Groucho Club: Man arrested on suspicion of rape at Soho venue
A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape at the Groucho Club, the celebrity haunt in London that was closed this week.
The man, aged 34, was arrested on Saturday night at an address in Hertfordshire, the Metropolitan Police said.
A woman is being “supported by specialist officers”, the force said, adding that “at this stage, there is no suggestion that employees of the venue were involved”.
The Groucho Club, a private members’ club in Dean Street, Soho, had its licence suspended by Westminster City Council on Tuesday after a request by the police force.
A full hearing must take place within 28 days from when the police submitted the review application.
“This decision follows reports that a serious crime may have taken place at the premises in circumstances linked to a breach in the premises licencing conditions,” a council spokesperson said.
“The allegations are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we cannot comment further at this stage.”
The club is understood to have sent an internal email to staff announcing the closure.
It opened in 1985 and has become a renowned meeting place for A-list celebrities and others, including actors, comedians and media executives.
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The club was named after the comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.
It was originally set up as a more relaxed alternative to traditional gentlemen’s clubs, according to the venue’s website, which adds that members should be in the creative industry “and share the club’s maverick spirit”.
