Sitting down with Will Paterson, Founder of Eutopia Warehouse in Barking Riverside.
New multipurpose venue, Eutopia Warehouse had already caused a stir in the rave and live music event scene in London. Will Paterson discusses the complete process surrounding his new venue, from location to sound to compliance.
Will Paterson, founder of Eutopia Warehouse, talks on his experiences as a promoter before stepping into venue management. He also mentions his experience with NDML and our representative Michael Dawson. Will discusses the changing landscape of nightlife in London, including listening bars and multipurpose music venues.
With a growing events calendar and celebrity DJs lined-up, Eutopia WHS looks to be one of the most exciting developments in the London rave scene. Located in a renovated 1920s haulage warehouse, NDML have been with Will every step of the way, bringing the property upto event standard. With NDML’s guidance and insurance policy in place, Eutopia are ready to revolutionise the sector, which is why we were so keen to capture this valuable interview.
#WeAreNightlife is a NDML’s award-winning campaign which celebrates nightclubs, as well as the night-time leisure and hospitality industry. See more from #WeAreNightlife and listen to the words of our clients and sector leaders here.
The Nightlife Revolution also assisted in the publishing and scripting of this video. The Nightlife Revolution focusses on the deprivation of the sector, looking at how nightlife business can come together to call for change and support.
How did you get started in Nightlife?
Will says: “About 30 I was a secondary school teacher, but I was really big gig goer. After walking into Heaven nightclub I was hooked. I did two years of going out every weekend and then I started my first show back in 1997.”
“After 8 years, I started to get into the venue side and in 2005 I got an opportunity to be involved in my first venue. With the Temporary Event Notices coming in in 2006 I was one of the first people to make use of warehouses.”
Why is Eutopia based in Barking?
“We found a great space in Barking, using an disused haulage warehouse. The venue space was fairly run down. First we ripped out all the electrics, then we soundproofed the roofs, and put in all the fire doors; therefore showing Michael Dawson from NDML that was were fully compliant.”
How was your experience with NDML and Michael Dawson?
“Michael has bene a huge asset to our business. While we were arranging the insurance, Michael was very clear, very precise, very prompt. He was very supportive during the build of the venue.”
“I would highly recommend NDML and Michael Dawson as well. We’d seen them recommended by the NTIA an it seemed like a natural fit for us. Insurance was delivered really well and in a really clear way. NDML is a one stop shop, I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
How have you adapted in line with Martyn’s Law?
We are all keen to do our part in preventing terror activity. We’ve looked at the perimeter, at concrete blocks, at CCTV provisions so we are aware who’s onsite and who’s not onsite during and the weekend before the show. Also training for bar staff and security. We have worked with our medic company to ensure everyone remains safe on site.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming budget?
“I think the upcoming budget is a challenge for anyone involved in business. A reduction in VAT would be amazing, but I can’t see it happening. If they could bring in reform around business rates that would be very helpful. Licensing law needs to be more consistent across all boroughs.”
Will discusses the changing landscape of nightlife…
Will mentions: “We specifically are not a nightclub. We are an arts centre. It’s about being as flexible as possible as a music business. We knew we couldn’t just do raves, it wouldn’t honour the size of the space. When we agreed the license with the authorities we said we are going to do a food court – we are going to do a rehearsal space – we are going to do corporate.”
“We want new challenges. I have total respect for those traditional nightclubs as they’ve given everyone so much. But it’s definitely time for change for all of us.”
Will also says: “For example – the growth of stadium tours – the growth of high-end audio listening bars. Coffee spaces and religious spaces are even looking at running small sit down live gigs. There is innovation coming from the industry – and I see music venues changing – from comedy to languages to theatre space. I think the sky’s the limit!”
NDML would like to thank Will Paterson for his time. Good luck in your new venture, and we hope to organise more content with Eutopia WHS very soon.
Watch more videos from #WeAreNightlife
What is WeAreNightlife?
NDML has made it their mission to protect, safeguard and provide guidance to businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector. With inside information, case studies and up-to-date information on policy changes, NDML is a broker who cares about a business’s welfare and will celebrate their growth.
Our #WeAreNightlife campaign aims to provide a sound board for industry leaders to share their own unique experiences of British nightlife. NDML’s goal, alongside the NTIA, is to nit the UK nightlife scene back together after the turbulent COVID years and deliver steps to get the industry back up to full throttle.
NDML is the UK’s number one broker in the nightlife sector. We offer exclusive tailor-made policies and have decades of expertise. Our award-winning service is built upon genuine relationships, and that’s why projects, such as #WeAreNightlife, are so important to us.
What is The Nightlife Revolution?
The Nightlife Revolution is a project which aims to bring together venue owners and hospitality staff. The project is ran by members of NDML and will give a platform for industry leaders to shed light on the challenges affecting businesses, and the key statistics that need to be known.
We wish to build a wall of supporters and a collective forum to say “Enough is Enough – Nightlife is done with being Forgotten.” Corporation have joined the Nightlife Revolution, sign up and make sure your business joins the revolution.