About The Cause
The Cause is a celebrated independent warehouse club in East London, known for its raw, multi-room layout and community spirit. It began in late 2018 as a 400-person pop-up nightclub in Tottenham Hale, then rapidly expanded into a sprawling labyrinth of indoor and outdoor dancefloors (www.timeout.com ). Time Out even described The Cause as becoming “the city’s best club” despite its makeshift beginnings (www.timeout.com ). In early 2022 the original site closed due to rebuilding, but the founders secured a long-term home at 60 Dock Road in Silvertown (a former Guinness/Tetley brewery) (www.standard.co.uk ). This East London factory has been converted into a brutalist concrete playground with five distinct rooms and a huge open-air courtyard. Together these spaces can hold on the order of 1,000 clubbers (approximately 1,050 people across all rooms) (www.standard.co.uk ) (mixmag.net ). The Cause’s new venue retains a strong DIY ethos – much of it was built “on a shoe string” by reusing shipping containers, wood and canvas to fashion bars and dance areas (www.standard.co.uk ). Despite its size, the club still feels “intimate and grimy – but in all the right ways” according to regulars (www.timeout.com ), reflecting its unpretentious, community-driven character.
Events and Programming
The Cause runs events almost every week, ranging from long club nights to marathon day-long parties. Its programming spans house, techno, drum & bass, hardcore, amapiano and more – often in adjoining rooms simultaneously. In 2024 the team even remarked “to make any space work in London, you’ve got to be pretty diverse” (www.standard.co.uk ). Big names have played The Cause (in both Tottenham and Silvertown). For example, the Brexit launch party in January 2024 featured veteran acts like Optimo, Binh and Suze Ijó (ra.co ). During 2023–24 its lineup included international stars such as Disclosure, Nia Archives, Fred Again, Jayda G and Ross From Friends (mixmag.net ). To mark its fifth anniversary, The Cause hosted a five-part series including a showcase by House legends Masters At Work and DJs like Sonja Moonear and Hiroko Yamamura (ra.co ). The venue often dedicates entire days to themed events or fundraisers (e.g. a multi-hour earthquake charity rave), given the flexible space and community focus. In past winters when indoor gatherings were restricted, The Cause ran an outdoor series called “Costa del Tottenham” – upgrading its terrace with cover and heating so that techno pioneers like Surgeon, DJ Storm, SHERELLE and Grooverider could still perform (ra.co ). Clubbers also remember its socially engaged events, from educational series like Crossbreed’s “Black History Now” to spontaneous drag brunches and even pop-up football tournaments on the courtyard (www.standard.co.uk ) (ra.co ). In summary, The Cause’s calendar is busy: expect nights of thumping bass, extended opening hours (often 10pm or 11pm till the early morning), and an anything-goes mix of house, techno, UK funk, drum’n’bass and more across its multiple rooms.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for The Cause’s club nights are sold through official channels (promoters often use online platforms or the venue’s ticketing partners). New event dates and ticket sale announcements typically go out via The Cause’s newsletter and social media. It’s best to buy early, as popular nights (especially with headline DJs) can sell out. Tickets rarely go on general sale much before the show – often a few weeks in advance – and any early-bird or fan-pre-sale offers usually require signing up or membership. Standard tickets to club events usually range from the mid-£10s up to £20–£30 depending on the lineup; larger all-day or charity events may be £40 or more. If an event is not sold out, there may be a limited number of door tickets at entry, but this is not guaranteed. As a strictly 18+ venue, only valid physical ID will get you in (passport, UK photo driving licence or ID card). Names on tickets do not have to match the ID, as long as you have a legitimate ticket (supportthecause.co.uk ). All entry is ticket-holder only and guests must pass through security checks, so plan to arrive early once doors open. (Note: some special events use timed-entry tickets – if you buy a “before 5pm” ticket for instance, you must arrive by then or pay an additional fee (supportthecause.co.uk ).)
Seating and Layout
Unlike a traditional theatre, The Cause is essentially an open dancefloor space with no reserved seating. Most nights are general admission: you choose a spot on the floor or in the peripherals. The venue comprises multiple distinct areas – for example, a large “Warehouse” main hall, an upstairs “Gallery” mezzanine, and smaller rooms like the Boiler Room and Hothouse – plus the massive outdoor Courtyard. There are no fixed “best seats” since it’s mostly standing, but fans often gravitate near the central speaker arrays or the DJ booth for the full effect of the sound system. If you prefer a bit of room, the upstairs gallery and rear areas offer viewing balconies with slightly less bass thump. The venue listing mentions comfortable seating areas along the sides and bars (hirespace.com ) (hirespace.com ), so you can find chairs or bars to rest at on quieter nights. VIP or reserved booth options are not a regular feature – almost all patrons share public space. One tip: because of the raw concrete architecture, sound actually carries well everywhere, but you might encounter echo if right under the ceiling. To avoid glass and sharp drops, note that The Cause is a no-glass venue (cups only) and outdoor areas are fenced in. In short, expect a clubbing layout – large open floors and treated concrete – with lots of room to dance and only a few tucked-away lounges on the sides for sitting.
Getting There and Parking
The Cause is located at 60 Dock Road, London E16 1YZ (silvertown). Public transport is strongly recommended: it sits just off West Silvertown DLR station (about a 5-minute walk) (supportthecause.co.uk ). Other nearby stations include Custom House (Elizabeth Line/Canning Town (Jubilee), which is 24-hour on weekends (supportthecause.co.uk ). Several London buses (for example the 241 and 330 to Canning Town, plus the superloop S1) serve Silvertown Way right outside the venue. For a scenic approach, the Thames Clippers riverboat (RB1 or RB6 service) stops at West Silvertown Pier a few minutes’ walk away, and the Emirates Air Line cable car from North Greenwich also connects to Royal Docks (Royal Victoria station) nearby.
Tube/DLR: Nearest stations are West Silvertown (DLR), Custom House (Elizabeth Line) and Canning Town (Jubilee) (supportthecause.co.uk ). All are within 10–15 minutes’ walk.
Bus: Routes 241 and 330 run along Silvertown Way linking to Canning Town and North Greenwich. Night bus N550 serves Canning Town off-hours, and the S1/London Loop 24 links with Stratford and North Greenwich.
River/Cable Car: Thames Clipper service to West Silvertown Pier (RB1 from Central London or Royal Wharf; RB6 between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich). The Emirates Cable Car from North Greenwich drops you a short walk away at Royal Victoria DLR.
Taxi/Rideshare: Cars should use postcode E16 1YZ for drop-off on Dock Road. The road is narrow, so expect staff to direct drop-offs at the immediate venue entrance. When nightclubs in London throw out, the local roads can be busy, so it’s wise to arrange your return ride in advance.
Parking: There is no official public car park at The Cause. Limited paid parking is available in the area (for example, the Crowne Plaza Docklands has about 54 spaces (en.parkopedia.co.uk ) and the Novotel ExCeL has ~72, both a 10–15 minute walk). These are pricey and fill early. Street parking nearby is restricted or metered. If driving, your safest bet is to park at a larger public car park (e.g. Canary Wharf or ExCeL/London City Airport garages) and take the train or taxi for the last leg.
Inside the Venue
On arrival you’ll queue to have your ticket and ID checked, then pass through a security search. The Cause enforces a no ID, no entry rule (only valid passport, UK driving licence or similar ID are accepted) (supportthecause.co.uk ). Bags and coats are X-rayed or checked on entry (supportthecause.co.uk ). Once inside, note that The Cause operates a strict no re-entry policy (supportthecause.co.uk ) – if you step outside you cannot come back in. It is also fully cashless, so bring a contactless card or payment app for drinks (supportthecause.co.uk ). The club maintains a very inclusive, anything-goes atmosphere: there is no formal dress code, though yer basic rave gear is the norm. Because parts of the building and courtyard are open air, dress in layers and be prepared for cooler weather or rain (some restrooms and concession stands are outside) (supportthecause.co.uk ).
Bars & Food: There are several staffed bars indoors serving beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks (cards only). Outside in the courtyard are street-food stalls and pop-up traders (often with vegan/vegetarian options). Importantly, outside food or drinks are not allowed (supportthecause.co.uk ) – however you may bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill up (tap water is free at all bars) (supportthecause.co.uk ).
Cloakroom & Storage: The Cause provides a cloakroom area for coats and bags (£3 per item) (supportthecause.co.uk ). You can also pre-book small lockers at ticket time (handy for valuables).
Restrooms: There are toilets on-site both inside the warehouse and in the courtyard. Note some bathrooms are in the outdoor section, so bring a jacket if raining (supportthecause.co.uk ). All rest areas and food stalls are available throughout the night, so you don’t have to exit the club.
Facilities & Tech: The club’s brutalist interior is fitted with high-end production: crisp sound (Martin Audio/Noise Control system (ra.co )) and elaborate lighting (Sensory Studio installation and the ceiling is partially covered in programmable LED panels (ra.co ) (hirespace.com )). Expect smoke machines and immersive visuals. There are no seat guarantees – besides a few bench areas by the walls, most guests stand or sit on the floor – and mobile signal can be patchy underground. Free venue Wi-Fi is not provided, so plan data usage accordingly.
Nearby Amenities
The Silvertown area itself is not a major nightlife hub, so options within a short walk are limited. Directly outside you’ll find only basic grab-and-go offerings (coffee carts or snack vans) and a convenience store by the station. For a proper meal beforehand or drinks afterward, head to nearby districts:
Canning Town (2 stops by DLR/Tube): This hub has several pubs, Middle Eastern and South Asian restaurants, and quick-service chains. Try places along Barking Road or the Station Quarter for curry, Chinese and fish’n’chips.
Albion Square/Canning Town shops: Right by Custom House DLR there are cafes and fast-food spots (Pret, Costa, Wetherspoon). It’s a 10-15 minute walk from the club.
North Greenwich (O2 area, 1 stop away on Jubilee Line or via Cable Car): The Emirates Cable Car platform at north Greenwich links directly across the Thames. The O2 complex offers all-night chain restaurants and clubs (All Bar One, etc.), as well as 24-hour city buses for return journeys. This area is more developed but costs are higher.
Hotels: Nearby Silvertown lodging includes the Crowne Plaza Docklands (adjacent to Custom House DLR) and the Excel Centre’s own Novotel/Ibis hotels (10–15min walk). These often host club fans. East Greenwich (just beyond North Greenwich station) also has several mid-range hotels.
Late-night Options: Outside of Transport for London’s weekend night tube service, there are a few 24-hour buses (e.g. N550) back toward central London. If you stay late, prepare that public transport thins after the early hours. Taxis and licensed minicabs are plentiful at Canary Wharf/North Greenwich after peak hours.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Cause is special for how it blends scrappy DIY creativity with a large-scale clubbing experience. Its industrial building – a former brewery – still carries the scars of its past life (exposed beams, concrete slabs) which combine with handmade elements (shipping containers, sari-cloth canopies and a pixel-lit ceiling) for a unique vibe. Beyond its look, it made history in London’s scene by daring to operate in a “meanwhile” redevelopment site: the promoters worked with local council to open a club on land being rebuilt, essentially as a temporary use. (djmag.com ) (djmag.com ). This unorthodox model (an under-the-radar warehouse blossoming into full-time nightlife) was so pioneering it earned them DJ Mag’s Innovation Award in 2019. Culturally, The Cause boosted its neighbourhood by providing one of the few 24/7 community spaces in the city’s north/east. It even raised over £100,000 for mental health charities like Mind and CALM during its Tottenham era (djmag.com ). Fans and residents say that legacy of giving back is woven into the club’s identity. The spirit of Tottenham lives on in East London too: the founders still talk about using the outdoor yard for markets, football tournaments and local events (www.standard.co.uk ), so it remains a community hub as much as a rave. As one regular put it, The Cause cultivated “a big, fat, loving, dirty community” – a clubbing family that dancers love because everyone feels welcome (djmag.com ) (www.timeout.com ). For both artists and audiences, it’s the combination of large-scale production (“teeth-rattling” subs, pro lights, etc. (www.standard.co.uk ) (ra.co )) with a messy grassroots vibe and local soul that makes The Cause truly distinctive.
Visitor Tips and Information
To make the most of your night at The Cause, here are some practical pointers and rules:
It’s an 18+ venue – bring a valid photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or approved national ID). No ID means no entry (supportthecause.co.uk ).
Tickets must be ready to scan and you’ll have a quick search at the door. Large backpacks or cylinders are not allowed. If your ticket was a timed entry ticket, arrive before that time or you’ll be charged an extra top-up fee (supportthecause.co.uk ).
Once inside, you may not leave and return. The Cause enforces a no re-entry policy (supportthecause.co.uk ), so use the on-site lounge areas if you need a break.
The venue is completely cashless (cards/contactless only) (supportthecause.co.uk ). Bring a contactless bank card or smartphone payment – you won’t be able to use coins or cash at the bars.
There’s no formal dress code, but dress for a warehouse party. Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes if you plan to use the outdoor courtyard or queue outside (some toilets and bars are outside) (supportthecause.co.uk ). Keep in mind you’ll likely sweat on the dancefloor, so a light layer is good.
Electric outlets and coat hooks are very limited. Plan to keep your belongings with you or use the cloakroom (£3 each) (supportthecause.co.uk ). Also, earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud bass.
The Cause is wheelchair-friendly in most areas. The undercroft, main hall, courtyard and primary bars are accessible, and there are accessible toilets outside (supportthecause.co.uk ). However, note that two rooms are on an upper level with no lift, so full access to every room isn’t possible (supportthecause.co.uk ).
Last entry times vary by event (check ahead). For example, a recent event ran 10pm–4am with 2am final entry (www.skiddle.com ). Generally, getting there early avoids long queues (the line builds up fast on weekends).
Outside food or drink is prohibited (supportthecause.co.uk ). The Cause has its own late-night snack vendors (vegan options available) and free tap water inside (supportthecause.co.uk ). Eating or drinking your own meals in the queue or venue is not allowed.
If traveling late, remember that the Jubilee Line at Canning Town goes 24/7 on weekends, but other lines/DLR stop around midnight. Plan your ride home (night buses or pre-booked taxi) accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of The Cause?
The Cause’s current location is 60 Dock Road, London, E16 1YZ. This is in the Royal Docks area of Silvertown.
Which station should I use to get to The Cause?
The closest station is West Silvertown (DLR), only about a 5-minute walk from the club (supportthecause.co.uk ). You can also use Custom House (Elizabeth Line) or Canning Town (Jubilee/DLR); Canning Town is the nearest 24-hour Tube stop (supportthecause.co.uk ). In any case, once on site look for The Cause’s banners at the industrial building entrance.
Is there parking available at The Cause?
There’s no dedicated public parking lot for The Cause. Nearby paid parking includes the Crowne Plaza Docklands (about 54 spaces, a ~5-minute walk) (en.parkopedia.co.uk ) and the Novotel ExCeL (around 72 spaces) (en.parkopedia.co.uk ), but both charge high fees (around £10–12 for a couple of hours). Street parking is limited and often restricted. In short, it’s best to take public transit or a taxi. If driving, you can try Tower Hamlets/Woolwich pay-parks or catch the DLR from a car park.
Can I bring my own food or drinks into The Cause?
No. The Cause does not allow outside food or drink (supportthecause.co.uk ). However, vendors inside offer snacks and refreshments (including vegan options) and there are free water taps at the bars. You may bring an empty reusable bottle or flask to refill, but no canned/beverage items from outside.
Is The Cause wheelchair accessible?
Most of The Cause is on one level and wheelchair-accessible. The main halls and outdoor courtyard are ground-level and have disabled toilets (supportthecause.co.uk ). However, two of the smaller rooms are up a flight of stairs with no lift, so those particular spaces cannot be accessed by wheelchair (supportthecause.co.uk ).
What are the age restrictions and ID requirements?
The Cause is strictly an 18+ venue (supportthecause.co.uk ). You must bring a valid, physical photo ID (in-date passport, UK driving licence or similar national ID). Digital copies or expired IDs are not accepted.
Do I need to print my ticket or can I show it on my phone?
Either is fine. There is no box office, so guests usually show a digital or printed ticket. The names on the tickets don’t have to match your ID – only a valid ticket (either paper or on your device) is checked at the gate (supportthecause.co.uk ). Just make sure it’s the official ticket from the event promoter or venue.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Possibly, but only if the event isn’t sold out. Many events sell all advance tickets online, so door sales can be limited. If tickets are still available, they will usually sell at the venue entrance before showtime (often at a slightly higher price). It’s safest to purchase in advance through the official ticket outlets.
What time do events typically run until?
Parties at The Cause generally start around 10–11pm and run into the early hours. Many events go until 4am or later. For example, one recent show was listed as 10pm–4am (with final entry 2am) (www.skiddle.com ). Check the specific event details for its advertised closing time (it may extend if it’s a special party).
Does The Cause have a dress code?
There is no strict dress code at The Cause (supportthecause.co.uk ). The club is casual and underground in style, so most people wear club or streetwear. Since parts of the venue and toilets are outdoors, dress for the weather. Closed shoes are recommended (as it can get loud and crowded). If in doubt, keep it comfortable and warm.
What is the cloakroom policy at The Cause?
Yes, The Cause has a downstairs cloakroom to check coats and bags. The cost is £3 per item (supportthecause.co.uk ). Lockers are also available by pre-booking when you buy tickets (for a small additional fee). Using the cloakroom is recommended as there’s limited seating inside.
Are drinks cash-only or card-only?
The Cause is a fully cashless venue (supportthecause.co.uk ). All bars accept contactless credit/debit cards and digital pay methods. Even if you have cash, you won’t be able to use it for purchases.
Can I smoke inside or outside?
Smoking is not permitted inside The Cause. There is typically a designated smoking area in the outdoor courtyard. If you go outside to smoke, note again that re-entry is not allowed, so be sure you’re ready to stay out until the next open-break (the venue often times typically), or you may be refused re-admittance.
Is photography or recording allowed at The Cause?
The Cause is a performance space, so amateur photos and videos (no flash) are usually tolerated, but DJs and promoters may have preference on recording. Generally professional cameras or big tripods would require prior permission. It’s always safest to ask security or the staff about photo policy before using large equipment. But casual phone photos are commonplace.
What should I bring for my visit?
Bring a valid ID, your ticket (digital is fine), and a credit/debit card. Dress in layers for hot crowds and cold courtyard. Comfortable shoes are a must. Earplugs can help with the loud sound. Don’t carry unnecessary valuables – use lockers if needed. Leave outside drinks, weapons or glass at home (these are prohibited) and arrive early to beat the queue.
Is inside music loud? Should I bring ear protection?
Yes, The Cause has a very powerful sound system (noted as “teeth-rattling” by visitors (www.standard.co.uk )). Music is loud throughout all floors. If you’re sensitive to volume, pack earplugs. Otherwise, enjoy the full club experience – the bass is part of the fun.