Torture Garden: Years of Latex, Whips and the World’s Largest Fetish Club

When Torture Garden first emerged from the crypts of a Brixton church in 1990's few could have predicted it would become the world’s largest and most infamous fetish club. Back then the internet barely existed, the word kink hadn’t yet entered mainstream culture, and the idea of mixing latex fashion shows with dungeon play in a half holy, half haunted venue was radical enough to feel dangerous.

Now, 35 years later, Torture Garden is still pushing boundaries and Berlin has become its second home. The German capital, already synonymous with sex positive nightlife, has hosted Torture Garden since 2020 when mental health practicioner turned promoter Mark managed to convince the London mothership to let him launch an edition here.

— I wasn’t a promoter when I started. I’d worked 30 years in psychiatry. But I’d been coming to Berlin for almost a decade, and my relationship with Torture Garden London gave me the trust to build something here. It wasn’t about chasing ego, it was about bringing Torture Garden's values into a city that already has its own wild cultur.

Torture Garden: From Heaven to Hell

Mark first walked into Torture Garden in London in 2000. The club had made its home in a vast Brixton church, with services still taking place upstairs while the crypt below hosted one of the most notorious dungeons in Europe.

— Walking in there was disturbing. I had spent most of my adult life working in disturbed environments and I struggled to process if it was heaven or hell, he recalls.

— It was exciting and disgusting and a sensory overload that created more questions than answers. There was an induction and a seduction. It would play on your mind..

What he discovered was not just a nightclub but a cultural ecosystem that has shaped the global fetish scene. Torture Garden inspired other promoters to start events of their own, some mimicking its formula and others reimagining it completely. For Mark, that is part of its strength.

— It is not a cult or religion but perhaps like some of the greatest inventions it reliably provides what people want and more importantly what they need.

Claiming Space in Sex Positive Berlin

So why Berlin? The city is no stranger to leather, latex and underground hedonism. What makes Torture Garden Berlin stand out is the mix of ritual and spectacle, combined with the city’s crowd.

— What makes people come to Torture Garden in Berlin? What makes them travel, buy a new outfit, book a hotel, convince their partner it is a great way of spending money they possibly should not spend? Mark asks back.

— It is Berlin. The unique experiences. The energy. The people. The freedom. And ultimately FOMO.

The Berlin chapter has already survived the pandemic, hosted high production balls at Metropol and attracted international performers. Now with its anniversary in sight Torture Garden Berlin is preparing for a major celebration.

— February 2026 will be our sixth birthday and we want to showcase some of the most talked about performances from the past years.

Kink Then and Now

The fetish world has shifted since the event first began. In the 90s it was still underground, a space for outsiders and marginalised communities to find each other. Today kink has gone mainstream, with fetish fashion on runways and kink memes floating around TikTok.

The crowds have changed but Torture Garden's balancing act remains the same. Keep it inclusive but uphold the codes. Be a first step for newcomers while still satisfying veterans who have been partying since the 90s.

That mix of discipline and excess is what has kept us alive for 35 years. “Love Torture Garden and Torture Garden will love you back.

Facts about Torture Garden

What is Torture Garden? Torture Garden is the world’s largest fetish club, founded in London in 1990. It is known for its mix of performance art, fashion, BDSM culture and extravagant parties.

How long has Torture Garden been running ?Torture Garden has been active for more than 35 years, making it one of the longest running alternative club nights in the world.

Where does Torture Garden take place? The original Torture Garden is based in London, but the club also hosts international events including in Berlin and Tokyo. I's several continents - Europe, Asia & America.

Other clubs are not operating on such a global scale.

Do you have to wear fetish clothing to attend Torture Garden? Yes. Torture Garden enforces a strict dress code that requires fetish, fantasy, or extreme fashion. Regular club wear or casual clothing is not allowed.

Is Torture Garden only about sex? No. While sexuality is a strong element, Torture Garden is equally focused on performance, music, art, and building a community within the fetish scene.