Soho House Membership: What You Need to Know Before Joining
A Soho House membership provides access to stunning spaces, a busy calendar of events, and a network of creative individuals, but it’s not cheap, so there’s a lot to think about before you apply.
I’ve been a Soho House member since 2020, and I’ve had 3 different memberships during that time, so I can tell you everything you need to know about joining.
This guide covers everything you need to know about a Soho House membership, including the cost, what you get with your membership, application tips, and whether I think it’s worth it.
What is Soho House?
Soho House is a private members club started in 1995 by Nick Jones, in a bid to create a space for local artists and actors in London. It came from humble beginnings, with the first “house” opening in the space above Nick’s restaurant, the French brasserie, Cafe Boheme.
These days, you can still find Cafe Boheme in the heart of Soho. And whilst the restaurant remains relatively unchanged, Soho House has established itself as a global brand.
It’s a place to connect, be inspired and re-charge. Or, simply to while away the evening with good conversation and a picante.
My Soho House membership
I’ve written this guide based on my own experience with 3 different types of memberships – a Soho Friends membership, a Soho Works membership, and the one I have now, the full Soho House membership.
I’ve been a member for over 4 years now, and have visited and stayed in many Houses along the way.
I’m a full time travel blogger so it’s a brilliant space for me to meet likeminded individuals, attend events, and have a beautiful location to work in.
And from a personal perspective, I love visiting Soho House for a drink with my friends, or lying by the pool during the summer months.
Soho House locations
Soho House has locations all over the world, so a huge benefit of having a membership is that you’ll never be too far from one.
United Kingdom
- Little House Mayfair – London
- Little House Balham – London
- Dean Street – London
- 180 House – London
- Electric House – London
- Greek Street – London
- White City House – London
- Shoreditch House – London
- High Road House – London
- Babington House – Somerset
- Soho Farmhouse – Oxfordshire
- River House – Windsor
- Brighton Beach House
- Manchester – coming soon
Europe
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona
- Little Beach House Barcelona
- Berlin
- Copenhagen
- Paris
- Rome
- Soho Roc House Mykonos
- Stockholm
Middle East
- Istanbul
- Tel Aviv
North America
- Little Beach House Malibu – LA
- Toronto
- West Hollywood
- Miami Pool House
- Nashville
- Holloway House – LA
- Ludlow House – New York
- Soho Warehouse – LA
- New York
- Austin – Texas
- Chicago
- DUMBO House – New York
- Soho Beach House – Miami
- Soho Beach House – Canouan
- Portland
- Mexico City
Asia
- Bangkok
- Mumbai
- Hong Kong
South America
- Brazil
Why should you get a Soho House membership?
There’s lots of reasons for joining Soho House. You might want to be part of a buzzy community, have access to world class gyms, enjoy drinks on beautiful rooftops, or immerse yourself in a calendar of events.
For me, what sets Soho House apart from other members clubs, is the focus on nurturing a community of creatives. There’s a much more laid back feel here compared to other private members clubs.
In fact, they actively encourage a casual dress code, where other clubs enforce strict requirements for what you can wear.
Whereas a lot of other member clubs feel stuffy and pretentious, I’m always able to fully relax at Soho House without fear of judgement.
Types of Soho House membership
There’s five different memberships you can choose from when you sign up to Soho House:
- Soho House membership
- Cities without Houses membership
- Soho Friends membership
- U27s membership
- Soho Works membership
1. Soho house membership
This is the original Soho House membership. When applying, you’ll need to choose between Every House membership – giving you access to all Soho Houses around the world, or Local House – where you’ll only have access to one Soho House, usually where you live.
2. Cities Without Houses
If you live somewhere without a Soho House, you can still get a membership to join a creative community and get access to the houses when you travel.
3. Soho Friends
In 2020, Soho House launched their Soho Friends membership. It’s the most affordable option and allows you to stay at any of the houses, but you won’t be able to visit if you aren’t spending the night.
For me, this is the biggest drawback of Soho Friends and the reason I ended up changing to a full membership in the end.
But it’s a great way to experience the membership if you’re on a smaller budget, which I was when I first joined.
4. U27s Membership
If your membership is accepted before your 27th birthday, you’ll pay a reduced rate, as well as getting additional discounts:
- 50% off food & drink Sunday-Wednesday
- 50% off bedrooms on a Monday night
- 50% off Cowshed treatments on Monday
Even though it’s an under 27s membership, you’ll carry on getting the half-price membership fee until you’re 30, and the rest of the discounts until you’re 31.
For that reason, if you’re under 27 and thinking about getting a membership, my biggest piece of advice would be to do it now. I debated for ages whether I should get the full-price membership and went for Soho Friends instead.
But after a while I decided that I was at the point in my life where I felt comfortable spending my money on a full membership, and by that point I was 28 and I’ve now ended up costing myself a lot more money!
To be fair, 26 year old me couldn’t really afford a full membership, discounted or not, so it was the right decision, but in the long-term probably not the smartest.
5. Soho Works
Soho Works is a co-working space separate to the houses. You can rent a desk, or a whole office space if you have a team.
There’s certain rules on when you can use your laptop and have phone calls in Soho Houses, so they aren’t really designed for work. There’s Soho Works locations in London, New York and LA.
Soho House membership cost
The price for a Soho House membership varies quite a lot depending on both the location and the membership type you choose.
For 2024, a Soho House membership starts from £2,500 per year, and an U27s membership starts from £1,200 per year.
You’ll also need to pay a joining fee of £550 for a Soho House membership and £330 for U27s, which is redeemable on food, drink and hotel stays.
Soho Friends is £100 yearly, no matter what age you are.
Is Soho House worth it?
Overall, I’d say that Soho House is definitely worth it, although of course it depends how you live your life and the things you value and prioritise.
If you’re looking for a inspiring space to enjoy good food, attend interesting events, and meet likeminded people, you’ll definitely get your moneys worth.
Benefits of a Soho House membership
There’s lots of benefits of a Soho House membership, including:
- Access to studios and houses
- Bring up to 3 guests with you at a time
- Connect with other Soho House members
- Daily events in Houses and Studios
- Best rates on Soho House bedrooms
- Access gym and spas
- 15% off at Soho Home
- Member rates at the restaurants
- Discounts at partner brands
Access to the houses
Obviously the top Soho House membership benefit, and the reason most people join, is to access the houses across the world.
Whether you want to visit a lively bar, have dinner at the restaurant, or catch up with friends in a beautiful space, there’s something for everyone.
What I love most about having a membership is that whenever I’m travelling to a city with a Soho House, I know there’s a reliable bar and restaurant for me to visit. It’s like the familiarity of meeting up with an old friend in a completely new place.
To connect with likeminded individuals
One of the greatest Soho House membership benefits is the ability to connect with likeminded individuals. They often hold ‘members ‘Members Mixers’ – drinks nights that give the opportunity to meet other members.
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, or make some new friends, it’s a brilliant way to do it.
A busy events schedule
Soho House has a jam packed events calendar, and the variety on offer is one of the best Soho House membership benefits. From drag dinners to cookery classes, jazz evenings to run clubs, there’s something for everyone.
Whilst you have to pay for some of them, a lot of the events are free. And they often partner up with experts in the industry to give you the very best experience. If you’re ever stuck for something to do, no doubt there will be something on at Soho House.
Access to gyms and spas
Having access to world-class gyms is one of the biggest Soho House membership benefits.
Equipment varies by location but you can expect there’s treadmills, rowers, squat racks, boxing rings and Peloton bikes. Plus, weekly classes including HIIT, tennis, yoga and barre.
And if you’re looking for a more focused workout, you can book a session with a personal trainer.
Soho House is also home to the Cowshed spa brand. It started at Babington House in Somerset, one of the first Soho House properties to open back in 1998. And having a membership gives you access to all Cowshed spas.
Pretty much everything you could want is on offer – including massages, hair cuts, manicures and even face workouts.
Discount at Soho Home
Soho Home is the interiors range from Soho House, featuring everything from soft furnishings to larger pieces.
As you’d expect from a place as beautiful as Soho House, everything is absolutely stunning, and you can find most of the pieces in the bedrooms and communal spaces of the houses.
A great benefit of having a Soho House membership is that you get 15% discount off everything at Soho Home. So whether you want a new bed or a candle, it’s the perfect place.
Applying for a Soho House membership
The only way to apply for a Soho House membership is on their website.
The application process is really simple and only takes around 15-minutes to complete. You’ll need a recent photo of yourself, and you’ll be asked some basic details.
You’ll also need to fill in a brief description of why you want to join, and more specifically “what you’ll bring to the house”. It doesn’t need to be extensive – just a few sentences will do.
Lastly, you’ll also be asked if you know anyone who’s already a member, and you can add in up to 2 names here.
Soho House membership FAQs
Soho House application tips
You have a higher chance of being accepted if you know people who are already members. You can add up to two references on your application form, and they’ll need to verify that they know you and can vouch for you as a member.
How to get into Soho House
Soho House is a members club for creatives, and you’re much more likely to get in if you work in a creative field. Make sure you think about why you want to join, as you’ll be asked during the application process.
How long is the Soho House waiting list?
The Soho House website states that the membership committee meets quarterly, so the waiting list for Soho House should be about 3 months. My application was approved much quicker than this, so I don’t think that’s a hard and fast rule.
How many guests can you bring to Soho House?
If you’re a member, you can bring 3 guests with you to Soho House. You’ll need to stay with your guests at all times though.
You can’t drop them off and come back for them later. Plus, there’s certain things your guests can’t do such as using the gym.
I think this is such a brilliant perk of a membership, as it allows me to bring my friends with me, or my partner and another couple.
If you knew you were mostly going to be visiting Soho House with one person (maybe your partner or a close friend), you could apply for one membership and split the cost between the two of you.
The membership would need to be in one person’s name as this technically isn’t allowed. But you’d be able to bring the second person as a guest and save yourself a lot of money.
Can you stay at Soho House?
Yes, you can stay at some of the Soho House properties. A lot of the houses have bedrooms, and they’re beautiful places to spend the night. To stay at Soho House, you either need to have a membership, or be visiting with someone who does.
Do you need a membership to visit Soho House?
If you know someone who’s already a Soho House member, you can visit with them (each member can bring 3 guests), but if you want to go alone, you’ll need your own membership. As a guest, there are restrictions on what facilities you can use
Is it hard to get a Soho House membership?
Soho House is a very popular members club, and for that reason it can be hard to get a membership. You’re more likely to get accepted if you work in the creative industry, have a genuine reason for wanting to join, and know people who are already members.
Conclusion
Now you know everything there is to know about getting a Soho House membership!
Whilst it’s definitely a big investment, but with access to houses all around the world, a thriving community of creatives, and many events to get involved with, you’ll get huge value out of joining.
If this post has made you want to apply immediately, discover my top tips for nailing your application process, so you can get accepted asap.
