Printworks London: Redefining Nightlife Fun in the Capital

Ready for a night that’ll seriously raise your clubbing standards? Printworks London isn’t just a place you go—it’s where you feel the beat right down to your bones. If you’re used to tiny basements or overcrowded pubs, this place will blow your mind.

First things first: Printworks carved out its reputation by transforming a massive old printing factory in Surrey Quays into one of the most in-demand nightlife spots anywhere in London. It’s not just about size, though. We’re talking warehouse vibes, slick organisation, and a killer lineup of DJs covering everything from techno and drum & bass to live electronic sets.

One thing that sets Printworks apart? Everything runs smoothly—from ticketing to cloakroom to the bar. Security takes their job seriously but keeps the mood friendly. And with all that buzz and space, you’ll run into a mix of hardcore music fans, first-timers, and even a few famous faces if you’re lucky.

Thinking of heading over for the first time? Wear comfy shoes, because those dance floors are huge. Most events are sold out weeks in advance, so make sure you book early—no one likes last-minute FOMO! Keep your eyes peeled for special show announcements, too, because some acts only play here once a year.

• What Makes Printworks London Special
• Types of Events and Experiences Offered
• Getting Tickets and Planning Your Night
• Staying Safe and Making the Most of Your Visit

What Makes Printworks London Special

It’s easy to see why Printworks London has become a legend in the city’s nightlife world. The first thing you’ll notice is the sheer size—this place is huge. The venue used to be a printing press for newspapers, and they kept a ton of the original machinery and layout. Now, instead of paper and ink, you’ll hear pounding bass and see lights streaming down the long, warehouse-style halls. You don’t get this kind of industrial vibe anywhere else in London.

Sound quality here is next level. The acoustics are designed for electronic music, with a powerful sound system that covers every inch of the main Press Halls. No muddy beats, just crisp, clear music—even when you’re tucked at the back. As for the light shows, they’re off the charts. Lasers cut through fog, and giant moving lights sync up to whatever the DJ is spinning. It’s part music, part theatre.

Let’s talk crowd control and comfort. At full tilt, Printworks can hold up to 6,000 people, but the way it’s spaced out means you don’t feel stuck in a sweaty crush like at other London nightlife events. Want some air or to cool down? There are chill-out zones and food stalls that actually serve decent bites (my husband Harrison swears by the bao buns every time).

If you care about the DJ lineup, you’re in for a treat. Printworks pulls serious talent, with headliners like Peggy Gou, Eric Prydz, and Bicep, plus exclusive collaborations and festival-style events. There’s always a mix of world-famous acts and up-and-coming artists—perfect for music fans who like to discover something fresh.

Another perk: organization. Security runs tight, so getting in and out is more efficient than at most clubbing events in the city. Queues move fast, there are plenty of lockers, and staff are quick to help if you’re lost. No confusion, no drama, just easy access to the dancefloor.

Want real numbers? Here’s what you’re working with:

So when you think Printworks London, think of it as more than just a club—it’s an experience built for people who really care about music, space, and having a proper night out. If you haven’t checked it out yet, trust me, it’s not like anything else out there.

Types of Events and Experiences Offered

If you’re into live music or club nights, Printworks London has you covered with something for everyone. This isn’t your neighborhood bar with a DJ tucked in a corner. Instead, the venue books big international names—from electronic music legends to up-and-coming acts you’ll want to brag about seeing early.

The main draw has to be the electronic music events, especially techno, house, and drum & bass. You’ll see flyers with names like Peggy Gou, Bicep, Honey Dijon, and The Chemical Brothers. When these kinds of artists play here, people travel from all over the UK for just one epic night. According to Resident Advisor, “Printworks has become a pilgrimage site for electronic music fans worldwide.”

“The vast, industrial halls and cutting-edge production put Printworks on a different level from other club venues,” wrote Mixmag in a 2024 venue review.

But it’s not all late-night clubbing. Printworks also runs daytime events and festivals. Sometimes doors open as early as noon for marathon music sessions—they call these ‘day raves.’ They’re great if you want to party but still catch the last train home. The venue has hosted label takeovers (like Ministry of Sound or Anjunadeep), immersive live AV shows, even art exhibitions and film premieres. Once, there was even a roller disco!

• Electronic music nights (techno, house, drum & bass)
• Live concerts (from synth-pop to experimental electronic)
• Daytime parties and ‘all-dayers’
• One-off events (art shows, fashion launches, roller discos)

Just to give you an idea of the scale, Printworks’ main room packs in up to 6,000 people. The second room, called the “Darkroom,” hosts smaller, more intimate sets for around 1,000. If you’re looking for a unique London nightlife experience, the sheer variety here is unbeatable.

So, whether you want to rave till sunrise or try something creative on a Saturday afternoon, Printworks London should be right at the top of your night (or day) out plans.

Getting Tickets and Planning Your Night

If you’re itching to experience Printworks London, getting your tickets sorted early is a must—no joke, most shows sell out weeks, sometimes months ahead. Tickets drop on official sites like the Printworks website, DICE, or Resident Advisor. Don’t trust random resellers on social media—scams are everywhere, and Printworks hates fake tickets as much as you do.

Here’s a step-by-step for snagging a ticket without drama:

• Sign up for Printworks’ mailing list. They send out alerts the moment new events go live.
• When tickets drop, log in early. Big-name DJs and special events can sell out in under 30 minutes.
• Pick your entry time carefully. For some events, there’s a last entry cutoff—miss it, and you won’t get in, even with a ticket.
• Always use the same name on your ticket as your ID. Security checks are strict, and mismatches can mean no entry.

Makes you think twice before waiting for the last batch, right? Early bird is always cheaper—and sometimes comes with extras like a free drink.

Once you’ve got your ticket, planning your night is a breeze. Doors usually open around 7 p.m. or earlier for daytime events. The entry queue moves fast, but give yourself at least 30 minutes—more if it’s a big night like NYE. Printworks London has decent cloakrooms (around £2.50 per item), food trucks for mid-night munchies, loads of water stations, and tons of toilets (so you’re not stuck in line all night).

For transport, the closest stations are Canada Water and Surrey Quays, both about a 10-minute walk away. Night buses and Ubers are everywhere when shows end, but expect them to be busy. If you’re meeting friends, pick a rally point outside the entrance; the phone signal inside can be spotty in packed crowds.

One last tip: Snap a photo of your ticket and ID. If your battery dies after plenty of dancing, you’ll still have proof at the door. Small moves, big peace of mind.

Staying Safe and Making the Most of Your Visit

If you’re heading out to Printworks London for the first time or just want a smarter night out, a few simple tricks can make all the difference. It’s a huge venue, and it feels even bigger once you’re inside with the sound system shaking the walls.

First, let’s keep it real about safety. The venue is well known for its solid security team—they don’t mess around but they’re fair and respectful. Bag checks are thorough, so only bring what you need. For anyone worried about pickpocketing, Printworks takes this seriously; inside, you’ll find lots of cameras and visible staff. Still, only bring what you'll need for the night: ID, bank card, and your phone. Leave anything bulky or valuable at home—cloakroom space is handy but can fill up quickly on sold-out nights.

Losing your friends is a classic clubbing struggle, but here it’s easy to do since there are multiple rooms and long corridors. Before you get lost in the crowd, agree on a meeting spot. Phone signal tends to get patchy when the crowd packs in, so keep an eye out for the info screens or designated meeting points.

Healthwise, Printworks has dedicated medical and welfare staff. If you or a friend feel unwell, don’t keep it to yourself—ask for help. Water is free and you can refill your bottle (seriously, bring a reusable one—drinks queue can get busy and you’ll want to stay hydrated under all those lasers).

• Wear comfortable shoes. Standing and dancing for hours on concrete can tire you out fast.
• Stay in groups and look out for each other, especially when moving between rooms.
• Download your ticket in advance to your phone to speed up entry and avoid technical hiccups at the door.
• ATM machines are inside, but bar queues get long—grab tokens early or set up cashless payments.
• Bring a portable phone charger—finding a wall plug is basically impossible.

Here’s a quick look at how Printworks London stacks up when it comes to safety and comfort compared to other nightspots:

Above all, enjoy yourself and soak it in—few places in the city feel quite like Printworks. With smart planning, a bit of common sense, and a good crew, you’re set for a night that’s as safe as it is unforgettable.