Golden Pudel Club, often simply known as "Pudel," is a legendary nightclub located in Hamburg, Germany, renowned for its avant-garde music curation and countercultural spirit. Established in 1995 by artist Rocko Schamoni and musician Schorsch Kamerun, Golden Pudel quickly evolved from a modest riverside bar into a sanctuary for leftfield electronic, experimental, and underground music. Nestled at St.

Pauli Fischmarkt, the venue is characterized by its intimate, slightly ramshackle interior and an ethos that rejects commercialism in favor of artistic freedom and community. Over the years, it has become a hub for Hamburg’s creative underground and a pivotal institution in the German and European club scene. Despite its relatively small size, the club’s influence and reputation far outweigh its footprint, serving as both an incubator for new talent and a haven for established artists exploring bolder sounds.

The club faced significant challenges in its history, most dramatically in 2016 when a fire severely damaged the building, prompting fears that the Pudel might not survive. However, a remarkable campaign of support from local and international figures, combined with community-driven fundraising, led to the club's eventual restoration and reopening in 2018. Golden Pudel has remained at its original riverside location throughout, and the reconstruction preserved its offbeat character.

Culturally, the club is significant for promoting inclusivity, political activism, and DIY values. Its anti-mainstream stance and boundary-pushing programming have earned it a near-mythical status among music lovers worldwide. Notable artists who have performed at Golden Pudel include Helena Hauff, Ata, Moodymann, DJ Koze, Terre Thaemlitz (DJ Sprinkles), Moritz von Oswald, Call Super, Errorsmith, Lena Willikens, Felix Kubin, Lawrence, F#X, Heiko Heion, and Nina, among many others.

The club’s residents and guests have included both seminal figures in electronic music and emerging talents, cementing Golden Pudel’s reputation as one of Europe’s most vital and influential nightclubs.