The Groucho Club, a once-popular celebrity haunt in London, has had its license suspended by Westminster City Council following a request by the Metropolitan Police due to a serious criminal offense. The club, known for its celebrity clientele like Princess Diana and Harry Styles, has faced allegations of illegality in the past.
Founded in 1985, The Groucho Club offered a modern approach to private members’ clubs, open to all based on merit, unlike the stuffy gentlemen’s clubs of the time. The club attracted famous faces like Rod Stewart, Freddie Mercury, and Liam Gallagher, making it a hotspot for creatives and celebrities alike.
Members had to be proposed by two current members and had to wait three years before joining, with membership reportedly costing £1,500 annually. The club enforced strict rules, including no mobile phone use after 5 pm and a ban on taking photos or videos inside.
The sudden death of front-of-house manager Bernie Katz, known for his discretion and connection to celebrities, marked a turning point for the club. A decline in the club’s reputation followed, culminating in a letter circulating among members criticizing rising costs and a loss of the club’s unique feel.
After being bought by Artfarm in 2022 for £40m, the future of The Groucho Club remains uncertain. A letter titled “RIP Groucho” circulated among members expressing concerns over the club’s decline, indicating a potential end to the once-popular celebrity hotspot.
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Photo credit news.sky.com
