Soho House has taken the world of members clubs by storm, but its latest outpost in Manchester is sparking controversy. The club's 48th location boasts an open-air rooftop pool overlooking the city, while its 2,500-strong waitlist suggests it may be a hit with those seeking a trendy space to socialize and network.
CEO Andrew Carnie, 51, credits the timing of the club's opening perfectly. "Manchester has changed dramatically, and flourished dramatically," he says. The city's thriving creative industry and booming hospitality scene have created an ideal environment for Soho House, which prides itself on being a haven for creatives.
However, not everyone is convinced that the Soho House model is as inclusive as it claims to be. Critics have accused the club of catering too much to those in the art world and tech industries, leaving others feeling excluded. Carnie acknowledges this criticism, but insists that membership is open to anyone from any industry.
One area where Soho House has seen significant growth is in its wellness offerings. Gone are the days of simply working out on a treadmill; instead, members can indulge in Reformer pilates studios, Hiit classes, and padel courts. The club also boasts saunas, cold plunge tubs, and even IV infusion drips, all part of its efforts to become a one-stop shop for holistic health.
But what about hedonism? The answer is that wellness has become the new hedonism. Members are no longer just focused on physical fitness but also on mental well-being and self-care. And Soho House is catering to this demand with its clean cocktails, bespoke picante mixes, and even a "Lazy Lab" for future-proofing one's health.
The club's financial woes have been well-documented in the past, with some investors complaining of overexpansion and lack of profitability. However, Carnie insists that going private has given him more freedom to focus on member satisfaction rather than shareholders.
For those who have been skeptical about Soho House's business model, Friday night's opening party was a chance to experience it for themselves. With its trendy decor, innovative cocktails, and exclusive atmosphere, the club is undoubtedly a hit with those who value creativity, wellness, and a good time.
As one member, Christine Cort OBE, put it: "Manchester has changed dramatically. It's about collaboration and friendship – and having a really good time." Whether Soho House can truly deliver on its promise of a community-driven space remains to be seen, but for now, the club is certainly making waves in the city.
CEO Andrew Carnie, 51, credits the timing of the club's opening perfectly. "Manchester has changed dramatically, and flourished dramatically," he says. The city's thriving creative industry and booming hospitality scene have created an ideal environment for Soho House, which prides itself on being a haven for creatives.
However, not everyone is convinced that the Soho House model is as inclusive as it claims to be. Critics have accused the club of catering too much to those in the art world and tech industries, leaving others feeling excluded. Carnie acknowledges this criticism, but insists that membership is open to anyone from any industry.
One area where Soho House has seen significant growth is in its wellness offerings. Gone are the days of simply working out on a treadmill; instead, members can indulge in Reformer pilates studios, Hiit classes, and padel courts. The club also boasts saunas, cold plunge tubs, and even IV infusion drips, all part of its efforts to become a one-stop shop for holistic health.
But what about hedonism? The answer is that wellness has become the new hedonism. Members are no longer just focused on physical fitness but also on mental well-being and self-care. And Soho House is catering to this demand with its clean cocktails, bespoke picante mixes, and even a "Lazy Lab" for future-proofing one's health.
The club's financial woes have been well-documented in the past, with some investors complaining of overexpansion and lack of profitability. However, Carnie insists that going private has given him more freedom to focus on member satisfaction rather than shareholders.
For those who have been skeptical about Soho House's business model, Friday night's opening party was a chance to experience it for themselves. With its trendy decor, innovative cocktails, and exclusive atmosphere, the club is undoubtedly a hit with those who value creativity, wellness, and a good time.
As one member, Christine Cort OBE, put it: "Manchester has changed dramatically. It's about collaboration and friendship – and having a really good time." Whether Soho House can truly deliver on its promise of a community-driven space remains to be seen, but for now, the club is certainly making waves in the city.
So I'm reading that Soho House just opened up in Manchester and it's like totally taking over... but at what cost? I mean, they're making it sound like a total hub for creatives and wellness, but critics are saying it's more about catering to the art world and tech crowd. 
That does seem kinda exclusive, especially with a 2,500-strong waitlist.
I mean, sure, mental well-being and self-care are important, but it sounds like they're selling us on this whole "wellness as a lifestyle" vibe. And what about affordability? 
We all know how expensive these things can get.
I also don't love how they're framing "wellness" as the new hedonism 
... sounds like a marketing thing to me. And what's up with the lack of transparency on their finances? Like, are they really going private for member satisfaction or is that just a PR spin? 
and carnies right about mcr being on the up its changing fast and people are willing to pay top dollar for that instagrammable lifestyle. wellness is def the new hedonism and if you can serve clean cocktails and padel courts, why not? 
but seriously tho, this just shows how much money we're willing to spend on feeling good about ourselves. idk if its sustainable but it's def an interesting experiment.