There are few places in the world that can contend with the likes of Ibiza and Germany when it comes to techno. London just happens to be one of them. Whether you’re a local looking for a night on the town or you’re planning a visit to the UK soon, hitting up some of these techno clubs should definitely be on the to-do list. The vibrant clubbing scene in London is nothing short of legendary, so if you’re after an industrial warehouse party or an intimate boiler-room set, here are some of the best venues in town.
Printworks
First opened in 2017, the 6,000 person capacity Printworks has quickly become big news on the techno scene. Set over 15 acres of private land, with six event rooms spread over multiple floors, the original industrial machinery makes this a very unique club. Above & Beyond recently returned to their hometown of London to play two special shows here. The powerhouse brought their renowned show to the Live Room for an unforgettable night of their signature techno back in April 2019. The line-up for 2020 is set to be something spectacular, with Quantic, Maribou State, Orbital and Sub Focus all confirmed for the coming months.
Oval Space
Nestled away in Bethnal Green, Oval Space is famous for hosting collaboration nights with the likes of Tresor club in Berlin to provide a prestigious experience for fans of techno. The venue has one of the best terraces in the city and huge windows facing the east so that revellers can watch the sunrise over East London in the early hours. Home to the “Oval Space Music Presents…” series, Oval Space is also hosting the Solardo Sessions featuring Mason Maynard and Pete Zorba.
XOYO
If it’s techno with soul that you’re after, then it doesn’t get much better than XOYO club in Shoreditch. Perfectly positioned so that revelers can take to the dance floor as soon as they’re finished visiting the main places in town, reviewed and approved by tourists. XOYO is an institution in its own right. There is an eclectic selection of genres on offer here but it is mostly famed for its infectious groovy techno that can keep an entire crowd on their feet for hours. Regular slots from DJs such as Cassius, 2ManyDJs, Justice and Carl Craig mean that the crowds just keep coming back for more. Make sure to play by the rules and leave your camera at home; this way you can really relax into the music without worrying what your hair looks like.
Corsica Studios
For a literal interpretation of underground techno, head to Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle. If you’ve ever been to Tresor or Club der Visionäre in Berlin, then you’ll feel right at home underneath the railway arches with the club’s heavy-duty sound system and video projections on the walls. Ok, so it’s small, but it claims to be the best small club in London. But it’s not just the setting that draws the crowds underground – the line ups are always bang on the money too. From Brooklyn-based Umfang and London’s Nkisi to Zoviet France and Dane Law, techno fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the best night out.
Union Club
It’s not a trip to London until you’ve paid a visit to Vauxhall’s Union Club. The club of every techno lover’s dreams, the extended opening hours are ideal for hardcore fans who are looking to party the day and night away. The regular techno night here, WRONG!, is held on Saturdays and specialises in showcasing new talent rather than established DJs to keep things fresh and interesting for the fans.
If you’ve not been to London before, a night out in one (or more) of these legendary clubs will go down in the history books. Whether you’re after top-name DJs and massive warehouse parties or fresh new talent and smaller venues, London has got you covered. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which club to go to first – and working out when you can come back!
