Famous for its long-running weekly gothic club night Slimelight, many Londoners will already be familiar with the cavernous warehouse dancefloors at Electrowerkz, but the new management want to make the space more queer-friendly — starting with a new night for bears and friends later this month. We caught up with the club’s general manager, Elliot Hayward, to hear a little more about the new direction!
GLL: Hey Elliot, what can you tell us about changes underfoot at Electrowerkz?
EH: Electrowerkz is one of London’s longest-running venues, so it’s not new, but we believe it’s the most unique club in the capital. Recently, we have consciously diversified the roster of club nights by working with established and new LGBTQ+ nightlife brands, club night owners and promoters. For some in the queer scene, there’s a sense that Electrowerkz has been hidden away, but many will know the venue as the event space that has hosted Trough, Bimini Bon Boulash’s House of Trash, Unicorn, and London’s most famous fetish night, Torture Garden. It’s important to us that the venue is an inclusive space for all clubbers. We will continue to honour this legacy as we re-establish Electrowerkz as a more inclusive music and performance hub — building an exciting and musically diverse future.
GLL: For those that have never been to the venue, can you describe what makes it so special?
EH: Electrowerkz has a rich history. Originally built as a horse hospital in the late 19th century, it then became a Victorian metalwork. We have three floors and six rooms across 30,000 square feet, and it has a unique industrial feel with wide staircases, huge rooms, high ceilings and walls thicker than Lizzo! There’s something very old-school about it, and that’s what our guests love – it’s not plastic, overly shiny or fake. We’re committed to maintaining the raw and stripped-back energy that’s missing from so much of the London scene.
GLL: What plans have you got for the space and what exciting events do you have coming up?
EH: We have so many exciting things happening right now. Trough, Unicorn and House of Trash have been so successful that they’re now regular nights. It’s so satisfying to see so much of London partying again. Electrowerkz is now firmly in the queer consciousness – and for those stragglers, they’ll definitely know once our new night, ROAST, launches.
GLL: Tell us a bit more about ROAST.
EH: It’s going to be a night for bears, muscle bears, chubs, chasers, cubs, muscle men and their admirers. We’re opening the entire venue and will have seven DJs, five rooms, three floors and one big playroom — it’s going to be hot! We’re playing the best in house, from classic vocal to techno and electro to indie dance. Gay London has been crying out for a new space and somewhere that feels different.
GLL: Who’s on the line-up?
EH: Not only do we have rising star King James Lee, but we’ve also been lucky enough to enlist the talents of indie dance super-remixers Silverhookand Tareq, both from Beefmince. We’ve got scene icons Paul Heron and Massimo Paramour playing the harder stuff and we’re excited to introduce Lewis Jenkins to a new audience. But, honestly, the jewel in our tiara is having Beyoncè and Kylie remixing titans, The Freemasons, playing our main room. We can’t wait — yes, we’ve been out of lockdown for some time but this feels like the first big party!
GLL: Are there going to be any more surprises?
EH: It’s so important to us that the music, the DJs, the punters, and the venue do their thing but yes, we have some surprises up our sleeves. ROAST is fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously, so it gives us some room to do things differently — we’re making it a night to remember!
GLL: We’re itching to hit the dancefloor — what kind of crowd are you expecting?
EH: We’ve made a conscious effort to ensure the night is for everyone, with different floors and rooms for different tastes. Yes, it’s predominantly for the bear crowd but ROAST is a space for anyone who likes house music, an old-school warehouse vibe and a good night out!
ROAST is on Saturday 25th June, 10pm-6am, Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ, Nearest Tube: Angel
