Halloween Nightmare for London's Beloved Punk Venue
A sold-out anarcho-punk night at a cherished London venue turned into a Halloween disaster after a sudden flash flood caused chaos, forcing an early closure and leaving a trail of expensive damage.
The incident took place at the Piehouse Workers Co-op in Deptford on Halloween night. The not-for-profit, wheelchair-accessible venue was hosting a packed event with 150 people when water began cascading from the light fixtures.
Torrential Rain and Immediate Aftermath
Liv Wynter, the venue coordinator, was working that night. They described about 25 minutes of "unfathomable torrential rain" before the situation inside deteriorated rapidly. The deluge damaged the building's electrics and sound system, making it impossible to continue.
"We were forced to close early which cost us half a grand," Liv told Metro. Despite the disappointment, the community spirit shone through. Liv recalled strangers immediately stepping up to help, with one person even fetching a wet hoover to clear the water from the floor.
"People were extremely understanding and I think that’s such a testament to the importance of the space," they said, emphasising the deep connection the venue has with its audience.
Financial Strain and Community Lifeline
The forced closure had a severe financial impact. The venue was shut for more than two weeks, leading to an estimated £20,000 in lost revenue, not including the cost of essential repairs.
Fortunately, the Piehouse had already set up a Crowdfunder to renovate its kitchen, bathrooms, and music equipment. The flood made this fundraiser even more critical to cover the new tech damage and future-proof the space. Their goal is to raise £25,000, and with 11 days remaining at the time of reporting, they had already gathered over £17,000.
The venue has since managed a tentative reopening, though issues persisted, such as the drainage not working correctly. Once again, the community was on hand to assist, with patrons willingly picking up mops to help.
"That’s the beautiful thing about the Piehouse, is that people really do feel like it’s something that they have played a part in existing," Liv remarked.
A Vital Space for London's Arts Scene
The Piehouse Workers Co-op is more than just a music venue; it is a vital, inclusive hub. It is one of the few wheelchair-accessible venues in London and hosts a diverse range of art and performance events.
This is not the first challenge the venue has faced. Its predecessor, Matchstick Piehouse, closed in 2023 despite community support. However, a successful campaign led to its reopening in March of this year. Since then, it has hosted over 200 events, providing an affordable space for artists and audiences alike.
Reflecting on the stressful two weeks following the flood, Liv said with a chuckle, "There’s been a lot of tears, a lot of them, which as someone with two mohicans and a face tattoo, it takes a lot to get them out."
The Crowdfunder for Piehouse Workers Co-op is active until November 30.
