Council suspends Groucho Club’s licence amid ‘ongoing criminal investigation’

The Groucho Club in London’s Soho has had its licence suspended with “immediate effect” after it was reported “a serious crime may have taken place” at the venue.

A Westminster City 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.”

They added: “The allegations are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we cannot comment further at this stage.” 

The council held a licensing sub-committee meeting this morning (26 November) behind closed doors due to the “ongoing criminal investigation into the serious matter”, as was requested earlier by the police.

In a short recording of the meeting on the council website, the chair added: “The committee considered the public should be excluded from the hearing.”

The Standard reported the Groucho Club has temporarily closed.

The Caterer contacted the Groucho Club and Groucho owner Artfarm.

Elli Jafari, chief executive of the Groucho Club, confirmed to The Caterer that the club’s licence had been suspended pending a full review, adding she is unable to comment further.

The Groucho Club has acted as a hub for the arts, literature, and media community in London for almost 40 years.

Artfarm, which was founded in 2014, acquired the venue from a group of investors comprising Alcuin Capital Partners, ICG Enterprise Trust and Isfield Investments, alongside several private investors in August 2022.

Imagery: Shutterstock