Soho house members....

[LilaGrace]

Not sure where to post this really, so posting here for traffic....
Are there any members of Soho House here, or friends of members - and if so, do you mind telling me what industry you work in? I know they favour creative industries and positively reject people working in finance, law, banking etc.
I understand you need a nomination from 2 current members, which i have, but not sure about the profession.

PR

I have heard of them - not sure they can get many members if they turn down bankers etc. I believe their places are expensive, and there are only so many Lily Allens etc.

Yes - advertising

You don't have to be a celebrity! Just in a creative field.

Chips and Action-do you mind telling me a bit about the process? How long it took etc?

I know a few: chiropodist, wedding planner and book editor.

I am lead to believe any media arts or cultural stuff is acceptable.

Fairisle- that's fascinating as I wouldn't have expected a chiropodist to be their target market. Can you/anyone share any details on the application process? Also, which of the London houses are most/least oversubscribed?

Yes - advertising (creative side - and my work pays for it). Friends who are members work in music, TV, PR and advertising.

I heard you only need a “creative spirit” now though they’ve opened so many and so probably need the cash!

I wouldn’t pay for my own membership if work stopped paying for it.

New name- I've heard that about the creative spirit too! But think you'd need a very convincing story if you were a creative accountant, for example....
What are the perceived differences between the houses?

Hmm I have every house membership, but tend (in london) to only go to Shoreditch because it’s near work. Sometimes will meet friends in Little House or Electric. All have vaguely different vibes. Shoreditch probably feels the “youngest” - I don’t particularly like taking my children there!

Don’t know a whole lot about the others. White City probably all BBC people?!?

I would apply for the one nearest to you. Or go for every house membership if the fee isn’t vastly different?

LilaGrace - what do you do? Is it something in finance? If so, yeah... they may still reject. (Unless you’re working on a screenplay in your spare time!)

I know two members - he is a software developer and she is a tennis coach. I believe her BIL ‘ got them in’ and he is an actor/ producer.

Thanks newname. No- I don't work in finance. I'm retraining to be a psychotherapist. Thoughts about whether that's an acceptable profession.....😬
I'd definitely go for the everyhouse membership. But figured if I went for a primary house that was less heavily subscribed, I might have more luck! I'm equidistant from all the central London houses (with the exception of Chiswick) so don't really mind which.

Don’t know why I’m leaving three separate comments. Pressed post too soon.

The reason is, it’s supposed to be a place where you can network. That’s why my company pays for my membership - networking. So Soho House want you to be a good “connection”, not just someone who likes being there. I think it’s all pretentious but I still go! And, tbh, I like all the houses I’ve been to

Peakypolly- I know they ask for nominations for new members form 2 existing members. Is this what you mean by the BIL who got them in? It did he pull extra strings on top of the nominations?

lilagrace - hmm I don’t know. But worth a go?

I don’t know which house is the least subscribed, though.

Good luck!

My old uni roommate’s dad is a member. He’s head of Medicine at a Russell Group Uni. Though his wife is an artist

Newname thanks. I know- it's hard to judge! But on the basis that a chiropodist can get in, it seems worth a try!

my manager is a member and she is in HR - so not creative in the slightest!
Lovely place but I personally wouldn't pay to be a member plus I wouldn't be the kind of person they would accept!

Sounds like there are definitely some non-creatives on here. I'd welcome anyone else's experiences or advice. Does it take long to get an answer? Also, I've heard that they don't get back to you if they think you're unsuitable- is that true?

Why do you want to join?

I know two members who are corporate lawyers so suspect the policy is fairly loosely applied. They are also boring farts so won't have got in as "creative spirits" either.

I’m not a member but my boss is. Our company does virtual/mixed/augmented reality.

Thanks everyone- I really appreciate all the replies.
Just asking- i want to join because I love the feel of it- the music, atmosphere, everything. I have a very close friend who is a member and we often spend a lot of time there. But d like to be able to go without relying on someone else. Also, I would frequently work there and use the pool in summer.

Brian- corporate lawyers- really? I've heard they pretty much never get in. Do you know if that was hard for them?