Printworks nightclub to host ‘London’s first’ socially distanced craft beer festival

Infamous London event space Printworks is to become the backdrop for “London’s first socially distanced beer festival” later this month.

London beer festival BrewLDN is set to go ahead again this year despite widespread uncertainty caused by the UK’s coronavirus lockdowns.

The festival usually takes place in the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, a stone’s throw from London’s financial district. This month, however, it’s moving to south London venue Printworks, which is perhaps better known for its roster of music events, from day-long raves to DJ sets from electronic artists and groups such as Disclosure, Sub Focus, Defected and Solomun.

Around 50 craft brewers will be setting up stands at the event, significantly fewer than the 150 who attended BrewLDN’s event in February. Verdant, BBno, Brew York, Gypsy Hill, Cloudwater, Tiny Rebel, Magic Rock, Duration, Fierce and DEYA are among those set to exhibit.

The move to Printworks will allow the event to spread across a wider area and accommodate the UK government’s social distancing measures. The venue’s Vanways and Container Yard spaces will be used for the event to provide outdoor seating.

The organisers will also be able to make use of Printworks’ infamous sound systems, with DJs Medlar, Ron Basejam, Esa, RAW SILK, Eliza Rose, Ron Basejam and Hot Toddy all on the bill for the four-day event.

The festival will run from Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August with two sessions per day, 12-4pm, and 5-9pm.

To attend, guests will need to book tables of up to six people in advance, priced at £60. Guests will be asked to give an arrival time within an hour of opening, and be allowed to keep their table for four hours.