Manchester's latest luxury hotspot is Soho House, the exclusive club that has been infiltrating popular culture for decades. The 48th outpost of the empire, opened on Friday night, was met with anticipation from its 2,500-strong waitlist.
CEO Andrew Carnie, a 51-year-old ultra-marathon runner who completed a 155-mile, six-day run across the Sahara just months ago, is confident that his business has found its sweet spot in Manchester. "I think this is going to be one of our most successful houses," he says.
The Soho House model - a third space that is neither work nor home, nor completely public or private - has become a staple for many professionals who value community and networking opportunities. But it's not just about networking; it's also about wellness and self-care. Fitness classes, Reformer pilates studios, padel courts, and even IV infusion drips are now integral to the Soho House experience.
The appeal of this trend is undeniable, with a growing demand for "clean" cocktails and a focus on sustainability in food options. Sticky toffee pudding remains a staple menu item worldwide, but plant-based has plateaued. However, there's an increasing interest in "wellness" as a lifestyle choice, rather than just a diet.
Soho House has also taken steps to become more inclusive, with initiatives such as mentorship schemes connecting members with local creatives from underrepresented backgrounds. CEO Carnie is keen on highlighting the diversity of its membership, which includes entrepreneurs and creatives from all industries.
In the past five years, Soho House has faced financial woes and criticism about its expansion. However, after going private again in a $2.7 billion deal with investors, CEO Carnie is now free to focus on delivering a member-centric experience without the pressures of being a public company. As he puts it, "We are better as a private company... We can slow down growth a little bit and focus on making our existing members happy."
Soho House Manchester's founding committee includes Christine Cort OBE, who co-founded the international festival that brings together artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across the globe. She reflects on how much Manchester has changed in recent years, saying "it's not about famous people or people-watching... It's about collaboration and friendship – and having a really good time."
With its rooftop pool, luxurious amenities, and commitment to wellness and sustainability, Soho House Manchester is set to become the go-to destination for Manchester's stylish and creative crowd. As one member puts it, "Ooh, caviar. Very posh for Manchester."
CEO Andrew Carnie, a 51-year-old ultra-marathon runner who completed a 155-mile, six-day run across the Sahara just months ago, is confident that his business has found its sweet spot in Manchester. "I think this is going to be one of our most successful houses," he says.
The Soho House model - a third space that is neither work nor home, nor completely public or private - has become a staple for many professionals who value community and networking opportunities. But it's not just about networking; it's also about wellness and self-care. Fitness classes, Reformer pilates studios, padel courts, and even IV infusion drips are now integral to the Soho House experience.
The appeal of this trend is undeniable, with a growing demand for "clean" cocktails and a focus on sustainability in food options. Sticky toffee pudding remains a staple menu item worldwide, but plant-based has plateaued. However, there's an increasing interest in "wellness" as a lifestyle choice, rather than just a diet.
Soho House has also taken steps to become more inclusive, with initiatives such as mentorship schemes connecting members with local creatives from underrepresented backgrounds. CEO Carnie is keen on highlighting the diversity of its membership, which includes entrepreneurs and creatives from all industries.
In the past five years, Soho House has faced financial woes and criticism about its expansion. However, after going private again in a $2.7 billion deal with investors, CEO Carnie is now free to focus on delivering a member-centric experience without the pressures of being a public company. As he puts it, "We are better as a private company... We can slow down growth a little bit and focus on making our existing members happy."
Soho House Manchester's founding committee includes Christine Cort OBE, who co-founded the international festival that brings together artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across the globe. She reflects on how much Manchester has changed in recent years, saying "it's not about famous people or people-watching... It's about collaboration and friendship – and having a really good time."
With its rooftop pool, luxurious amenities, and commitment to wellness and sustainability, Soho House Manchester is set to become the go-to destination for Manchester's stylish and creative crowd. As one member puts it, "Ooh, caviar. Very posh for Manchester."
! I mean, who wouldn't wanna join a club that's all about wellness & self-care? From Reformer pilates studios to padel courts & IV infusion drips... its like a spa day every day 
! Sticky toffee pudding is still on the menu tho, yay for that 
. But seriously tho, Soho House is trying to make itself more inclusive & I'm all about it 
. Having a diverse membership is what it's all about, imo.
Anywayz, Soho House Manchester is def my new fave spot to chill & network 
. If u haven't checked it out yet, u gotta get on that ASAP! 
The whole 'welcoming creatives from underrepresented backgrounds' vibe sounds like a clever PR stunt to me. But hey, if it's good for the brand, I'm all for it... until someone starts to scrutinize how they're actually measuring success and making sure these initiatives aren't just tokenistic 
.
. We need spaces like Soho House where we can feel comfortable being ourselves and pursuing our passions without distractions. And I love that they're not afraid to slow down their growth and focus on making their existing members happy – it's all about quality over quantity, right? 
The average income is like £120k+ which I guess explains why they're all so peppy about wellness and self-care 
Fitness classes and IV drips? Yes please! 
. And I'm so down for the sustainable food options – plant-based has been done to death, let's get creative with some new ingredients 
. I mean, caviar in Manchester? Yes, please! 
. Mentorship schemes for underrepresented backgrounds? That's some next-level stuff right there 
2,500 people waitin for a spot at this luxury club? that's some next level vibes fam 
. and let's be real, who doesn't love a good sticky toffee pudding? 
. we all know about the demand for clean cocktails and sustainable food options, but it's also super cool that they're takin it up a notch with their community-driven initiatives 
. caviar for manchester? more like caviar for the win 
I'd rather have a chill hangout spot with my friends that's actually affordable and not just some stuffy club vibe 
. And don't even get me started on the food – plant-based has plateaued, really? Give me a break... I mean, I'm all for trying new things, but sometimes less is more, you know? 
and i'm low-key obsessed with the idea of a third space that's neither work nor home 
... it sounds like the ultimate hangout spot for creatives & entrepreneurs who wanna chill, network, and get their wellness on 
. the fact that they're focusing on community, sustainability, and inclusivity is a major win in my book 
... like yeah sure, its cool that they're trying to be more inclusive with their mentorship schemes and all, but at the end of the day you gotta wonder if soho house is just a fancy way of saying 'we're only welcoming people who are already pretty established in their careers'. i mean, 2,500 strong waitlist? seems like a pretty solid target audience to me. anyway, cant wait to check out their rooftop pool and try one of those 'wellness' cocktails 