Soho’s Legendary Groucho Club Closed Temporarily Due To Reports Of “Serious Crime”

Soho‘s legendary Groucho Club, which has counted some of the UK’s biggest stars among its membership down the years, has been temporarily shut down due to a reported “serious crime” taking place on the premises. The venue is also being reviewed for a potential license breach associated with the crime.

A number of news outlets reported a notice pinned on the outside of the club saying that an application had been served on the local Westminster City Council by the Metropolitan Police “on the grounds that the premises have failed to uphold the prevention of crime and disorder.”

A spokesman for the police then told Deadline that a Westminster Council licensing hearing had taken place today. It ruled that the Groucho’s license should be suspended for up to 28 days until a full hearing can take place.

“The suspension will take effect immediately and follows an application made by the Metropolitan Police Service on the grounds that the venue had breached its licensing conditions and had been the scene of a recent serious criminal offence,” added the spokesman, who said “there is a limit to the detail that can be provided.” “Today’s hearing was held in private for the same reason. Further details will be released when possible.”

 A Westminster City Council spokesman said: “Following a request from the Metropolitan Police and with the agreement of the operator, the Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee has decided to suspend The Groucho Club’s licence with immediate effect on the basis that the Premises is associated with serious crime. This decision follows reports that a serious crime may have taken place at the Premises in circumstances linked to a breach in the Premises licencing conditions. The allegations are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we cannot comment further at this stage.” 

The news has blindsided the entertainment community. We understand that a number of international execs were planning to use the Groucho as a base for next week’s Content London.

After opening in 1985, the Groucho quickly established itself as one of the go-to private members clubs in Soho, where it sits behind a chic door on Dean Street. Members down the years have included Stephen Fry, Harry Styles, Jarvis Cocker and Rachel Weisz.

Earlier this year, it announced its first female CEO and also revealed plans for a new Groucho in West Yorkshire.

The Groucho Club declined comment.