Printworks London History: The Rise of a Legendary Underground Venue

When you think of Printworks London, a former printing factory turned immersive music venue that became a cornerstone of London’s underground club scene. Also known as Printworks venue, it didn’t just host parties—it created moments that stuck with people long after the last beat dropped. Unlike flashy clubs with VIP sections and dress codes, Printworks was about the music, the space, and the people. No pretense. No filters. Just sound shaking the walls of a 19th-century industrial building in Peckham.

Before it opened in 2016, London had plenty of clubs, but few that felt this raw. London nightlife venues, spaces designed for late-night social experiences, from rooftop bars to basement clubs. Also known as nightlife spots London, they often chased trends. Printworks didn’t care. It kept its concrete floors, exposed pipes, and industrial vibe. It didn’t need neon lights or bottle service. The music—deep house, techno, experimental bass—did the talking. And people came, not to be seen, but to feel something real. The venue’s layout was simple: one massive hall, no stages, no barriers. DJs played for hours, sometimes all night. Crowds moved as one. You didn’t just dance—you got lost in the rhythm.

Its history is tied to the people who built it. A team of underground promoters, sound engineers, and artists who believed clubs should be about community, not profit. They didn’t just rent a building—they revived it. The old printing presses were gone, but the soul stayed. You could still see traces of ink stains on the walls, reminders of the factory’s past. That contrast—industrial grit meets electronic pulse—was what made Printworks special. It wasn’t just a place to go out. It was a place to reset.

Other venues came and went. Some tried to copy it. None matched it. Even when it closed in 2023, the impact didn’t fade. People still talk about the nights when the bass rattled your ribs and the crowd sang along to a track no one had heard before. Underground club London, a type of music venue focused on non-commercial, immersive audio experiences, often hidden in unexpected spaces. Also known as London underground music venues, it’s a label many use—but Printworks was the real thing. It didn’t need to be on every influencer’s feed. It didn’t need to be booked six months in advance. It just needed to be open, and the right people would find it.

What you’ll find in the posts below are stories from people who were there—the DJs who played, the regulars who showed up every week, the ones who came once and never forgot. You’ll read about the nights that turned into legends, the sound systems that broke records, and the quiet moments between sets when the whole place just breathed together. This isn’t just history. It’s a reminder of what nightlife can be when it’s made by people who care more about the music than the money.