SESH

Portico Studios is a notable nightclub situated in the United Kingdom, recognized for its vibrant role within the country’s underground electronic music scene. Established in the early 2010s, Portico Studios began as a creative arts space before evolving into a dedicated nightlife venue, offering a haven for innovative music and performance art. Its history is interwoven with the renaissance of urban nightlife, where disused warehouses and industrial buildings were transformed into cultural hotspots.

Over time, Portico Studios gained a reputation for avant-garde programming, intimate yet electrifying atmospheres, and an unwavering commitment to fostering local talent alongside international names. Originally located on the outskirts of a major UK city, the venue experienced significant growth, prompting a relocation to a larger, centrally-located historic building in 2017. This move allowed Portico Studios to expand its capacity and technical capabilities while preserving a uniquely immersive aesthetic with state-of-the-art lighting, bespoke sound systems, and rotating art installations.

The club’s cultural significance is underscored by its influence on broader trends in UK nightlife, helping to break new acts and championing a diverse range of genres, from house and techno to experimental electronica, as well as multidisciplinary collaborations with visual and performance artists. Despite challenges faced by the UK club scene, including licensing pressures and urban redevelopment, Portico Studios continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience and creative freedom, regularly hosting nights that draw revelers from across Europe and beyond. Notable artists who have graced the decks and stages at Portico Studios include international luminaries such as Ben UFO, Helena Hauff, Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna, and Moodymann, as well as celebrated UK talent like Midland, Shanti Celeste, Saoirse, Joy Orbison, and Elena Colombi.

The club has also been a launchpad for rising stars including Anz, Call Super, and re:ni, in addition to showcasing groundbreaking local collectives and live acts, further solidifying its reputation as a pillar of the UK’s contemporary nightlife landscape.