November 26th 2024.
The future of Groucho Club is currently uncertain as the private members club has been closed with immediate effect over allegations of being associated with serious crime. The club, located at 45 Dean Street in the heart of Soho, has been temporarily closed while Westminster City Council reviews its license, which has been suspended. This comes after a recent allegation that a serious crime may have taken place at the establishment, although the details of the crime have not been made public yet. The police have requested the council's intervention under the Licensing Act 2003, and an ongoing investigation is currently underway.
In an application submitted on Monday, the Metropolitan Police informed the council that the Groucho Club had failed to prevent crime, leading to the suspension of its license. A council spokesperson stated that the decision to suspend the license was made in agreement with the club's management and was based on reports of a serious crime possibly taking place on the premises. The matter is now under investigation by the police, and the council is unable to comment further at this time.
The Groucho Club, which opened in 1985, is a popular spot for A-list celebrities and has a membership fee of £1,250 per year along with a sign-up fee of £500. A spokesperson for the club stated that they take the license review application seriously and have decided to close the club pending a full hearing before Christmas. At a closed-door review hearing on Tuesday, the council heard that the police believe the club is associated with serious crime or disorder. The club has until December 9 to make its representation, after which the council will hold a final meeting to decide its fate.
The Groucho Club, known as the "epicentre of cultural movers and shakers," has been a popular spot for creative individuals since its inception. It broke away from the traditional "stuffy gentlemen's clubs" by welcoming members of any gender working in the creative industries. Over the years, it has hosted a wide range of famous personalities such as former US President Bill Clinton, One Direction's Harry Styles, model Cara Delevingne, and celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.
Membership to the club offers access to its bars, two restaurants, private event rooms, and 20 bedrooms for £1,250 per year plus a sign-up fee of £500. Earlier this year, the Groucho Club announced its first expansion with plans to open a second location in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where it will convert Bretton Hall into a club and hotel with 60 rooms. The club also appointed its first female CEO, Elli Jafari, and saw the resignation of its parent company's CEO, Ewan Venters, in September due to a disagreement over its direction. Stay updated on the latest news from the capital by visiting Metro's London news hub. The police have not yet disclosed what action they have requested the council to take, and further details will be released when possible.
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