Groucho Club: Closed venue says members and staff 'not considered suspects in allegation of serious crime'

The Groucho Club has told patrons none of its staff and members are considered a suspect in allegations of serious crime at the premises that are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

The famous private members’ club in Soho’s Dean Street remains closed amid the police investigation into allegations of “a recent serious criminal offence”.

Its licence was temporarily suspended on Tuesday after a request by the Met, but the force has refused to reveal any details about the alleged offence.

A message sent to members, seen by The Standard, acknowledges “widely circulated” reports that “a serious crime may have taken place at the Groucho”.

“At this stage we would like to take the opportunity to both assure you and confirm that the club (or indeed its staff or members) are not considered a suspect in any allegation of serious crime,” the club told members.

“The club took the decision to voluntarily close its doors for practical reasons for a short period of time following agreement with the council that there should be a temporary suspension of our licence. We are working on matters relating to some of the licence conditions.

“Inevitably there has been some misinformation circulating. As soon as we have any further information we can share with you, we will of course do so.”

The Met police declined to respond to the statement when approached by The Standard.

A notice seen by The Standard outside the club reveals that an application has been served on Westminster City Council by the Met “on the grounds that the premises have failed to uphold the prevention of crime and disorder.”

Documents relating to the licensing hearing, which would normally be available to view publicly, have been posted online but most of the content has been redacted.

The Groucho - which has long been a hit with A-listers - first opened in 1985 as a more relaxed alternative to traditional gentlemen’s clubs. It reportedly has 5,000 current members.

Members “should have a creative role within the creative industries and share the club’s maverick spirit”, according to its website.

A Met spokesman previously said: “On Tuesday, November 26, a Westminster Council licensing hearing ruled that the licence for The Groucho Club should be suspended for up to 28 days, until a full hearing can take place.

“The suspension will take effect immediately and follows an application made by the Metropolitan Police Service on the grounds that the venue had breached its licensing conditions and had been the scene of a recent serious criminal offence.

“The investigation into that offence is ongoing and, as a result, there is a limit to the detail that can be provided. The hearing was held in private for the same reason.

“Further details will be released when possible.”

The club is understood to have co-operated with the council’s licensing sub-committee, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and accepted the decision.

A council spokesman said: “This decision follows reports that a serious crime may have taken place at the premises in circumstances linked to a breach in the premises’ licensing conditions.

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

The Groucho Club has been approached by The Standard.