Soho House Mumbai Club

London, 1995. A small restaurant named Café Boheme in Soho is a meeting place for creative minds, where people discuss everything under the sun while savoring classic French cuisine and jazz, and take inspiration from the lively atmosphere. Nick Jones, the owner, is offered the opportunity to take over the rooms above his restaurant. Urged on by his regulars, he considers forming a members' club where like-minded people can find space to develop, work and enjoy themselves. Simple and effective, he named the new project after the district in which the Georgian building is located – and the world's first Soho House was born.

© Soho House 40 Greek Street

Just three years later, the project expanded into the country with the acquisition of Babington House, including the first Cowshed spa with treatments based on natural, locally sourced products. In 2002, the company opened its second hotel in London – Electric House in Notting Hill – before expanding in New York in 2003, where an episode of the cult series "Sex and the City" was filmed shortly before the opening. As a result of this exposure, the brand became an overnight success.

Soho House Mumbai Rooftop

The logic was simple: If a style icon like Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall) is desperate to become a member of Soho House just to spend time with Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and the others by the rooftop pool on hot summer days, it must be the coolest club in town. And surprise, surprise, the hype is going strong 20 years later. There are now 46 Houses as well as numerous restaurants (including the popular "Cecconi's") and art collections all over the world. And they keep coming.

Home away from home

© Tato Gomez Photografer

The concept is simple (and has now been copied many times): Each House has a unique identity inspired by its location and designed to appeal primarily to a young, creative clientele. All the Houses share the common goal, however, of creating a home away from home for members. The design is spectacular, the atmosphere is always lively, and the food is modern, delicious and fresh. What's more, the name has gained an unparalleled reputation within the creative sphere. If you receive an invitation to a meeting at Soho House, consider yourself a bona fide member of the cool crowd. Membership not only grants entry to a trendy space; it also grants you status.

Join the club

Soho House

If you'd like to become a member, you have to apply. Preference is given to creative thinkers. There are three membership options to choose from: The original model gives you access to everything Soho House has to offer, such as daily events, gyms and spas, discounts on rooms and restaurants, the ability to bring three guests with you, and a whole lot more – alongside access to every House around the world.

Soho House

There is also the option to become a member of just your local House. To maintain its youthful energy, there is a lower rate for members under 27, who also enjoy extra benefits such as discounts on food and drink until their 30th birthday. The Cities Without Houses membership option is open to anyone who doesn't live near a House. It enables you to join a creative community near where you live and grants access to Soho Houses when you travel.

Soho House Barcelona

There is also a Soho Works membership option, which offers a choice of outstanding co-working spaces in London, New York City and Los Angeles, as well as something called Soho Skin, the company's own skincare range, and Soho Home, a line of furniture and furnishings. Soho Friends are not full members but can book rooms just like a hotel – and get a taste of what it's like to be a Soho member. 

© CAMERA PRESS

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