Applying to Soho House

[Awlondoner]

Hi everyone! I am trying to apply to Soho House London at the moment, and have the backing of two proposers. I was wondering if anyone was a member, knew what the process was like? How long should I expect to wait to hear whether I have got in?

Thank you!

A quick Google search reveals a membership club and access to houses... but what for?

The main benefit was it made getting a drink & seat in Soho much easier if going out in the area after work.

Just once, I’d like to be able to go/be a member of something like that.

I can’t even afford a fucking nando’s and a pint at the local boozer.

I guess me and the people who are invited to join private members clubs made very different life choices.

Thing is if you work for a big firm then they have lovely bars on site to get in a quiet drink.

This thread is hilarious. Soho house, shoreditch house, the ned etc - they are all LOVELY places to go for drinks. No excessively busy bars, really nice decor, some have rooftop bars and swimming pools. They’re actually a lovely experience to go in to. Plenty of people use them because they also have gyms in and once you’ve taken in to account the cost of a gym membership it isn’t actually hideously expensive.

Pre covid it was a great thing as you were guaranteed a nice bar with a seat and no queue, which in central London isn’t always possible.

Mumsnet is so weirdly reverse snobby, it’s just so odd to see. Threads about anything which cost over £1 (see weddings and handbag) threads attract complete derision and scorn.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone was allowed to spend their own money on whatever they chose? Wouldn’t that be great?

@Arsebucket perhaps not life choices. Some people were dealt a different hand.

50,000 members and 30,000 waiting list. I doesn’t sound that exclusive!

I'm surprised by the cost - it's pretty cheap for somewhere exclusive - I might try and sign up

You're 2 proposers will be able to fill you in on all the details. Unless of course they are your imaginary friends.

@ghostyslovesheets

I'm surprised by the cost - it's pretty cheap for somewhere exclusive - I might try and sign up

See the post above you! It’s no longer exclusive!

@Orf1abc

They gift memberships to (arguably) pretty low ranking celebs, I know a few soap actors that used to go.

I had a gift membership when I worked for a film company, we used to take film and music guests there so they were like ohhh bring in celebs.

Goodness, is it still going? Certainly Soho House was a thing when I was in my prime and lived London, but we’re looking at 20+ years ago now.

I wouldn’t bother.

I don't understand the appeal.

As someone who lives in London, if I could bring myself to blow that kind of money each year, wouldn't it be better value dining out at Michelin star restaurants and getting taxis home afterwards? Am I missing something?

@Hallyup6

Is that next to Nelson Mandela House?

@MKCH

I appreciate this isn't what you are asking (!) but if you are female and just want it for London benefits then I'd seriously suggest considering AllBright rather than Soho House. It has similar facilities but their whole proposition is around 'women helping women' and driving success. They host seminars, workshops, really interesting talks and events, but also have the restaurant, co-working space, exclusive meeting areas and fancy things too (I think they may have a salon or spa offering there too). To me that seems like a much more interesting proposition than simply being able to go somewhere for a coffee, lunch or an outdoor pool. I think they do have reciprocal clubs globally too, if that is also interesting for you.

Eh, I thought AllBright was where people could hire fridge freezers and big TVs long term. Oh no, that's Bright House. Easy mistake to make...oops

Some of the posters here sound unpleasantly jealous that someone else can afford to spend a grand or two on a member’s club. Some of these nasty comments will no doubt come from people buy plenty of shite that I’d consider a bigger waste of money.

OP, just ask the club direct.

@MrsTulipTattsyrup

Hey, OP.

I have a strategy when I need information. I ask the people most likely to know the answer. So in your shoes I would have tried:

1. Asking the people who are prepared to propose me for membership their little gang, sorry, club. Given they’re already members, and all, and are presumably people whom you know well.

1. Calling or emailing Soho House, given that it’s their scheme to which you are applying.

1. Googling ‘what is the process for getting membership at soho house?’

Things I wouldn’t have done:

1. Posted what you posted on Mumsnet, risking making myself look like a cock who just wanted to make a not-very-stealth brag.

But maybe that’s just me.

🤣🤣 brilliant!

I wondered how long it would be before the ‘jealousy’ argument was trotted out…

@WhatAShilohPitt

Some of the posters here sound unpleasantly jealous that someone else can afford to spend a grand or two on a member’s club. Some of these nasty comments will no doubt come from people buy plenty of shite that I’d consider a bigger waste of money.

OP, just ask the club direct.

Jealousy isn’t everyone’s motivator, Shiloh. I’d rather eat my own thumbs than join a club like this, having experienced that world at first hand. Money isn’t an issue, but preference is.

The point is, I don’t come here for advice or information you can get easily elsewhere, and which would make me sound dickish for asking in an inappropriate place.

And I see you agree, as you’ve suggested exactly the solution I did.

Doesn't Rose Van Cutsem decide. Or Rose Astor by her maiden name.
She is always hanging out in Lidl in Peckham so I'll ask her for you.
Private members club where you have to be wealthy and we'll connected sounds absolutely delightful. So relaxing.
My mate works at the lido in Charlton and come sometimes get me in half price in December. It's chilly but exclusive

It varies by house

If you’re applying to a ‘quieter’ house, it could be weeks after the next membership committee meeting (usually quarterly)

If it’s a busy house - White City, Shoreditch etc - you might have to wait for a few committee meetings before your application is discussed

I’ve had friends who heard back within 6 weeks and others who are still waiting after a year.

Your profession/sector and the strength of your proposers’ letters’ also have some influence.
If they say ‘awlondoner is super passionate about the arts and will definitely be a really involved member of the arts and culture groups, and loves mentoring junior people in the industry’ and those groups are a bit quiet atm, you’re going to get in sooner than someone who is just going to use the bars at the weekend

I'm in my 50s, lived in London all my life and have never heard of it and don't know anyone who is a member.

All the posters saying ‘Ask your proposers’

The chances are the proposers will have been members for years and years and have absolutely no clue how long the approvals process is at the moment, unless they’ve recently proposed someone and have seen how long it takes.

For most members, you have little to no contact with the membership process once you’re in, so that’s a truly dumb suggestion

...why?

Some of the posters here sound unpleasantly jealous that someone else can afford to spend a grand or two on a member’s club

I can afford it, so am I allowed to think the OP is a cringey twat? Please let me know ASAP

@Spidey66

I'm in my 50s, lived in London all my life and have never heard of it and don't know anyone who is a member.

Why even bother posting then?!