7 Things You Didn’t Know About Soho House

Think you know Soho House? These 7 surprising facts might just change the way you see this iconic members’ club.

Soho House is one of those places that everyone’s heard of, but not everyone really understands. On the outside, it looks like the ultimate spot for the rich and creative crowd to relax with a cocktail in hand. But here’s the thing—there’s so much more to it than just fancy interiors and celebrity sightings.

The club has its own story, its own quirks, and even a few surprising rules that most people don’t know about. And honestly, that’s what makes it so interesting. Whether you’ve always been curious about what happens behind those doors or you just love finding out little secrets about popular places, you’re in for a treat.

Here are 7 things you probably didn’t know about Soho House—and trust me, some of them might just change the way you see this iconic members’ club.

1.Soho House Was Founded for Creative Minds

Back in 1995, Nick Jones opened the very first Soho House above a small café in London’s Soho district. His idea wasn’t to create a flashy club for the wealthy—it was to give creative people a place where they could truly belong. Writers, artists, filmmakers, designers, and musicians needed somewhere relaxed yet inspiring, and that’s exactly what he set out to build.

Unlike the traditional private clubs of that era, which often felt stiff, exclusive, and focused on status, Soho House had a completely different vibe. It was casual, welcoming, and centered around creativity. Even today, the membership process reflects that original vision. It’s not about how much money you make, but about the passion you bring to your craft.

At its heart, Soho House has always been less about luxury for luxury’s sake and more about community—connecting people with stories to share, ideas to spark, and dreams to chase.

2.Membership Isn’t Just About Money

One of the biggest misconceptions about Soho House is that anyone with deep pockets can walk right in and become a member. The truth is, it doesn’t really work that way. Yes, there’s a fee, but the real focus has always been on who you are rather than what you earn.

From the beginning, Soho House has aimed to build a community of people from creative backgrounds—artists, filmmakers, designers, writers, entrepreneurs, and so on. The idea is to fill each House with members who inspire one another, rather than just a room full of people showing off wealth. That’s why the application process isn’t just about filling out forms; it’s about showing how you’ll contribute to the creative spirit of the place.

So, while money can buy you a lot of things, at Soho House it’s your personality, your passion, and your creativity that truly open the door.

3. Each House Has Its Own Personality

One of the coolest things about Soho House is that no two locations feel exactly the same. Sure, they all carry that signature cozy-yet-chic vibe, but each House is designed to reflect the character of the city it’s in.

Take Soho House New York, for example, with its rooftop pool overlooking the Meatpacking District—it feels effortlessly urban and buzzing with energy. In contrast, Soho House Mumbai blends modern luxury with local culture, creating a space that feels both global and rooted in its surroundings. Even in London, the original Houses each have their own unique flavor, from laid-back creative hubs to more refined and classic spaces.

This attention to detail is what makes members feel like they’re part of something bigger. No matter where you travel, there’s a sense of familiarity, but also a little twist that makes each visit special. It’s not just a chain of clubs—it’s a collection of personalities, each telling its own story.

4. Photography Rules Make It Extra Exclusive

One of the things that really sets Soho House apart from other members’ clubs is its strict approach to privacy. In fact, Soho House privacy rules are a big reason why celebrities and high-profile creatives feel so comfortable spending time there.

Unlike most trendy spots where people are constantly snapping selfies or documenting their night on Instagram, Soho House has a no-photos policy inside its clubs. That means no sneaky pictures of celebrities at the next table and no interruptions from flashing cameras. The idea is simple—members should feel free to relax, unwind, and be themselves without worrying about ending up on someone’s social feed.

This rule not only keeps the atmosphere discreet, but it also makes the whole experience feel more authentic. After all, when you’re not thinking about taking the perfect shot, you’re more present in the moment—and that’s part of the magic of Soho House.

5. The Design Philosophy Is World-Famous

The first thing most people notice when they step into a Soho House is how different it feels. It’s not polished in that cold, hotel-lobby kind of way—it’s cozy, stylish, and lived-in, almost like you’ve walked into a friend’s (very chic) home. And that’s exactly the point. That signature Soho House interior design is all about mixing comfort with character.

Instead of everything looking brand new, you’ll often find a mix of vintage pieces, soft lighting, shelves stacked with books, and artwork from local creatives. Every little detail is chosen to make the space feel warm and inspiring rather than intimidating.

What’s interesting is that while each House reflects the culture of its city—whether it’s New York, Mumbai, or London—they all carry that same familiar vibe. You can travel halfway across the world, step into a Soho House, and instantly feel at home. And that’s part of the magic: it’s not just design for design’s sake, it’s about creating spaces that spark conversation and make people want to stay a little longer.

6. It’s More Than Just a Club—It’s a Global Community

What makes Soho House special isn’t just the beautiful spaces or the famous no-photos policy—it’s the people you meet once you’re inside. From day one, the goal has been to create a true Soho House community where like-minded people can come together, share ideas, and build connections that go beyond small talk over cocktails.

Members often describe it as a place where inspiration happens naturally. You might be chatting with a filmmaker one evening, bump into a designer the next, and find yourself collaborating on a project with someone you met at a rooftop event. This kind of creative networking is what really sets Soho House apart—it’s not forced or overly formal, it just flows in an organic, relaxed way.

At its core, Soho House isn’t only about exclusivity; it’s about belonging. Whether you’re in London, New York, or Mumbai, you’re stepping into a network of people who thrive on creativity, collaboration, and community. And that’s something money alone can’t buy.

7. The Future of Soho House Looks Even Bigger

Soho House has come a long way from that first little spot above a café in London. Today, it’s a global name—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, the Soho House future plans show just how ambitious the brand has become.

New Houses are popping up in cities around the world, each with its own unique personality while still holding onto that signature cozy charm. There’s also a growing focus on digital membership, which means people can connect with the community even when they’re not physically in a House. From exclusive events to new wellness spaces and creative hubs, it’s clear that Soho House is evolving with the times while keeping its creative spirit alive.

What’s exciting is that the vision has stayed consistent: it’s still about building spaces for creative minds to connect and collaborate. Only now, that mission is reaching more people, in more places, than ever before. If the past is anything to go by, the future of Soho House looks bigger, bolder, and full of fresh possibilities.

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