Why Exterior Neon Signs Still Rule the Streets
Matt LamontWalk through Shoreditch on a Friday night and you’ll see it — the glow of a dozen colours cutting through the London drizzle. Exterior neon signs have never truly gone out of fashion. They’re not just lights; they’re statements, street-level icons that tell you a bar, a hotel, or a restaurant is alive and kicking.
From Los Angeles to London, hospitality brands have long understood that the right exterior neon sign can do more than show a name — it can capture an entire vibe. Think Hollywood hotels blazing their marquees in pink and gold, or Camden restaurants pulling in diners with that unmistakable neon glow.
The Cultural Comeback
In an age where digital advertising shouts from every screen, the physical presence of neon is oddly refreshing. Exterior neon signs feel human. They remind people of nightlife, jazz clubs, dive bars, diners, and a little rebellion. That cultural nostalgia is exactly why restaurants and hotels are going back to it.
Shoreditch has become London’s neon playground, with independent venues demanding signage that doesn’t just say “open” but says “this is where you want to be tonight.”
Hospitality Case Studies
Take Ma Petite Jamaica in Camden — London’s first Caribbean diner. The venue wanted colour and character on the street front, something that would be unmistakable from across the road. A custom neon sign did exactly that. Suddenly, it wasn’t just another restaurant. It was an experience before you even stepped inside.
Hotels are also rediscovering their love of neon. A hotel exterior neon sign brings back that golden-era glamour while giving modern guests something highly Instagrammable. You don’t scroll past a glowing marquee; you take a picture and remember the brand.
Custom Work, Modern Tech
Of course, neon has evolved. Today’s custom exterior neon signs can be traditional glass tubes bent by skilled craftspeople, or LED versions that deliver the same glow with more energy efficiency. The beauty is in the choice — you can go classic for that warm glow or opt for LED if durability and lower running costs are key.
Why Businesses Choose It
For businesses, especially in hospitality, an exterior neon sign does three crucial things:
Visibility: Cuts through the noise of busy streets, day or night.
Identity: Sets the tone for what’s inside — playful, luxurious, edgy, or nostalgic.
Memorability: Guests remember the sign long after they’ve left, and that’s marketing you can’t buy with a Google ad.
From LA to London
In Los Angeles, neon exteriors never left — diners, theatres, and hotels still wear them like badges of honour. Now London is catching up, with Shoreditch, Soho, and Camden leading the charge. Restaurants, boutique hotels, and cocktail bars are realising that one good sign can do the work of an entire campaign.
The Future is Still Bright
The truth? Exterior neon signs aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re only becoming more desirable as businesses fight for attention in saturated cities. From the streets of LA to the heart of London, the glow is back — and it’s here to stay.
So if your brand needs to be seen, don’t just rely on algorithms and hashtags. Step outside, look up, and let the light do the talking. The best way to do it? Exterior Neon Signs