The Groucho Club in London, a Soho private members club known for its star-studded history and hedonistic reputation, has been temporarily closed as police investigate a “serious crime” allegedly linked to a breach of its licensing conditions.
Since its establishment in 1985, the Groucho Club has stood as a bold departure from traditional gentlemen’s clubs. It swiftly evolved into a sanctuary for artists, writers, and celebrities seeking a relaxed environment, taking its name from Groucho Marx’s quip about not wanting to join any club that would have him as a member.
From Stephen Fry drafting playful rules to the notorious “Peruvian Procurement Department” in the snooker room, the Groucho fostered an air of rebellious charm that attracted the Cool Britannia crowd in the 1990s and A-listers in the 2000s.
A somber cloud now looms over this once-thriving cultural hub. Allegations of a serious crime linked to license violations have led Westminster City Council to suspend its license. While a full council hearing continues, the club—formerly a cornerstone of London’s media and intelligentsia—faces the prospect of a 28-day suspension.
The council acknowledged the seriousness of the claims, but more details are still being kept under wraps because of an ongoing police investigation. The Groucho Club has cooperated with authorities, acknowledging the allegations and accepting the temporary closure.
The closure marks a sharp contrast to the club’s storied legacy. Tales of debauchery, like Damien Hirst using his Turner Prize money to fund a night of revelry or Lily Allen recalling childhood evenings amid her father’s wild escapades, are part of the Groucho’s lore.
Yet, these heady days of rule-breaking glamour faded over the years, with the club losing much of its maverick appeal in favor of corporate efficiency.
When ArtFarm, the hospitality venture of Hauser & Wirth founders Iwan and Manuela Wirth, acquired the Groucho in 2022 for £40 million, there were promises to preserve its eclectic ethos. But murmurs of discontent among members—citing rising costs and a sanitized atmosphere—emerged earlier this year, with some lamenting the loss of its irreverent spirit.
A full hearing by Westminster’s licensing sub-committee will determine the club’s fate, likely before Christmas. Whether the Groucho Club can weather this storm and reclaim its iconic status—or whether its doors will close permanently—remains to be seen.
