Soho House shelves plans to open first Scottish club in Glasgow

Plans to open the first Soho House in Scotland have been put on hold after the brand confirmed it was looking for a new “suitable” location.

It was announced last summer that the first Scottish “house” would open in Glasgow at the former Parish Council Chambers and Collectors Hall.

Set to be located just off the city’s George Square, the prestigious club was to have various spaces for members to eat, drink and socialise across four floors, including a roof terrace.

Launched in London in 1995, Soho House has spread to 41 locations worldwide – and Glasgow was set to be number 42 before the plans to host the club at the city’s George Square were shelved due to “limitations” at the planned site.

A spokesperson for the club said that the former council chambers couldn’t “accommodate everything our members would expect” – and pointed to the face that the site didn’t include a gym.

An email sent to Cities Without Houses Soho House members read: “I wanted to let you know that sadly we will no longer be opening a Soho House in Glasgow at the former Parish Council Chambers and Collectors Hall.

“We have been working hard on this development for the last three years with the aim of opening in 2024, but unfortunately it’s become clear that the House cannot be completed within the timeline we had anticipated.

“Limitations also meant that we couldn’t accommodate everything our members would expect from a Soho House in Glasgow.

“For example, in addition to spaces for eating, drinking and relaxing, fitness is also a priority and our plans for the existing site didn’t include amenities such as a gym, which we now believe a Soho House needs to have.”

Ahead of its opening, local creatives where encouraged to apply for the Cities Without Houses membership – joining its community of members and receiving access to events hosted by Soho House in the city.

Every membership for Soho House – which allows access to each location globally – is £2,750 per year for over-27s, and £1,300 a year for under-27s.

A £2,200 membership is also available for those living in cities without a Soho House.

Soho House said that Glasgow remains the right place for the brands first Scottish opening, and confirmed it was continuing to search for a “suitable location”.

A spokesperson added: “We love Glasgow for its creative energy and talent, and although this is a really unfortunate setback, we remain certain that the city is the right place for a Soho House in Scotland.

“We are continuing to explore potential options to ensure we find a suitable location with the amenities you would expect.”

Chris Stewart Group, the developers behind the project, said it was in talks with other brands to transform the former Parish Council Chambers and Collectors Hall.

A spokesperson said: “We wish Soho House all the best after three years working in partnership.

“There is significant interest from national and international brands in the former Parish Council Chambers and Collectors Hall, and we are now able to progress these conversations.

“Following the successful openings of Flight Club, Hazel, and the AC by Marriott Hotel last year, we look forward to sharing more exciting developments regarding Love Loan in the near future.”