One of London’s most recognised cultural institutions, KOKO proudly
announces its 125th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the capital’s arts and
entertainment history. Since opening its doors in 1901, the historic Camden theatre has built
a reputation for creative innovation, firmly positioning itself at the heart of London’s
ever-evolving music culture.
To mark its anniversary, KOKO is doubling down on that legacy. The new in-house KOKO Recording Studio is ready for launch alongside an expanded KOKO Electronic programme that leans further into club culture. The calendar already reflects that shift, with DJ-led takeovers and upcoming sets from names such as Uncle Waffles, Armand Van Helden, Ayra Starr and Paco Osuna to name a few. Recent parties from Bedouin, Prospa, Antdot and ANOTR definitely did not disappoint, where the main focus lied with the full clubbing experience and quality tunes. At KOKO the dancefloor feels intentional; where sound, lighting and architecture come together in a way that feels closer to performance than a standard night out – you will be blown away by the sound system in the venue, trust me!
That sense of evolution isn’t new. Across its lifetime, KOKO has hosted everyone from Madonna and Prince to Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones. In its Camden Palace years (1982–2004), it became a cornerstone of UK club culture, with artists like Carl Cox, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and LTJ Bukem shaping its legacy.
Its latest reinvention came after a three-year restoration, reopening in 2022 as a 50,000-square-foot venue built for modern nightlife. Alongside the physical overhaul came a sharper creative direction, including the launch of KOKO Electronic – a fully in-house programme that continues to push its connection to electronic music forward.
At 125, KOKO isn’t looking backwards for long. It’s still experimenting, still adapting and still trying to define what a London venue can be. With the opening of KOKO’s Recording Studio located within the House of KOKO’s Penthouse, artists and members now have a space for recording, songwriting and podcasting. Recent visitors include internationally acclaimed electronic music duo ANOTR and Afrobeats
rising star Omah Lay. The space will also support the KOKO Foundation and its Arts Academy, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and community engagement.
Uniquely integrated throughout the entire building, the studio connects to every performance
and event space within KOKO and the House of KOKO – creating one of London’s most
dynamic environments for recording, live broadcasting, and content creation.
Photo: Mike Portlock / ANOTR
