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Once the haunt of London’s elite, it seems the festivities have concluded for the renowned celebrity hotspot, The Groucho Club.
The club’s license has been suspended by Westminster City Council at the behest of the Metropolitan Police.
Neither law enforcement nor the establishment itself has provided clarity on the “serious criminal offense” that necessitated its closure, yet this is not the first instance in which the venue has been tainted by allegations of wrongdoing.
In its prime, an upstairs room was reportedly dubbed the Peruvian Procurement Department, reflecting its notorious reputation for the purported availability of cocaine.
This marks a shocking downfall for a club once frequented by luminaries such as Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Harry Styles, and even Ant and Dec.
Kate Moss exiting the Groucho Club. Photo by Rotello/Mcp/Shutterstock
Established in 1985, the club emerged during a time when few private members’ clubs welcomed women (in fact, the Garrick Club only permitted female membership this year – women were previously required to be invited and escorted by a male around the premises).
A group of influential figures in publishing (including Liz Calder from Bloomsbury, Carmen Callil from Virago, as well as literary agents Ed Victor and Michael Sissons) aspired to create a “new kind of club,” as detailed in the official Groucho history.
They envisioned it as “a venue for creatives to connect, relax, and ignite authentic inspiration, irrespective of gender, a club open to membership based on merit, countering the pretentious gentlemen’s clubs of that era.”
This concept would become “the prototype for contemporary members’ clubs.”
British television presenting duo Ant & Dec at a party held at the Groucho Club in 1996. Pic: Dave Benett/Getty
The establishment received its name from Groucho Marx’s well-known statement about not wanting to be part of any club that might have him as a member.
The group (with the support of club owner Tony Mackintosh) acquired a somewhat run-down townhouse on Dean Street for £450,000, subsequently raising an equal amount to morph it into “the most coveted venue in town.”
Rod Stewart, Freddie Mercury, and Liam Gallagher were among the distinguished visitors, along with Keira Knightly and Lily Allen (the latter of whom was later suspended from the club for a year).
The club’s success in drawing in members was so significant that a competing Soho venue reportedly opened specifically to accommodate those rejected by Groucho.
Nigella Lawson hosted a party for her late husband’s book alongside Angus Deayton and Lisa Meyer at the Groucho Club. Photo by Alan Davidson/Shutterstock
Anecdotes from within the club quickly became legendary
One occasion featured Bill Clinton entering through the doors one Christmas, only to be greeted by Bono singing “Happy Birthday Mr. President.”
Julie Burchill, a commentator for The Times, reflected in a 2005 piece marking Groucho’s 20th anniversary: “It seemed indicative of the era when my then close friend Toby Young had an intimate encounter in the restrooms with a Lady Diana impersonator.”
Young has stated: “I can’t claim to be the first to have an intimate moment in Groucho’s restrooms – to be honest, we didn’t fully go through with it – but I’m certain it’s occurred countless times. What’s frustrating is that as I stepped out, I was noticed.”
Pete Burns and Michael Simpson. Photo by Richard Young/Shutterstock
How did you become a member – and what were the regulations?
“For you to join, two existing members must write to the committee in your support,” explained PR expert James Herring in 2005. “If you’re fortunate enough to receive their approval, you’ll receive a letter confirming your access to membership three years later.”
Reportedly, the annual fee for membership was £1,500, and fame alone didn’t guarantee one’s entry. The Spice Girls were denied by the membership committee, and Al Pacino was refused entry at the door due to lack of recognition.
To maintain confidentiality, the use of mobile devices was strictly prohibited after 5pm, except for “brief discreet” calls. Taking photographs or videos was always forbidden within the premises.
The Groucho Book of Rules further states: “Wearing string vests is entirely unacceptable and wholly prohibited by Club Rules. There is sufficient grief in the world already.”
Noel Gallagher and Sara McDonald at the Groucho Club in 2013. Photo by Rotello/Shutterstock
The Prince of Soho
Managing the revelry was the front-of-house administrator Bernie Katz, who mingled with celebrities while maintaining his discretion.
Dubbed “The Prince of Soho” by Stephen Fry, Katz was the offspring of infamous south London mobster Brian “Little Legs” Clifford.
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Clifford was a criminal and proprietor of clubs, tragically murdered while asleep in his residence.
At the age of 17, after his father’s murder, Katz would later recall in his memoir: “Never one to forgo an opportunity, I elegantly made my way to his closet, navigating my way through the expanse of footwear to the black Pierre Cardin alligator skin shoes I had always secretly coveted. Thank heavens they were still in the wardrobe. You see, something good always emerges from tragedy.”
A horse drawn hearse at Bernie Katz’s funeral. Photo by James Gourley/Shutterstock
He gained a reputation for his discretion within the club, socializing with celebrities and safeguarding their secrets throughout his life.
Katz passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49, with notable attendees at his funeral including Sienna Miller, Noel Fielding, and Jude Law, the latter delivering a heartfelt eulogy.
Sienna Miller departing from the Groucho Club – she exited through a side door and was directed to the incorrect vehicle. Photo by Shutterstock
The club’s decline
Katz’s retirement just months prior to his untimely death was viewed by some as a harbinger of the club’s decline. In 2016, 14 longtime members reached out to general manager Matt Hobbs voicing grievances such as “open drug use” and claiming the club had lost its “distinct vibe”.
Hobbs departed the club in 2018, a year after announcing a 40% surge in membership fees.
In 2022, the establishment was acquired by Artfarm for an estimated £40 million.
According to The Times, a letter titled “RIP Groucho” circulated among members this past summer, declaring the club “nearly deceased”, with complaints regarding escalating costs and the decision to abolish the former membership committee.
