All About Printworks London

Home of eclectic events and entertainment, Printworks London is the city’s beating heart for music culture.

To evoke its industrial past, the space features larger-than-life machinery and printing presses to create for a unique nightlife setting.

Here is everything you need to know about Printworks London.

Printworks was once home to the largest printing factory in Western Europe

If the name didn’t give it away, Printworks’ building was once home to the largest newspaper-printing factory in Western Europe. 

As a matter of fact, it was the manufacturing point of the London Evening Standard – the capital’s daily newspaper since the 19th century – for 24 years.

Back in 2017, the space was entirely rejuvenated and transformed into a multi-purpose industrial space featuring clubbing sessions, as well as a dynamic array of cultural events. 

Today, everything from live gigs to seasonal music series found shelter within Printworks’ walls.

Some of the original printing press features are kept to preserve heritage

In an effort to preserve the location’s heritage, machinery from the printing press have been left on site.

Compact hallways open up to a multi-floored dance floor with printing machines lining the walls and metal balconies.

Printworks has the capacity for 6,000 people

The 10,600 sq meters mega venue comprises several spaces spanning across Printworks’ multiple levels.

Yep, you got the idea – the venue’s blueprint is pretty much a labyrinth of corridors, bars and dance floors. 

Considering its former printing factory status, it is no surprise that the venue can hold a jaw-dropping amount of people. Its 6,000 clubbers capacity gives the multi-storey venue a mini-festival vibe – not to mention it has a 2 AM license to keep the party pumping until the wee hours of the night. 

Printworks London is all about electronic music and live gigs

Loyal to its electronic roots, Printworks is your one-way ticket to an other-worldly techno adventure. To say that electronic music blasts the audio system every weekend would be a gross understatement – the Berlin-esque warehouse lives and breathes bullet-hard techno. 

Global techno ambassador Marco Carola and other roaring names from the electronic realm (such as Paco Osuna and Ben Sterling) took over Printworks’ decks. 

The club’s sound system has been upgraded recently, ensuring that the best audio quality in the British capital lies inside Printworks’ grim walls.

Instead of weekly events, Printworks hosts seasonal music events

Most London clubs have weekly events at their core. But Printworks London is not a fan of following the herd. Instead of featuring regular events, it hosts season-by-season listings that focus on one music genre throughout the specified period.

Its spring and summer 2022 season was all about an “immersive, multi-sensory experience” and featured the likes of Helena Hauff, Charlotte de Witte and Goldfish.

Some of the best DJs have taken over the decks

This Rotherhithe gem has a soft spot for mouth-watering DJ names – and this feeling is reciprocated. 

Since its grand debut, Printworks London has been anything but shy about bringing the industry’s most roaring names to the audio decks. A quick look at its jaw-dropping roster will make you realize Printworks’ commitment to bringing the finest electronic sounds.

Techno legends such as Peggy Gou and Nina Kraviz graced the clubbing mecca with their DJing skills. But Printworks doesn’t stop there. Up-and-coming talent is also present behind the decks, ensuring that electronic devotees will feel hyped up until the lights turn on.

Printworks specializes in daytime parties

Although the usual curfew for London parties ranges between 11 PM and 2 AM, Printworks generally hosts daytime parties instead of 24-hour raves.

The parties run throughout the morning and afternoon, culminating during the early evening.

This might not sound like the ‘it’ clubbing session for night owls, but at least you get your money’s worth – 11 hours of continuous music is a utopian concept in London’s nightlife. 

In a world where most superclubs require attendees to be all about the formal and classy fashion vibe, Printworks keeps things casual.

The dress code has no specific requirements prohibiting any styles or outfits.

An old plate-making workshop converted into a VIP room

Forget opulent leather chairs and dim red lighting – this VIP room is not something you would expect.

Also dubbed as the Control Room, the VIP space rose from the ashes of a plate-making workshop. Instead of noisy machines, this versatile room features slick and minimal furnishing, as well as an industrial-like bar.

Thanks to its intimate atmosphere, Control Room is the go-to space for filming and private receptions. 

Printworks London is a pro at hosting events

Electronic aficionados are not the only ones exploring Printworks’ blank canvas appeal. Its warehouse feel was an inspiring ground for filmmakers, art directors, and fashion brands.

While Adidas hosted brand activations on Printworks grounds, Gorillaz used the venue to host their album launch world premiere. 

But it gets way more extravagant than this – The Royal Ballet and HSBC saw so much potential in the cultural venue that Printworks became the go-to spot for their private events. 

With its uber-industrial vibe and sought-after artists, this electronic mammoth ranks amongst London’s most vibrant clubbing destinations – and that alone makes it a staple for any electronic music devotee.