Former public toilet in London to reopen as nightclub

In London, former public restrooms are finding new life as entertainment venues. Photo: AFP

One of London's most famous former public washrooms is reopening its doors for the first time in 10 years, as a nightclub.

This festive venue, formerly called Public Life, is located in the trendy district of Spitalfields, East London. For many years, London's night owls would frequent this one-time washroom to party, discreetly, all through the night.

However, the establishment lost its liquor license in 2012, forcing it to close. This news was welcomed with relief by many local residents, who had been complaining about significant nighttime disturbances.

"It wasn’t very nice to walk past, it was quite intimidating. People were hanging around waiting to get in there having been to other clubs,” the president of the Spitalfields Community Group told the Evening Standard in 2014.

That year, Public Life's fate took another turn when it was sold for nearly £1mil (RM5.3mil) by the real estate agency Clarke and Lloyds. It will now reopen as the Warmer Room on Nov 4, helmed by party promoters Warmer People.

Only 80 people will be able to attend this reopening party, in accordance with the capacity of these former public conveniences. On this occasion, revellers will be able to enjoy a set from the French DJ and producer, Leo Pol.

While the event is already sold out, Thom Grant, one of the co-founders of Warmer People, says that other events will be organised at the Warmer Room each month.

"We’re keeping it the same as before, but with a new generation of DJs," he told the specialist magazine MixMag. "We want to keep it inclusive, create an enjoyable atmosphere, and do it all in a cool location."

Surprising as it may seem, London is home to other bars and festive venues housed in former public toilets. Examples include the High Cross pub in Tottenham and the Ladies & Gents, a cocktail bar in the heart of Kentish Town. – AFP Relaxnews