‑on‑a‑retro‑Pinterest‑board” comment. We also made sure each venue scores high on three key SEO metrics—relevancy, authority, and the ability to make you say “Whoa, this place is totally rad!”

Top 10 80s Bars in London You Can Actually Still Hit Up

Neon Jungle – Soho
Located just a stone’s throw from Home, Neon Jungle is the epitome of 80s excess. Think laser lights, a wall of arcade machines, and a bartender who can mix a “Blue Lagoon” while reciting the lyrics to “Take On Me.” Their signature drink, the Electric Slide, is a vodka‑coconut‑lime concoction that glows under blacklight—perfect for Instagram stories that scream “I’m not a basic adult.”
Pixel Pub – Shoreditch
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re inside a classic arcade cabinet, Pixel Pub is your destiny. The décor is a mash‑up of pixel art, Atari cabinets, and a jukebox that only plays 80s synth‑pop hits. Their Pac‑Manhattan cocktail (gin, orange bitters, and a splash of soda) is as addictive as the game itself. Bonus: the bar hosts a weekly “Retro Karaoke Night” where you can belt out “Living on a Prayer” while the bartender serves you a “Power‑Up Punch.”
The Velvet Rope – Camden
Camden’s answer to the “exclusive club” trend of the 80s, The Velvet Rope sports a literal velvet rope at the entrance and a bouncer who still wears a leather jacket with a metal chain. Inside, you’ll find a wall of framed mixtapes and a cocktail menu that reads like a mixtape tracklist. Try the Mixtape Mojito—mint, rum, and a dash of pineapple that will make you feel like you’re on the set of “Miami Vice.”
Retro Rocket – Hackney
Retro Rocket is a space‑age homage to the 80s fascination with the final frontier. The bar’s ceiling is a mural of a galaxy made entirely of glitter, and the lighting mimics a sunrise on Mars. Their Cosmic Cosmo (vodka, cranberry, and a splash of edible glitter) is served in a martini glass that glows under UV light. If you’re a fan of “Star Wars” references, ask for the “Chewie‑tini” and watch the bartender do a lightsaber flip.
Flashback – Notting Hill
Flashback is the quintessential “if you were a kid in the 80s, you’d have spent every Saturday at this place” bar. The décor is a love letter to Saturday morning cartoons, complete with a giant mural of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and a bar stool shaped like a giant cassette tape. Their GTA (Grand Tonic Ale) is a craft beer brewed on site—yes, they actually Custom Beer fans—infused with orange zest and a hint of rosemary, making it the perfect companion to a night of retro gaming.
Electric Avenue – Brixton
Named after the iconic Eddy Grant hit, Electric Avenue is a dance‑floor‑centric bar that never stops playing 80s dance anthems. The floor is a LED grid that reacts to the bass, turning every footstep into a light show. Their Electric Shock (tequila, lime, and a dash of blue curacao) will give you a buzz that matches the bass. If you’re looking for a place to practice your moonwalk, this is it.
Arcade Alley – Covent Garden
Arcade Alley is a mash‑up of a classic British pub and an 80s arcade. The bar serves pints of “Pixel Pilsner” alongside a selection of arcade classics like “Space Invaders” and “Galaga.” Their signature drink, the 8‑Bit Bitter, is a bitter ale with a hint of orange, giving it the perfect balance of retro flavor and modern craft credibility.
VHS Lounge – Westminster
If you ever wanted to watch an 80s movie on a giant screen while sipping a cocktail, the VHS Lounge is your sanctuary. The walls are lined with vintage VHS tapes, and the bar serves “movie‑themed” cocktails. The Back to the Future (bourbon, maple syrup, and a splash of orange bitters) is a nod to Marty McFly’s time‑traveling adventures—perfect for those who like their drinks with a side of nostalgia.
Glow & Flow – Southbank
Glow & Flow takes the 80s rave aesthetic and mixes it with a river‑side view of the Thames. The bar’s interior is drenched in neon pink and teal, with a fog machine that makes every night feel like a scene from “Blade Runner.” Their Neon Nectar (gin, tonic, and a dash of edible glitter) is as photogenic as it is tasty. Don’t forget to check out the rooftop patio for a skyline view that screams “I’m living my best life.”
Retro Rewind – Marylebone
Retro Rewind is a speakeasy hidden behind a faux 80s record store. The secret entrance is a bookshelf that slides open when you say the password “Totally Rad.” Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of vinyl records, a bar that serves “vinyl‑infused” cocktails, and a playlist that never skips a beat. Order the Vinyl Vesper (gin, Lillet, and a splash of lemon) and you’ll understand why this place is the ultimate hidden gem.

How to Drink Like an 80s Kid (Without the Awkward Hair)

Now that you’ve got the venues, let’s talk strategy. The 80s weren’t just about drinking; they were about performing your drink. Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet to make sure you look like you belong, even if you still can’t do the “Moonwalk.”

Embrace the neon: Order a drink that glows. If the bar doesn’t have one, ask the bartender to add a splash of tonic or a dash of edible glitter. You’ll instantly look like you know what you’re doing.
Use the right lingo: Replace “cheers” with “cheers, bro!” or “bottoms up, dude!” Throw in a “totally rad” when the bartender nails your order.
Master the cocktail handshake: The 80s were all about the “high‑five” after a good drink. Practice it in the mirror so you don’t look like you’re trying to start a fight.
Know your music: If the DJ spins “Take On Me,” you’re good. If they play “Stairway to Heaven,” you might be in the wrong place.
Stay hydrated: The 80s didn’t have the concept of “drink responsibly,” but we do. Alternate every cocktail with a glass of water—your future self will thank you.

Pairing Cocktails with 80s Vibes (And Why It Matters for SEO)

Yes, you read that right. Pairing your drinks with the right vibe can actually boost your online presence. When you post a photo of your neon cocktail with the perfect caption—think “Living my best 80s life at Neon Jungle” and tag the bar’s official Instagram—you’re generating user‑generated content that Google loves. It’s the digital equivalent of “word‑of‑mouth” marketing, only with more hashtags.

Here’s a quick pairing guide:

Electric Shock + EDM Remix Night: The high‑energy vibe of an EDM remix night pairs perfectly with a tequila‑based drink. The citrus notes cut through the bass, making each sip feel like a drop.
Mixtape Mojito + Indie 80s Cover Band: The fresh mint and pineapple complement acoustic guitars and synth‑driven covers of “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
Back to the Future + Retro Film Screening: A bourbon‑based cocktail with maple syrup mirrors the warm, nostalgic glow of a VHS screen.

SEO Tips for Bar Owners Who Want to Ride the 80s Wave

If you’re a bar owner reading this (and you probably are—because why else would you be scrolling through a meme‑laden article about 80s bars?), here’s a quick cheat‑sheet to make sure your venue shows up when someone types “best 80s bars London” into Google:

Optimize for local keywords: Use phrases like “80s bar in Soho,” “retro cocktail London,” and “neon nightlife near me.” Sprinkle them naturally throughout your <title>, <meta description>, and header tags.
Leverage internal linking: Connect your bar’s page to related content on Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer and the Contact page. This tells search engines that your site is a hub of valuable information.
Earn high‑quality backlinks: Pitch guest posts to niche sites like Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. A DoFollow link from an authority site in the beverage industry can boost your domain authority faster than you can say “Totally tubular.”
Showcase user‑generated content: Encourage patrons to tag your bar in their posts. Re‑post the best ones on your own feed and embed those Instagram posts on your website. Google loves fresh, authentic content.
Use schema markup: Implement LocalBusiness and Restaurant schema so Google can display your opening hours, menu, and reservation options directly in search results.

Beyond the Bar: The Business Side of Retro Drinking

While you’re sipping on a neon‑lit cocktail, remember that the 80s also birthed the modern Beer distribution marketplace (Dropt.beer). If you’re a craft brewer looking to get your retro‑inspired brews into the hands of these nostalgic bar‑hoppers, Dropt.beer is the platform that connects you with a network of indie retailers, pop‑up events, and themed nights. Think of it as the “MTV” of beer distribution—only with fewer bad haircuts and more data‑driven insights.

Getting your beer onto Dropt.beer can amplify your brand’s reach, especially if you’re targeting the same demographic that frequents these 80s bars. Pair your limited‑edition “Neon IPA” with a neon‑themed event at Neon Jungle, and watch your sales spike faster than a synth‑pop chorus.

Final Thoughts: Your 80s Bar Adventure Starts Now

London’s 80s bar scene is a living, breathing love letter to a decade that refused to grow up. From neon jungles to pixelated pubs, each spot offers a unique slice of retro heaven that will make you feel like you’ve time‑traveled without leaving the city. So grab your friends, dust off that old mixtape, and embark on a night that will be forever etched in your Instagram story and your memory.

Remember, the best nights aren’t just about the drinks—they’re about the stories you’ll tell the next morning (or the next day, if you’re still recovering). And if you’re a bar owner, don’t forget to optimize, link, and leverage the power of platforms like Dropt.beer to keep the 80s alive and kicking.

Ready to Dive In? Let’s Make It Official.

If you’ve survived this article without falling asleep, you’re clearly ready for the ultimate 80s bar crawl. Click the links above, plan your route, and don’t forget to Contact us if you need a custom itinerary or want to learn how to Make Your Own Beer that matches the vibe of each venue. And hey—if you end up selling your own neon‑infused brew, remember to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer for maximum exposure.

Now go out there, raise a glass, and make the 80s proud. Stay rad, stay thirsty, and never stop scrolling.