Soho private members’ club The Groucho Club has closed while police investigate an alleged “serious crime” that took place at the iconic venue.
Westminster City Council said it had suspended the club’s venue licence following a request from the Metropolitan Police.
The club, which counts many A-list celebrities among its members, is understood to have cooperated with the council’s licensing sub-committee, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and accepted the decision.
Its chief executive, Elli Jafari, reportedly wrote to members to apologise for the temporary closure on Tuesday.
A council spokesperson 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.”
A full hearing will be held by the council’s licencing sub-committee next month.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, 26 November, a Westminster council licensing hearing ruled that the licence for The Groucho Club 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.
“The investigation into that offence is ongoing and as a result, 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.”
The decision means the Groucho will be closed during one of its busiest seasons – the run-up to the Christmas holidays.
Founders of Groucho include Australian writer Carmen Callil, publisher Liz Calder and American literary agent Ed Victor, who set it up as an alternative to male-dominated private members clubs.
Membership can set clubgoers a fee of up to £1,500 per year.
Cara Delevingne, Lily Allen, and Noel Gallagher are said to be among the members of the club. Parties at the venue have been attended by Kate Moss, George Michael, and Bill Clinton.
The venue was sold to independent hospitality business Artfarm in 2022 in a deal reported to be worth around £40m.
It marked the third time Groucho had changed hands since it was founded in 1985.
The Independent has contacted The Groucho Club for comment.
