E1 — Restaurant in London

Below is a complaint made to E1 management today. Shared for the benefit of other patrons who might be falsely accused of misconduct by unethical security guards.

I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding an incident that occurred outside E1 nightclub on the morning of Sunday, 17 November 2024 - between 4 and 5am.

While at your venue, I was forcibly removed by your security staff without any clear explanation at the time. Upon inquiring as to why I was being kicked out, I was told this was due to “inappropriate behaviour towards women.

This accusation is entirely false and demonstrably untrue. Such a serious allegation, without evidence, is both unethical and damaging to my reputation. It suggests that your security staff do not take the safety of women seriously, instead it is a joke to them that they use to stitch-up innocent men and justify their misconduct. In addition, I recorded parts of the incident on my phone, including footage of the excessive force used against me, where I was held in a chokehold. I currently have a sore throat and difficulty swallowing as a result. My phone was forcibly taken from me by your security staff, and the recordings were deleted. This is an alarming violation of my personal property and an attempt to conceal misconduct. I request access to any body camera footage from your security staff during the incident, as I believe it will further highlight their inappropriate actions.

The use of excessive force, the false accusation, and the tampering with my personal property are deeply concerning. I reserve my rights to pursue further action, including filing a formal complaint with the Security Industry Authority and other relevant authorities.

I request a thorough investigation into this incident, including a review of any CCTV footage and staff reports. I also seek an explanation and apology for the unjust treatment I experienced, as well as assurances that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

I trust that you will address this complaint promptly and take it with the seriousness it deserves.

Update to My Google Review - 13 December 2024

It took E1 a shocking 24 days to acknowledge my complaint, which I initially submitted on 18 November. Their delayed response, finally received on 12 December, demonstrates a complete lack of urgency and empathy regarding the serious issues I raised.

Despite the gravity of the incident—including being assaulted, held in a chokehold, and having evidence forcibly deleted from my phone—their reply lacked accountability or concern for my well-being. Instead, I had to escalate the matter to the licensing department of Tower Hamlets before they even began to engage meaningfully.

What’s more troubling is the dismissive and victim-shaming tone of their response (copied as received):

“Good Afternoon,

Thank you for reaching out and notifying me of your complaint.

I have raised this complaint with our Security Contractor, who are cc’d on this email and will be able to take the complaint further for you.

Please could you give a full statement in terms of what happened, including descriptions, timelines, etc.

Kind Regards,

Jack”

This response not only deflects responsibility to their security contractor but also places the burden on me to relive and detail the traumatic experience, with no acknowledgment of the seriousness of their staff’s actions.

E1’s handling of this matter has been deeply disappointing. A venue that tolerates such behavior from its security team and responds with indifference to complaints is one that prioritizes deflection over accountability. I urge potential patrons to consider this incident...

It is safe to say that E1 London has quickly established itself as a beacon of electronic music culture in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities. Since its opening, this nightclub has garnered attention for its commitment to providing an unparalleled auditory experience, thanks to a bespoke, Funktion-One sound system that delivers crystal-clear acoustics across its spacious dance floors. This technical excellence, combined with a meticulously curated lineup of both established and emerging talents from the global electronic music scene, makes E1 not just a club, but a destination for audiophiles and club-goers alike, making it our regular place to go for a night out for many years, for both myself and several of my friends.

The venue itself, with its industrial aesthetics and expansive layout, offers a unique atmosphere that feels both intimate and exhilarating, a rare balance that enhances the overall experience. Whether you're there for a night of techno, house, or experimental beats, E1's environment is designed to immerse you fully in the music, allowing for a true escape from the outside world.

What sets E1 apart is not just its music or sound system, but its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment. The club's staff and security are noted for their professionalism and friendliness, ensuring that all attendees can enjoy their night to the fullest in a respectful and welcoming setting. This attention to the wellbeing and enjoyment of its patrons reflects a deeper understanding of club culture as more than just entertainment, but as a community.

Moreover, E1's programming is both ambitious and thoughtful, with club nights and events that span the spectrum of electronic music. From techno marathons to sunrise sets, the club offers experiences that cater to the tastes of a diverse audience. It's this adventurous spirit, combined with a dedication to quality, that has solidified E1's reputation not only as a club but as a cultural institution within London's nightlife.

In summary, E1 London is not merely a place to dance the night away; it's a sanctuary for those who seek the very best in electronic music, delivered with a level of care and passion that is rare in today's nightlife scene. Whether you're a lifelong devotee of electronic music or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, E1 promises an experience that is as enriching as it is exhilarating and I would highly recommend visiting, it will have you leaving with more than a smile on your face.

Thank you to all the staff, artists, DJ's, event hosts, promoters and everyone for making such a great environment...

A venue with enormous potential but terrible execution...

Sound system - Pretty good F1 system in the main room. The black studio on the other hand isn't as good and lacks some mid bass. Although still better than most clubs in London.

Lighting - As a lighting guy myself, I was very disappointed by E1. It wouldn't surprise me if the lighting guy for Paula Temple on 10/12/22 has blisters on whichever finger he was using for the strobe that night. The sign of a good Lighting Engineer is restraint. Just because a light can move, I doesn't mean it should. Just because a light can flicker between 12 different colours, it doesn't mean you should flick between colours constantly. Just because you have a strobe, it doesn't mean you should spam it after EVERY SINGLE DROP... I advise the lighting engineer to take their creative style, and get a job in pop world or a kids school disco. This was supposed to be a dark, moody techno night, not a wedding reception. If you want good lighting inspiration, then check out strobert lighting. The Paula Temple at Katharsis 2019 set on youtube shows some of his excellent work. The lighting should complement the music, NOT be the star of the show.

2 events one venue? The Paula Temple night I attended on 10/12/22 was in the black studio with a different event being held in the main room. Separate tickets were sold for each event, but when you got inside, there was no separation and people could move between the two rooms. This meant the black room was significantly over capacity and got very pushy at times. Whereas the vast main room was pretty much empty. It also resulted in a strange mix of crowds, as the two events attracted different contrasting vibes of people.

No chill out area. Most good techno clubs in Europe such as Radion in Amsterdam have areas to sit down and chillout Sofas, benches, etc. There are no such areas in E1. If you want to chill, you have to sit on the floor at the back of the main room.

30 min cloakroom queue... just get some lockers like FOLD....