Corsica Studios - Elephant & Castle Guide: What To Know Before You Go

Ever walked past an unremarkable building and missed the party of the year happening inside? That’s Corsica Studios for you. Tucked under the railway arches at Elephant & Castle, this place barely shows off on the outside—inside, it’s a whole different story.

If you’re after a real, no-nonsense clubbing experience in London, you can’t skip Corsica Studios. Forget velvet ropes and big-budget light shows; it’s all about wicked sound, gritty vibes, and a crowd that came for the music—not for selfies. You’ll hear everything from house and techno to offbeat electronic and the kind of DJs who are legends to the right crowd but total mysteries to your mum.

Planning a visit? Getting there’s simple: hop off at Elephant & Castle station and you’re a two-minute walk away. Buses rumble all night, and there's plenty to eat nearby if you want a pre-party bite (everyone seems to end up at Morley's for fried chicken, just saying). Just remember to snag your ticket early—Corsica sells out fast, especially when an international name is in town.

• Key Points
• Direct Answer
• Getting To Know Corsica Studios
• Events, Music, and What To Expect
• Tips For The Best Night Out

Key Points

If you want a good grip on what makes Corsica Studios so different, here’s the lowdown:

• The club sits right under the railway arches near Elephant & Castle station—super easy to get to by Tube or bus, even if you’re new to South London.
• It’s all about underground music, especially techno, house, drum & bass, and experimental live sets. Don’t come here expecting chart hits or bottle service.
• Corsica Studios has a two-room layout. There’s a main room for big sounds and a smaller second space for more experimental vibes.
• Capacity is intimate—about 500 across both rooms—so you’ll never feel lost in the crowd, but it does mean tickets can sell out before the night kicks off.
• Drinks prices are reasonable by London standards, with pints usually just under £6 and spirit mixers around £7-£8.
• No strict dress code. You’ll see everything from ripped jeans to full rave gear. Just don’t expect anyone to care what you’re wearing.
• Corsica has been operating since 2002 and picks up regular awards for best small club, thanks to its killer sound system and left-field programming.

If you're coming for a specific event, check out the online program—headliners get booked months in advance. And heads up, there’s no cloakroom drama here, but lockers sometimes get claimed fast on busy nights.

Direct Answer

If you’re after the real deal in London clubbing, Corsica Studios in Elephant & Castle is it. This spot has earned a rep since 2005 for being fiercely independent, laser-focused on cutting-edge music, and a launchpad for serious DJs. Don’t expect table service or wild VIP areas—do expect a killer vibe, a crowd that knows their beats, and a sound system designed to make you forget the outside world.

Here’s the short version: Corsica Studios is a two-room club under railway arches at 4/5 Elephant Rd, South London. It hosts up to 500 people, so parties feel close and intense. Nights here cover everything from raw techno to grime, leftfield electronica, dubstep, disco, and ambient. Most events are over 18s and run from 10pm till either 3am or 6am depending on the bill. You’ll want to buy tickets in advance—pre-sale prices typically range between £10 and £22, though it depends on who’s performing.

So, if you’re hunting for an underground party where it’s always about the music, and you love clubs that haven’t sold out, Corsica Studios is your spot in South London. Just bring comfy shoes—the dancefloor is unforgiving, and you won’t want to stop moving.

Getting To Know Corsica Studios

Corsica Studios isn’t your typical club. It opened in 2002 and quickly made a name for itself as the go-to spot for underground electronic music in Elephant & Castle. Tucked away under railway arches on Elephant Road, the venue blends artsy DIY energy with some serious booking cred that’s kept it buzzing for over two decades.

Don’t expect a huge, flashy club with blinding lights. Corsica is compact—just two main rooms and a small bar. Its no-frills setup means every inch matters. The vibes are intimate, the ceilings are low, and people actually come for the music. Sound is king here; promoters have kept the system updated, and you really feel those basslines straight in your chest. Most regulars rave about the Function-One setup, and yeah, it delivers every single time.

Wondering why people make the trek to Elephant & Castle? Well, Corsica Studios draws crowds because it’s where you catch global DJs before they blow up—think Four Tet, Ben UFO, and Honey Dijon before the festival main stages. You also get themed nights from labels and collectives like Trouble Vision, Find Me In The Dark, and Queer House Party. That’s a line-up you don’t want to miss.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the essentials:

The crowd at Corsica Studios is friendly but focused on the dance. Most nights are for over-18s, ID always gets checked at the door, and dress code isn’t a thing—wear what you’re comfortable in. Queer-friendly nights are common, and everyone’s pretty chill, so you don’t have to worry about fitting in.

If you’re after a spot that’s about music first, easy-going people, and a break from the usual West End club scene, Corsica Studios is basically your perfect match. Elephant & Castle might not be London’s flashiest area, but this spot is proof you don’t need glamour to have the best night of your week.

Events, Music, and What To Expect

Corsica Studios isn’t your typical nightclub—it’s a landmark for proper underground nights. The calendar is always packed, but you won’t find mainstream lineups. Instead, Corsica books artists who know how to move a dancefloor, from up-and-coming London DJs to international pioneers in electronic music. House and techno are mainstays, but don't be surprised if you stumble into a drum & bass takeover, a mutant disco party, or a rare jungle set. The lineup changes every week, so there’s something fresh almost every night.

The venue itself is split into two rooms—Room 1 and Room 2. Both have their own vibe, massive sound systems, and enough space for the crowd to go wild, but with that intimate, no-frills feel that regulars love. You’re right up close to the DJ, and the energy is contagious. Unlike big clubs, you aren’t just watching—you’re part of the action.

Event times depend on the night, but most parties start at 11pm and go until 5 or 6 in the morning. If you're looking for a casual gig, watch for the mid-week events that sometimes feature live bands, leftfield electronica, or local collectives testing out new ideas. The weekends, though, are strictly for the dance scene. Expect full-throttle parties, sweat, and a crowd that’s there until the lights come on.

Here’s a quick look at the kinds of nights you might catch at Corsica Studios:

• Find Me In The Dark: Cutting-edge techno and house, with guests like Avalon Emerson and Helena Hauff.
• Steelo: UK bass, garage, and drill events. Sometimes brings in secret guests from the London rap scene.
• Chapter 10: LGBTQ+ party with wild energy, iconic for its diverse, open-minded crowd and epic house sets.
• Hybrid Live: Cross-genre nights—think live synths with club beats.

If you’re a numbers person, check this out:

Corsica Studios keeps things simple: high quality sound, stacked event listings, and a vibe that’s more about the music than dressing up for Instagram. Drinks aren’t overpriced, the crowd skews friendly, and security actually looks out for you. If you want more than a playlist and a flashy light show, this is your spot. The only thing you really need? An open mind and some stamina—because it’s hard to leave before sunrise.

Tips For The Best Night Out

If you want to make the most of your night at Corsica Studios, a little preparation goes a long way. This isn’t one of those places where you just rock up in a suit or high heels hoping for bottle service. Here, it’s about comfort, music, and good vibes. Here’s how to make sure you’re sorted before you walk through those arches.

• Corsica Studios opens late and closes even later—usually around 5 or 6AM. Check event times before heading out, as last entry is typically 2AM, and there’s rarely re-entry—if you leave, it’s game over.
• Tickets almost always cost less in advance. Typical pre-sale tickets are around £12-£18, but on the door, you might pay £20 or more—if there are any left. Buy online, and save your spot.
• The cloakroom is reliable (£2-£3 an item), so don’t stress about having to lug around your jacket or bag. Still, bring minimal stuff—space is tight inside.
• No dress code means you make your own rules. Most folks wear trainers, t-shirts, and whatever keeps them moving on the dancefloor for six hours straight. Just avoid open-toed shoes or anything you don’t want ruined.
• Water is available at the bar for about £2-£3, but you can ask for tap water for free. Bars serve the basics—expect pints, spirits, and mixers, not fancy cocktails.
• The sound system packs a punch, especially in Room 1, so bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music. Your future self will thank you.

The area around Elephant & Castle isn’t glamorous, but it’s well-lit and has a 24-hour McDonald’s, plenty of food trucks, and a night tube (Northern and Bakerloo lines run all night on Friday and Saturday). Avoid side streets late at night—stick to the main roads back to the station.

Here's a breakdown of common costs at Corsica Studios:

If you need a break during the night, the smoking area is usually outside the arches. It can get busy, so be patient. Most events are 18+, and door staff do check IDs—don’t forget yours. And if you lose anything, the staff are usually helpful, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get it back, so keep stuff safe.