Hammersmith Palais Black Plaque

Hammersmith and Fulham

Inscription

HAMMERSMITH PALAIS opened as a roller skating rink in 1910. Later it served as an ice rink and, most famously as a 'palais de danse' with a capacity of 2,500. Dancing continued all through the Second World War despite the Blitz. From the 1960s the Palais was increasingly used for live concerts and club nights. It finally closed in 2007.

About This Blue Plaque

The Hammersmith Palais was an iconic entertainment venue located at 228 Shepherds Bush Road in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Opening its doors in 1910, it started out as a roller skating rink before later being converted into an ice rink. But the Palais truly found its calling as a “palais de danse” – a glittering dance hall that could accommodate up to 2,500 patrons.Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Hammersmith Palais hosted dancing and live music nearly every night. Remarkably, the venue stayed open for dancing throughout World War II, providing Londoners with a much-needed escape and hours of entertainment even as German bombs fell during the Blitz. Thousands of couples fell in love and created cherished memories whirling away on its expansive dance floor.From the 1960s onwards, the Palais increasingly became a premier concert venue, hosting early performances by rock legends like The Beatles and The Who when they were still up-and-coming acts. In later years it was a favorite spot for nightclub events. Generation after generation made the Hammersmith Palais their go-to spot for unforgettable nights out, until the beloved venue finally closed its doors in 2007 after nearly a century. Though now gone, the Palais lives on in the hearts of many Londoners as the dazzling dance palace and cultural landmark it was for so many decades.