Old rocker Larry Williams said, “Rock ‘n’ roll has no beginning and no end for it is the very pulse of life itself”. Activist Abbie Hoffman said, “The ’60s are gone, dope will never be as cheap, sex never as free and the rock ‘n’ roll never as great.” London continues to celebrate rock ‘n’ roll. To bask in its ongoing glory, here are some of the city’s top shrines to the era and the culture of rock ‘n’ roll.
Rockalily Cuts
What’s rock ‘n’ roll without the hairdo? Whether you want to ape your favourite stars or just try out some vintage hairstyles, Rockalily Cuts in Hoxton is a must-visit salon. Amid an ambience created by vintage dressing tables and retro knick-knacks, the barbers know their rock ‘n’ roll. Spice up your world with a Victory Roll or Betty Page bangs. Get your hair coloured in different shades – from tangerine to turquoise.
Address: 199 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AN Tel: 020 3632 3113
Nearest Tube: Old Street Website: http://www.rockalily.com/
Mr Ducktail
Hair dressing duo Miss Betty and Mister Ducktail run the Rockabilly Barber and 1950s Style Parlour, It’s Something Hell’s. They call themselves the Demon Barbers of Carnaby Street. Miss Betty specialises in creating vintage Hollywood hairdos for the ladies, while Mr Ducktail – aka the Rock ‘n’ Roll MotherKutter – offers bad boy hairstyles like the ‘Switchblade’. Not for the faint-hearted. The salon is decorated in authentic retro and the duo has built a sizable fan following. Cool merchandise is also available.
Address: Kingly Court, London W1F 9PT Tel: 07896 153491
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus Website: http://www.mrducktail.co.uk/
Rocket Barber Shop
While most of its neighbouring salons try for ‘sophisticated’, Rocket Barber Shop in Peckham has an authentically rock ‘n’ roll ambience. Operating since 2011, it has a growing cult following. Go for the ’50s-style side-part and fades, a Rocket specialty. Beard and moustache clipping, trimming and twiddling available. Plus rock ‘n’ roll hits on the retro record player!
Address: 80 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4HA Tel: 020 7277 6126
Nearest Tube: Stockwell Website: http://www.rocketbarbershop.co.uk/
Vivien of Holloway
Vivien has a passion for rock ‘n’ roll. She started sewing vintage clothing at the age of 10, and by 18 she had opened her first store at the now-gone Kensington Market, which was the hub of hippie and bohemian culture in the 1960s and ’70s. At her store on the Holloway Road she has built a dedicated following selling 1950s reproductions to vintage enthusiast. The popularity of her creations led to the creation her own label.
You’ll find original designs in period-perfect fabrics. While some of the cuts have been adapted to suit modern styling trends, there is also a huge collection of vintage cuts and designs.
Address: 294 Holloway Rd, London N7 6NJ Tel: 020 7609 8754
Nearest Tube: Holloway Road Website: http://www.vivienofholloway.com/
Cloud Cuckoo Land
At Cloud Cuckoo Land the completely impossible can actually happen, with a collection of styles and designs from yesteryear – the best fashion from the 1930s to the 1970s. The Camden Passage store has been catering to (mainly) women for three decades, with clothing from the Victorian era to the age of rock ‘n’ roll. Try on a 1930s-inspired full-length silk slip or a 1950s circle skirt. Choose from labels such as John Varon, Susan Small, Bus Stop and Janice Wainwright to name a few. Plus choice accessories including 1950s novelty bags, scarves and wraps.
Address: 6 Charlton Place, London N1 8AJ Tel: 020 7354 3141
Nearest Tube: Angel Station
Radio Days
In South London near The Cut, this store had its humble beginnings in 1993 and is well worth a trip across the river. Owners Chrissie and Lee call it a ‘den’ for vintage fashion. Inside the ambience includes stacks off retro magazines and 1930s barbwire. They are the only vintage store to offer retro clothing, household goods and magazines under the one roof. There is a lot of clothing and accessories to choose from, everything from dresses and coats to feather boas and silk scarves. Menswear includes a good selection of vintage coats. Check out the collection of old telephones, record players and other electrical gear as you travel back in time.
Address: 87 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB Tel: 020 7928 0800
Nearest Tube: Lambeth North Website: http://www.radiodaysvintage.co.uk/
Cenci
Cenci is a one-stop fashion store for alternative fashion, stocking clothing and accessories for men, women and children from the 1930s to contemporary styles. Accessories include scarves, ties, bags, hats and jewellery These vintage experts have a rock ‘n’ roll line and a big collection of used ’70s, ’80s and ’90s clothing.
Address: Nettlefold Pl, London SE27 0JW Tel: 020 8766 8564
Nearest Tube: Tooting Bec Website: http://www.cenci.co.uk/
Sounds That Swing
Just off the Camden High Street, Sounds That Swing opened in 1995 and for the past two decades has been a favourite hunting ground for rock ‘n’ roll music fans. They stock R&B, jazz, folk and country, too, but the rock ‘n’ roll collection is its beating heart. And few other London record stores have such impressive collections of vinyl or music memorabilia.
Address: 88 Parkway, London NW1 7AN Tel: 020 7267 4682
Nearest Tube: Camden Town Website: http://www.nohitrecords.net/
Troy 22
From the outside, this single-room bar seems so nondescript that to enter would be like crashing a private party. However, walk through the small door and up a flight of stairs and you’ll be reliving the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. Just off Oxford Street, about a minute’s walk from the Tottenham Court Road Station, Troy 22 gives great music and ambience, entry is free and the 2am closing time makes it the perfect nocturnal haunt. Dance to 1950s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll and enjoy some of the cheapest drinks in the city. The party never stops at Troy 22.
Address: 22 Hanway St, London W1T 1UQ Tel: 07525 157901
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road Station Website: http://troyclub.co.uk/
The post Best Places in London for Rock ‘n’ Roll appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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