Koko marks 125 years with new recording studio and members’ balcony

Koko, the north London venue that opened as the Camden Theatre in 1900, celebrates its 125th anniversary by unveiling a recording studio and a members’ balcony. The studio, located in the Penthouse floor of the House of Koko private members' club, features top-spec equipment including an SSL System-T mixing desk (same model used for Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show), Bowers & Wilkins 801d monitors, a Yamaha U3S piano, and a Ludwig Legacy drum kit. Designed with Munro Acoustics, it operates from 9am to 5am. The adjacent Penthouse bar, decorated with works by Sara Berman and Jamie Morgan, offers a California-inspired lounge. The Miraval Members’ Balcony, designed in partnership with Château Miraval, seats 50-60 and serves Miraval wines. Creative director Olly Bengough emphasizes the venue's commitment to nurturing talent, citing early gigs by Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Raye, and Dua Lipa. A proof-of-concept event in June will feature Jon Batiste in a week-long residency using the entire building. A short film, If These Walls Could Talk, also premieres.