The 1950s Rivoli Ballroom, with its sprung wooden floors and satin interior, plays host to TV shows (Strictly Come Dancing, chat shows), music videos (Tina Turner's Private Dancer for one), occasional concerts (like the much feted White Stripes gig a few years back) and various music and fashion shoots. But the reason why I come here is the fantastic 'Jive Party' held here on the third Saturday of every month. Doors open at 8, a free Ceroc/jive lesson for beginners starts at 8:30pm (a great way to meet other people and learn some moves) and the music starts at 9pm, finishing at 1am.Entering the Rivoli when the Jive Party is in full swing is a stirring experience. First you'll hear the distant beat and rhythm of the live music. Then, on entering the ballroom, you'll see groups of people, many dressed in 40s and 50s gear, sipping drinks, eyes on the dance floor. Ahead is the floor itself, a whirl of couples twisting, extending and lindy stepping. At the back lies the stage, where the live band plays a mixture of swing, big band and rock 'n roll. There are people there of all ages, from local Goldsmiths students, to young professionals, all to way up to senior citizens moving gracefully across the floor. There's also a complete range of abilities too, from novices to very accomplished dancers. But above all, the atmosphere's all about having fun, whether that's expressing yourself with the ease of Patrick Swayze or fumbling your moves and having a giggle about it.It's great value too: live music, a free Ceroc beginners class and four and half hours dancing time in one of London's best dancing venues, all for just £15. Drinks are good value too, with a range of different wines, spirits (G&Ts are always very popular..), lagers, ciders and ales all at a standard price of £3.The downside? It's only once a month! But I guess that just makes me savour the experience even more. Whether you're an seasoned dancer looking for a new venue, someone wanting to try something new in a non-judgemental atmosphere, or simply want to discover an astonishing cultural highlight in south-east London, the Jive Party at the Rivoli is well worth checking out. Read Less

If I told you I had tickets to see the White Stripes, what would you say?Yes! You'd jump at the chance, wouldn't you?? Of course you would! You're an intelligent, fun, sexy kind of person. Now, imagine my disappointment when my friends looked at me with their unethusiastic, almost angry, eyes. Don't get me wrong it's not because they didn't LOVE the White Stripes - but because I told them where we were going to see them. The words "Two tubes, an overland and a bus" did little to raise their hopes. But my, oh my, how their opinions changed when we got to the Rivoli. This beautiful ballroom is decked in history and British glamour. It's everything you could want from a Grade 2 listed, 50's design - heavy red velvet curtains, hard wooden floors and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. One of the best gigs I'd ever been to - and a perfect venue for the kooky duo. The acoustics are incredible and the crowd went wild for the whole affair. Keep your eyes open for upcoming events here because you won't want to miss out. Read Less

The Rivoli Ballroom is one of the few remaining ballrooms in London. It became a ballroom in the late 1950's, and is now Grade 2-listed. It's a beautiful building, and one that Londoners should make a point of visiting at least once.It's not easy to get to unless you happen to live in southeast London. Coming from Ealing required two tube rides and a bus. But it was worth it. The facade isn't so impressive, but once inside I was taken aback by the lush, ornate interior. Deep reds, velvet and leather benches, elaborate chandeliers, and eye-catching detailing fill what is essentially a single long room. To the sides are long, narrow rooms with bars and toilets, with seating.I was lucky enough to be here for a concert that The White Stripes did as a benefit to the Chelsea Pensioners. While not a great layout for a gig normally - the stage is low, and such a packed crowd generated a lot of heat - the old, fancy style of the place suited the duo and their cause that night. These days the Rivoli is still mainly used for dancing: latin and jive dancing events are regularly held, and I bet they'd be a blast.Make the trip to see the Rivoli. It's a gorgeous room, and a real, living taste of a past era. Read Less

I arranged a photo shoot in the Rivoli Ballroom last year and met the owner Bill and his wife, who have been running the place for over ten years (it was passed down by his father, and his grandfather before him) It is the most beautiful venue- with a rich and luxurious interior that has not been changed since the turn of the century. The owners were hit hard because of the smoking ban (elderly dancers at tea dances and club nights were understandably not keen on going outside in the cold to smoke) and so the they now sadly depend on photo shoots and filming to keep them afloat.They occasionally hold music concerts- I saw the White Stripes there last year- but the main draw of the venue is its salsa nights and tea dances. Read Less

Wow! We had two Balls here with Goldsmiths and I just could not get over the interior! This place is crazy, it is like stepping back into time. I would thoroughly reccomend hiring it out for a party venue, as long as you do not damage anything, as that would be such a shame. It has been used to film strictly come dancing before and for various films and T.V shows. They still open as a ballroom occaisionaly, hosting nostaligic dance evenings. If I was an old lady, I would so be there! It is one of the only remaining ones in Britain, and has a sprung maple dancefloor as well as chandaleirs and all things grand (red velvet!). Read Less