INCLUSIVE & accessible nightlife opportunities in East London since 2005
Bubble Club was started by an advocacy charity called Map Squad in 2005 after they attended council meetings where learning disabled people weren’t happy with the opportunities available for them to go out and socialize in the evening.
Map Squad campaigned in Tower Hamlets for many things including listening to learning disabled voices as the most important aspect of designing their care and how they spend their money and time. They fought for more effective personal funding, and canvassed many services in the area, and what they discovered is the need for people to go out at night and connect with people in adult spaces, without discrimination or exclusion. This is how Bubble Club came to be.
Since it’s first night in the Rhythm Factory, the club has evolved over the 20 years into London’s most regular inclusive club night, trailblazing and disrupting the mainstream nightlife scene. The venue and many of the staff have all changed, but the rebellious energy remains the same.
Our current venue, 93 Feet East, also has a lot of history. The building is part of the Truman Brewery, which was at one point the oldest brewery in the world. Since 1999, it has become an iconic nightclub venue. Radiohead, Groove Armada, Neneh Cherry and The White Stripes have all played here and we are very proud to call it our home since 2021.
“If you haven’t been yet, you need to come and see for yourself!” - Sam, Bubble Club member 🧡
listen to Bubble Clubs story here
how it all began
In 1997, a small group of people wanted to speak up for themselves. Tina helped the group meet every week, bringing only her own notebook, pen, and bag. Some people didn’t understand why this work was important, but the group didn’t give up. The group got the money and started The Information Group to share stories and ideas. They even made a newspaper to show what life was really like for people with learning disabilities.
bubble club is born
The first Bubble Club was held at the Rhythm Factory in East London. It was fun, safe, welcoming, and open to all. More than 200 people came to the first night. Bubble Club grew quickly. There were themed parties, DJ training sessions, and festival takeovers. Finding the right venue was sometimes hard, and not all carers joined in the right way, but the group stayed focused on making the club inclusive and respectful.
inclusive club nights
Bubble Club runs six fully accessible, inclusive club nights each year at 93 Feet East on Brick Lane. These events have music, live bands, art, open mic, workshops, and quiet care spaces. Most guests are learning disabled or autistic but the nights are open to the public, and all carers tickets are free.
bub hub group
The Bub Hub workshops support learning disabled and autistic people to plan and design Bubble Club events. Participants look at feedback from past nights and decide what should happen next. This makes sure the events reflect the community and stay welcoming. The workshops reach people who may feel lonely or left out and support them to join in social and creative activities.
DJ & PERFORMERS
Bubble Club is an essential stage for learning disabled and autistic performers to enjoy well-paid performances. In 2024, more artists than ever performed, and all were paid industry fees. Many start small and then move on to larger performances.
UNFURL / CHILL OUT SPACE
Unfurl is a friendly, low-tempo, open mic cabaret run by a neurodiverse team. It welcomes spoken word, music, and performance in a supportive space. Performers get one-to-one help from the Creative Access Worker and can join Bub Hub workshops to improve skills.