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Hackney Council launches investigation

Soho House’s Shoreditch venue in London has come under local authority scrutiny over allegations relating to food safety and hygiene. Hackney Council confirmed that it had received a report about practices at the site and subsequently opened a formal investigation.

At the center of the probe are claims that prepared food that was not sold by the end of the day had its labels changed, and that mice were regularly seen at the venue. Former employee Kamran Khan, speaking to the BBC, said he first raised the issue informally inside the company and later through an official complaint.

Former employee’s claims and the company’s response

Khan said he voiced these concerns in July while he was on probation, and that his employment was terminated in early September. Soho House said the decision to end his contract was not linked to the food-labeling complaint.

According to the company, the matter was reviewed after the formal complaint and, on 24 August, Khan was told that findings supported his claim and that steps had been taken to address the issue. However, the former employee said he brought the matter to the council after arguing that the practice continued despite assurances.

Soho House said the food incident was isolated and that relabeling unsold products is not company policy. The company also said an independent external audit and review had been carried out, adding that the highest standards of food safety for members and guests remain a priority. It did not directly comment on the mouse allegations.

Why the membership model and the company’s track record matter

The issue is not only operational but also reputational for the private club chain, which caters to affluent customers. The review of Shoreditch House has increased attention on service standards and oversight in a business model that relies on membership revenue.

The company’s scale and pricing

  • Soho House membership starts at £291.67 per month.
  • For members under 27, the starting price is £204.17 per month.
  • The group has a total of 46 Soho House venues across Europe, North America and Asia.

Financial background

The company opened its first club in London in 1995 and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. In the years since, it has faced pressure over profitability and criticism that the brand has lost some of its exclusivity.

Last year, the company was acquired by a consortium of investors at a £2 billion valuation. Actor Ashton Kutcher also joined the company’s board during the process.

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