Events and Programming
The Curtain no longer trades as a venue or hotel under that name. The original Shoreditch hotel and members’ club closed in 2020. Its building at 45 Curtain Road is now occupied by Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch and 45 London, whose event spaces include the basement club Parallel 45, rooftop venue 45th & 7th, Studio 45 and the ground-floor listening lounge Hidden Grooves. Anyone finding an old listing for “The Curtain” should confirm which current space is hosting the event before buying tickets or travelling.
Current programming preserves much of The Curtain’s music-led character. Parallel 45 books electronic club nights, producer showcases, house, techno, UK garage, R&B, hip-hop, bashment and Amapiano events. The rooftop hosts daytime parties, high-tempo dance sessions and pool-to-club takeovers, whilst a premium drag brunch runs on Saturdays. The programme is event-led rather than a conventional theatre season, so frequency increases around weekends, bank holidays and summer.
Hidden Grooves offers a quieter alternative based around high-fidelity listening. Its recurring programme includes vinyl-only DJ sets, guest selectors, label evenings, complete-album playbacks and music discussions. Recent programming has covered rare groove, soul, jazz, disco, hip-hop and international record culture. The room has also hosted architecture and acoustics discussions, demonstrating that the present-day address still accommodates talks and cultural events alongside nightlife.
The publicly documented 2021–2023 programme at the relaunched Curtain Members’ Club mixed panel discussions, creative workshops, networking, wellbeing sessions, album playbacks, live showcases and club nights. Notable examples included deep-house and disco nights from Makin’ Moves and House Matters, Soulmates’ underground dance sessions and lounge events combining DJs with live performance. Several were free with advance guest-list registration and operated a 21-plus policy.
By 2024, the members’ areas were being programmed as Blue Marlin Ibiza London. Its schedule included recurring Soundscapes sessions, London Beats, international guest DJs, house-music takeovers, rooftop dining parties and an Ibiza Anthems brunch. In 2025, the hotel introduced live artist showcases with music-industry discussions, while Hidden Grooves opened with weekly vinyl programming. Blue Marlin’s operating company entered administration in April 2025, and 45 London launched as the current hospitality and events identity in November.
The original Curtain years were notable for unusually intimate appearances associated with Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, Mark Ronson, Emeli Sandé, Skepta and Mike Skinner. That history explains the address’s continuing preference for DJs, live music and culture-led hospitality rather than large touring productions. No confirmed programme beyond 2026 has been published, so future programming should not be assumed until individual events are announced.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are generally released by the individual promoter or through the current venue’s event calendar rather than a permanent physical box office. Free registration, guest-list admission and paid advance tickets all occur. Past Curtain Club events were often complimentary, whereas a documented 2026 rooftop party used tiered advance prices of approximately £17–£29. Brunches, dining packages and events with inclusive drinks use different pricing structures.
For popular weekend events, book as soon as the promoter releases the first allocation. Early tiers are normally cheapest, whilst final-release and door admission cost more if available. A restaurant reservation, hotel booking or 45 London membership does not automatically include entry to a separately ticketed club event. Likewise, an event ticket should not be assumed to include food, bottomless drinks, pool access or a reserved table unless those benefits are stated explicitly.
Check the named room, entrance, age rule, last-entry time and refund conditions before paying. Older listings sometimes direct Curtain Club guests to a Scrutton Street entrance, while current events may use another part of the complex. Screenshots of QR codes can be useful in the basement, where mobile reception may be less reliable, but the original ticket confirmation and matching photo identification should remain available.
About The Curtain
The Curtain opened on 26 May 2017 as a 120-bedroom hotel, private members’ club, restaurant and live-entertainment destination. Created by New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum, it combined approximately 6,000 square feet of events space with a ballroom, screening room, rooftop pool, restaurants, bars, co-working facilities, gym and soundproofed basement music room. The freehold was acquired by the Reuben Brothers in 2018.
The original operator left during the pandemic and its company entered liquidation in 2020. The building reopened on 2 August 2021 as Mondrian Shoreditch, with the Curtain Members’ Club returning later that year. Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch began operating on 1 August 2024 and completed its phased redesign in April 2025. The separate 45 London hospitality concept followed in late 2025.
The modern property should not be confused with the Elizabethan Curtain Theatre, whose archaeological remains were discovered nearby during work on The Stage development. Shakespeare’s company performed at that earlier playhouse in the late 1590s. The hotel borrowed from Shoreditch’s theatrical and creative identity, but it is a separate twenty-first-century building.
Seating, Layout and Technical Facilities
This is not a fixed-seat theatre. Most public music events use standing floors, loose lounge furniture or dining layouts. During the Mondrian period, the 110-square-metre Beyond The Curtain room held 120 standing, 70 theatre-style or 50 at round tables. A combined takeover of Beyond The Curtain, Rose Bar and Rose Lounge accommodated 300 standing across 404 square metres. The room had a built-in stage, screen, projector and dancefloor sound system.
Current figures use different names and configurations. Parallel 45’s three-room complex is advertised for up to 450 standing or 120 seated. The rooftop 45th & 7th holds 125 standing or 56 seated, whilst Studio 45 takes 80 standing or approximately 40 in lounge seating. These capacities apply to private-hire configurations and may be reduced for public events by staging, production equipment, furniture and licensing conditions.
The hotel’s separate Manor event suite covers roughly 3,200–3,300 square feet and can be divided into east and west rooms. Combined layouts accommodate around 300 for a reception, 160–170 theatre-style or 180 for dining. The smaller Founders Room supports screenings, presentations and receptions for about 50–60 people, with a private bar and display equipment.
Blue Marlin-era documentation specified a Funktion-One system, private bar, built-in screen and projector in the basement club. Current information describes Parallel 45 as having surround sound but does not publish a full speaker, lighting-desk or fixture inventory. Touring producers should therefore request an up-to-date technical specification rather than relying on legacy equipment lists.
Hidden Grooves is the most precisely documented current audio space. The 38-seat room has two listening stations, a DJ booth, acoustic treatment, Tannoy Westminster loudspeakers, a bespoke system developed by Project Audio and a library of more than 5,000 records. Its design favours detailed listening over concert-level volume.
For a club night, the most immersive position is normally near the centre of the basement floor, clear of the bar and circulation routes. Guests prioritising conversation should remain in an adjoining lounge. Rooftop sightlines are largely open, although furniture, diners and private areas can affect views of a temporary DJ position. There are no permanently designated “best seats”.
Getting There and Parking
The address is 45 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PT . Old Street Underground station, Liverpool Street station and Shoreditch High Street Overground station are each roughly an 8–12-minute walk, depending on the exit used. Liverpool Street offers the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, the Elizabeth line and National Rail connections.
Nearby buses provide useful late-evening alternatives. Great Eastern Street stops serve routes 55 and 243, with the N55 overnight. Stops around Shoreditch High Street provide routes including 26, 35, 47, 78, 135, 149, 205 and 242, plus several night services. Roadworks and diversions are common around the Great Eastern Street and Curtain Road junction, so allow extra time.
There is no on-site public car park. Commercial parking can be found around Finsbury Square and Great Eastern Street, but central London rates are high and spaces can be limited. Driving may also involve the Ultra Low Emission Zone and, depending on the route and charging hours, the Congestion Charge. A taxi or rideshare should use Curtain Road or Scrutton Street only where stopping restrictions permit; arrange the exact meeting point before leaving the building.
From Heathrow, the simplest public-transport option is usually the Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street. From Stansted, use the direct rail service to Liverpool Street. London City Airport connects through the DLR and central London rail network, whilst Gatwick travellers can use a mainline train to London Bridge and continue by Underground.
Inside the Venue
Expect hotel-style public areas above ground and darker, more enclosed club rooms below street level. Parallel 45 uses low lighting, plush lounge furnishings and multiple connected rooms. The rooftop changes character throughout the day, moving from breakfast and relaxed dining to brunches, cocktails and DJ-led evenings. Studio 45 is brighter and geared towards workshops, filming, presentations and co-working.
Food and drink depend on the room and ticket. Hidden Grooves serves cocktails and small plates; 45 Curtain Road is a Japanese-influenced chophouse with Mediterranean elements; and 45th & 7th offers all-day rooftop dining. Public rooftop reservations are for seated dining rather than drinks alone. Event bars are cashless in practice, and private-event catering can range from canapés to formal meals.
Security arrangements vary by promoter, but nightclub events may involve identification and bag checks. Bring only a small bag, do not carry outside alcohol, and obtain advance approval for professional cameras, filming equipment or event signage. The hotel is smoke-free. Cloakroom availability is event-dependent rather than guaranteed, and merchandise is normally sold only when a promoter or artist brings a dedicated operation.
Accessibility and Inclusive Facilities
The operator describes the building as accessible and provides step-free entry, lifts, accessible rooms, widened entrances, roll-in showers, lowered amenities and bathrooms with grab rails. Event listings also identify wheelchair access, accessible toilets and lifts serving the venue’s floors. Service animals are welcomed. Visitors requiring a particular viewing position, seat, toilet route or assistance should make arrangements before the event because basement furniture and temporary layouts change.
One recent wheelchair user praised the wide doors, spacious lift, accessible wardrobe and proactive front-desk assistance, while noting that some mirrors remained positioned for standing guests. This suggests that the physical route is generally workable but that individual room details may not suit every access requirement. The operator uses American ADA terminology, although visitors should discuss the specific facilities they need rather than relying on a general compliance label.
Nearby Amenities
Shoreditch has extensive pre-event dining within a short walk. Options range from Indian food and modern British cooking to Thai barbecue, Spanish restaurants, pizza, cafés and late-night takeaways. Well-known nearby choices include Dishoom Shoreditch, BRAT, Lyle’s, Smoking Goat, Gloria and The Blues Kitchen. Booking is sensible on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Guests wanting to stay closest can book the hotel occupying the same building. Other nearby hotels include The Hoxton Shoreditch, One Hundred Shoreditch and Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch. Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, Hoxton Square and bars around Old Street are all within walking distance. After late events, night buses are generally more dependable than assuming every nearby rail line will still be operating.
What Makes This Venue Special
The building was designed by Dexter Moren Associates on the site of a 1970s office block, with interiors originally by Duncan Miller Ullmann. Its brick elevations, steel-framed windows, proportions and internal courtyard reinterpret the furniture warehouses and cabinet factories once associated with Curtain Road. The £70 million development covers approximately 10,740 square metres, including several basement levels.
For the 2021 Mondrian conversion, Goddard Littlefair introduced reflective lobby surfaces, major art installations, clay finishes, a mirrored room, theatrical lighting and a redesigned rooftop. The 2024–2025 Virgin transformation added suites influenced by 1970s colour and furniture, while EPR Architects helped shape Hidden Grooves as an acoustically treated listening room inspired by record shops and Japanese hi-fi bars.
Culturally, the address has provided Shoreditch with an unusually flexible combination of hotel, club, rooftop, recording-friendly room, screening facilities and meeting spaces. It supports hospitality employment, visiting promoters and local suppliers, although no reliable independent study has isolated its total economic impact. Its nightlife role must also be balanced against residential concerns: a licensing review considered complaints about rooftop DJ noise during 2025.
Visitor Tips and Information
Search for the current room name—Parallel 45, Hidden Grooves, 45th & 7th or Studio 45—rather than relying solely on “The Curtain”.
Arrive 30–45 minutes before a ticketed club event, especially where a last-entry time applies.
Bring original photo identification even if the event is advertised as 18-plus or 21-plus.
Do not assume a hotel room, restaurant booking or membership includes admission to a promoted event.
Wear layers: the rooftop can be exposed, while the basement becomes warm when busy.
Agree on an indoor meeting point with friends because the complex contains several rooms and entrances.
Check event-specific rules for re-entry, photography, bags, pool access and inclusive drinks before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Curtain in Shoreditch still open?
No. The Curtain ceased operating under that name in 2020. The building reopened as Mondrian Shoreditch in 2021 and became Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch in August 2024. Its current hospitality and event spaces operate principally as 45 London, Parallel 45, Hidden Grooves, Studio 45 and 45th & 7th. Old listings may still use The Curtain name.
What kind of events are held at the former Curtain address?
The current programme concentrates on DJ nights, electronic music, rooftop parties, drag brunches, vinyl sessions, label takeovers, album playbacks, talks and private celebrations. Styles range from house, techno and UK garage to soul, jazz, disco, hip-hop, R&B and Amapiano. Corporate presentations, workshops, screenings and product launches use separate flexible rooms within the complex.
Do I need to be a member to attend?
Not always. Many promoted events, restaurant bookings and Hidden Grooves sessions are open to non-members, although advance tickets or reservations may be required. Membership provides additional access and benefits but does not replace a ticket for every public event. Equally, buying a public event ticket does not normally grant continuing access to members-only work, wellness or pool facilities.
How much do event tickets usually cost?
Prices depend on the promoter and format. Some Curtain Club dance and networking events were free with advance registration. Recent ticketed rooftop club events have used tiers of roughly £17–£29, while premium brunches and dining packages cost more because they include food or drinks. Private parties, conferences and room hire are individually quoted rather than sold at a standard price.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Door admission may be offered if an event has not sold out, but it should never be assumed. Advance booking generally gives a lower price and protects against capacity restrictions. Some events are guest-list only or enforce a firm last-entry time even for ticket holders. If door sales are mentioned, bring a payment card and valid photo identification.
What is the capacity of The Curtain?
There is no single current capacity because the complex contains several venues. Parallel 45’s combined rooms are advertised for up to 450 standing or 120 seated. The rooftop holds 125 standing or 56 seated, and Studio 45 takes 80 standing. Earlier Curtain-era figures, such as 120 for Beyond The Curtain, refer to former layouts and names.
Does the venue have fixed seating?
No. The main nightlife spaces use flexible standing, lounge, theatre, dining or cabaret configurations. Public club events are commonly general admission, with seating limited to lounge furniture or reserved tables. Conferences and screenings can introduce rows of chairs, while rooftop bookings use dining tables. Anyone unable to stand for long periods should request an accessible seat before arrival.
Where is the best place for sound at a club event?
For balanced club sound, stand near the centre of the main floor rather than directly beside a loudspeaker, bar or doorway. The rear and connected lounges are better for conversation but provide a less immersive experience. At Hidden Grooves, central seating facing the Tannoy loudspeakers offers the room’s most focused high-fidelity presentation.
What is the exact address?
The building is at 45 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PT. Check the event instructions before arrival because entrances can differ by room and promoter. Older Curtain Club listings directed guests to Scrutton Street, while restaurants and hotel facilities may use the main Curtain Road entrance. Do not queue at an unmarked door without checking your ticket confirmation.
Which station is closest?
Old Street, Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street are all convenient and generally an 8–12-minute walk away. Liverpool Street provides the widest range of Underground, Elizabeth line and National Rail connections. Shoreditch High Street is useful for London Overground journeys, while Old Street is convenient for the Northern line and buses along Great Eastern Street.
Is there parking at the venue?
No public on-site parking is advertised. Commercial car parks around Finsbury Square and Great Eastern Street are the nearest practical options, but charges can be substantial and availability varies. Curtain Road has stopping and loading restrictions, making street parking unreliable. Public transport is normally easier, particularly when Congestion Charge or Ultra Low Emission Zone costs apply.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
The building offers step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted hotel rooms with wider entrances, roll-in showers, lowered features and grab rails. Temporary event furniture can alter routes and viewing positions, so notify the organiser about wheelchair space or companion seating in advance. There is no dedicated public accessible car park, making an agreed taxi drop-off point particularly useful.
Are events 18-plus or 21-plus?
Age limits vary. Some former Curtain Club events were explicitly 21-plus, while other club nights at the address have admitted guests aged 18 and over. The current rooftop applies an over-21 policy after 3pm, including around the pool. Always follow the age stated on the specific event confirmation and carry valid physical photo identification.
What is the bag policy?
No universal public bag-size limit has been confirmed for every room. For the smoothest entry, bring a small handbag or compact backpack and leave luggage elsewhere. Security may search belongings at promoted club nights. Outside drinks, illegal substances, weapons and potentially dangerous objects will not be admitted. Contact the organiser beforehand regarding medication, mobility equipment or essential medical supplies.
Is there a dress code?
Smart-casual clothing is suitable for most restaurants, rooftop evenings and lounge events, while club-night dress varies with the promoter. Footwear and appropriate cover-ups are compulsory inside rooftop dining areas; bare feet and swimwear alone are not allowed. Costume events and private functions may impose their own theme. Avoid arriving in wet pool clothing or clothing that could be considered unsafe or offensive.
Can event visitors use the rooftop pool?
Pool use is not automatically included with an event, restaurant table or general admission ticket. Access is principally for hotel guests and members, subject to capacity and private events. The rooftop is over-21 after 3pm, and glass is prohibited around the water. Appropriate cover-ups and footwear must be worn when moving from the pool into indoor or dining areas.
Can I take photographs or video?
Casual phone photography may be permitted in hospitality areas, but live events, artist appearances and private functions can impose stricter rules. Flash, tripods, interchangeable-lens cameras and commercial filming should be cleared in advance. The hotel restricts unauthorised signage and photography in public areas for organised groups. Follow instructions from security, performers and front-of-house staff on the night.
Is food available during late-night events?
Food availability depends on the room and time. Hidden Grooves serves small plates, while the rooftop and signature restaurant offer full dining menus. A club ticket does not necessarily include access to those restaurants, and kitchens may close before the final DJ set. Eat beforehand if the event listing mentions only a bar or gives no food information.
