London is a city that’s world-renowned for a lot of things, from its majestic castles to its bustling street markets, but one thing that seems to capture visitors’ imaginations more than anything else is the multitude of neon signs that adorn its streets. From the iconic advertising hoardings of Piccadilly Circus to the quirky pub signs that light up the city’s back alleys, there’s something undeniably alluring about the way that these neon displays create a sense of vibrant energy and excitement after dark. In this blog post, we’re going to delve deeper into what makes London’s neon signs so special, and why they’re still such a huge draw for tourists from all over the world.
When you think of neon signs, it’s likely that some of the first images that spring to mind are related to adverts and commercial displays. While it’s true that there are some epic examples of this type of neon around London (just think of the Routemaster bus-shaped sign for The London Transport Museum in Greenwich!), there’s actually a whole lot more to discover when it comes to the city’s neon heritage. Just take a stroll around Soho or Camden on a summer’s evening and you’ll see what we mean – from family-run restaurants to independent stores, there are endless examples of quirky, artistic neon signs that light up the night and lend a unique flavour to each neighbourhood.
Another thing that makes London’s neon signs so special is their timelessness. Many of the iconic pieces that visitors to the city will recognise have been around for decades if not more than a century – think of the neon Co-Op Dairy sign that hangs above Balham High Road, or the sparkling ‘Electric’ sign above the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. The fact that these displays have retained their charm and popularity across many different generations speaks volumes about their enduring appeal and suggests that there’s something really timeless and universal about neon as a decorating choice.
One area where London’s neon heritage really shines is in its pubs. From the quirky to the classic, there are countless examples of how neon can be used to add an extra layer of character and interest to these much-loved drinking establishments. The automatic thought might be of the iconic lights at The Golden Eagle in Marylebone or the Duke of Wellington in Fitzrovia, but it’s also worth checking out some of the lesser-known spots for a taste of what makes a great pub sign. For example, why not walk down to East End’s Vertigo Brewery and Tap Room to check out their pink fluorescent tube of the exploding hop?
Of course, it wouldn’t be possible to talk about London’s neon signs without mentioning the iconic Piccadilly Circus. Undoubtedly the most famous and visited site for neon in London, the Circus boasts a glittering array of screens, billboards and signs that combine to create a stunning visual display. While it’s true that the traditional neon signs have become somewhat overshadowed by giant LED screens boasting live information, adverts and even tweets, there’s still something magical about the area after dark. Whether you want to marvel at the ever-changing displays of colour and light, or simply soak up the atmosphere and people-watch, it’s one of those destinations that never gets old.
Conclusion: There’s no denying that cool neon signs are a big part of what makes the city such a fascinating and unique place to visit. Whether you’re interested in their history, their artistic worth, or simply their ability to create a sense of lively energy after dark, there’s something undeniably alluring about these vibrant displays. So next time you’re in the capital, why not take a stroll off the beaten path and see how many hidden neon gems you can discover? Who knows – you might find a new favourite spot that you never even knew existed!