Printworks London - A Historic Venue Where Music Comes Alive
Ever wondered what it feels like to dance inside a former printing press while the city’s skyline glows in the background? Printworks London delivers exactly that vibe - a massive industrial space turned into one of the hottest EDM venues in the capital.
From Presses to Beats: The Building’s History
Printworks London occupies the former Royal Mail printing plant on Surrey Quays. Built in the 1970s, the factory printed millions of newspaper copies daily, its hulking brick façades and steel‑girder roofs designed to handle heavy machinery.
When the plant shut down in 2018, developers saw an opportunity: keep the raw industrial aesthetic but replace the presses with massive speakers. The venue opened its doors in 2020, just in time for a wave of clubbers craving sprawling, high‑tech spaces.
Architecture & Design: What Makes Printworks Unique
The venue spans roughly 20,000 m² across three levels. Its cavernous main hall, originally the press floor, now houses a 60‑metre LED screen that syncs visuals with the music. The sound system, engineered by L-Acoustics, uses line‑array speakers positioned to fill the space evenly, eliminating dead zones.
Exposed concrete, original loading bays, and a network of catwalks give the space a gritty, post‑industrial feel. For many visitors, the contrast between historic brickwork and cutting‑edge lighting is the main draw.
The Music Scene: EDM, House, Tech‑no, and More
Printworks quickly became a magnet for world‑renowned DJs. Residency nights feature artists like Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer, and Peggy Gou. The venue’s size allows for marathon sets that stretch well beyond the typical two‑hour club slot.
Beyond EDM, Printworks hosts live concerts, art installations, and occasional pop‑up events such as “Silent Disco” nights, where attendees wear wireless headphones for a personal soundscape.
How to Get There: Transport Options
The venue sits a short walk from Canada Water station, served by the Jubilee Line and London Overground. For those coming from central London, the Victoria Line to Brixton plus a quick bus (routes 47/225) drops you close by.
Bike racks are available near the entrance, and several rideshare zones make drop‑offs hassle‑free. If you drive, there’s limited street parking; most guests prefer public transport to avoid congestion.
What to Expect Inside: Capacity, Vibe, and Amenities
Printworks can accommodate up to 5,000 people across its three floors, making it larger than many traditional London clubs. The main floor usually holds 3,500, while the mezzanine and loft levels serve as chill‑out zones or smaller stage areas.
Facilities include multiple bars, premium bottle‑service rooms, and a dedicated “silent area” where the music volume is reduced for conversation. Restroom queues are mitigated by eight well‑signposted units spread throughout the venue.
Nearby Attractions: Make a Night Out of It
After the set, you can stroll along the Thames River walkways or pop into the O2 Arena complex for late‑night eats. The historic Bermondsey Street offers plenty of 24‑hour eateries, from street‑food stalls to upscale pizza joints.
If you’re a club‑hopping enthusiast, consider a nightcap at Fabric or Ministry of Sound. Both venues are under 15 minutes by tube, letting you sample different atmospheres in one evening.
Tips for First‑Timers
- Buy tickets early - popular line‑ups sell out within hours.
- Dress smart‑casual; the venue enforces a no‑sneakers‑with‑holes policy.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before doors open to avoid queuing at the security checks.
- Keep your phone on silent - the sound system’s power can damage earbuds.
- Use the official app for real‑time line‑up updates and map navigation.
Future Plans: Expanding the Experience
Management has hinted at a “Printworks 2.0” renovation slated for 2026, aiming to add a rooftop terrace overlooking the Thames River. The expansion will include a smaller, intimate club space for up‑and‑coming producers.
In addition, partnerships with visual‑artist collectives promise immersive “audio‑visual” shows that blend live projection mapping with the venue’s massive LED wall.
Printworks vs. Other Iconic London Clubs
| Venue | Capacity | Primary Genre | Sound System | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printworks London | 5,000 | EDM / Tech‑no | L‑Acoustics line‑array | Industrial hall with 60‑m LED wall |
| Fabric | 2,500 | House / Drum‑&‑Bass | Martin Audio | Underground, intimate vibe |
| Ministry of Sound | 2,000 | House / Tech‑house | Celestion towers | Iconic bass‑heavy layout |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code at Printworks London?
Smart‑casual is required; avoid sportswear, ripped jeans, and trainers without a sleek look.
How early should I arrive for a big DJ night?
Aim to be there 30‑45 minutes before doors open - the queue can stretch, especially on weekends.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, a coat check is available near the main entrance for a small fee.
Can I bring my own drinks?
No outside alcohol is allowed; the venue’s bars stock a wide selection, and bottle‑service tables can be booked in advance.
Is Printworks wheelchair‑accessible?
Yes, the venue offers wheelchair ramps, dedicated viewing platforms, and accessible restrooms on each level.
What’s the best way to get a last‑minute ticket?
Check the official website’s “standby” page or use the mobile app’s waiting list feature - tickets often release minutes before the event.
Chaunt Elyza
October 22, 2025 AT 16:54Printworks is a beast of a venue 🚀. Its industrial vibe makes you feel like you’re dancing inside a giant printer that’s been turned up to 11. The 60‑metre LED wall absolutely blows the mind, and the L‑Acoustics line‑array gives you crystal‑clear bass throughout the three levels. Getting there is easy – just hop off at Canada Water and you’re a five‑minute walk away 🚇. If you’re coming from central London, the Jubilee line will drop you right nearby, and the Overground adds extra options. Parking is a nightmare, so I always take the bike or rideshare. The dress code is smart‑casual, no ripped trainers, and they’ll check your phone for earbuds because the sound can fry cheap headphones. Arrive early – the queues move fast but the security checks are thorough. Overall, it’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime spot for any EDM fan. 🎉
Katie Schiffer
October 22, 2025 AT 20:14Hey everyone, if you’re planning your first Printworks run, here’s the game plan: grab your tickets ASAP because they vanish faster than a drop‑the‑bass moment. Pack a light jacket – the industrial hall can get chilly when the LED walls are off. Bring a reusable water bottle; the bars are pricey but there’s a refill station near the mezzanine. Keep an eye on the official app for line‑up updates – they push notifications for surprise guest DJs. When you get in, let the crowd energy lift you; don’t stay glued to your phone, soak in the light show! And remember to respect the no‑sneakers‑with‑holes rule – it’s not just a dress code, it’s for safety. If you need a breather, head up to the loft level for a chill‑out zone with softer tunes. Most importantly, dance like nobody’s watching and bring your best vibes. You’ve got this! 🎈
John Irving
October 22, 2025 AT 23:34Honestly, the article could use a few edits. First, it says “the venue spans roughly 20,000 m² across three levels”-that’s fine, but later it claims “the sound system, engineered by L‑Acoustics, uses line‑array speakers positioned to fill the space evenly, eliminating dead zones.” That statement is misleading; no sound system can truly eliminate dead zones in a hall of that size. Also, the phrase “smart‑casual is required; avoid sportswear, ripped jeans, and trainers without a sleek look” is overly vague – what qualifies as “sleek”? Moreover, the post mixes UK and US spellings (“favor” vs “favour”) which is sloppy for a venue in London. The transport section forgets to mention the Thames Clippers, a decent riverboat option. Finally, the “no‑outside alcohol” rule should be highlighted more prominently; many first‑timers overlook it and get turned away at the door. FYI, the British pride in preserving historical sites means venues like Printworks are scrutinized heavily, so the management would appreciate a more accurate description.
Kat Astrophic
October 23, 2025 AT 02:54Printworks utilizes a dual‑subwoofer configuration from L‑Acoustics, each rated at 2,500 W RMS, paired with a 12‑column line‑array covering frequencies from 40 Hz to 20 kHz. The venue’s acoustic treatment includes broadband absorbers on the sidewalls and diffusers on the ceiling, reducing reverberation time to approximately 1.2 seconds at mid‑frequencies. The LED wall operates at 4 K resolution, supporting a 120 fps refresh rate for synchronized visualisation. Capacity is officially 5,000, with 3,500 on the ground floor, 1,000 on the mezzanine, and 500 in the loft. Entry points are designed for parallel flow, limiting bottlenecks at security checkpoints. Restroom facilities are distributed evenly, each equipped with sensor‑activated faucets reducing water usage by 30 %. The venue’s fire safety system complies with BS 9999, featuring integrated smoke detectors and emergency lighting throughout the three levels. Ticketing integrates RFID wristbands that activate proximity lighting on the dance floor. All these specifications contribute to a highly controlled, immersive environment.
Sig Mund
October 23, 2025 AT 06:14Bottom line: Printworks can hold up to five thousand party‑goers, so you’ll never feel cramped even at peak nights.
Ayush Bajpai
October 23, 2025 AT 09:34Visiting Printworks is like stepping into a futuristic cavern that still whispers its manufacturing past. The industrial steel beams are left exposed, creating a raw aesthetic that pairs perfectly with the cutting‑edge light installations. I was impressed by how the venue balances high‑energy dance floors with quieter loft areas for conversation. The staff are courteous, and the queue moved smoothly thanks to the pre‑check scanners. Public transport options are abundant – a quick walk from Canada Water makes it convenient for both locals and tourists. The sound system delivers deep bass without overwhelming the mids, preserving clarity across the room. Overall, it’s an excellent example of adaptive reuse, turning a dated printing plant into a world‑class nightlife destination. 🎶