As we head into 2024, Soho House membership options have become more diverse and competitive than ever, but for me, the Soho Friends membership stands out as the sweet spot. While full Soho House membership is currently frozen for applications in London, Soho Friends offers a fantastic middle ground that provides access to many of the best parts of the Soho House experience—without the long waitlist or steep fees.
Access to Hotels: The Real Perk
What makes Soho Friends such a winner is the access to the Soho House hotels. For anyone who’s stayed at a Soho property, you’ll know it’s a special experience—beautifully designed spaces, top-notch service, and that inimitable Soho House vibe that turns a hotel stay into something much more memorable. Whether it’s a stay at Shoreditch House, White City House, or even Little Beach House Barcelona, the ability to book these properties is a major perk of the membership.
And while full members can pop into their nearest House for the day, as a Soho Friends member, booking a room is your ticket to access all the perks that come with staying in one of their hotels. Sure, you can’t just wander in for the day, but once you’re checked in, the place is yours.
Discounts That Pay for Themselves
If the hotel access wasn’t enough, the discounts with Soho Friends are the icing on the cake. The discount on Soho Home and Cowshed products means your membership fee practically pays for itself, sometimes almost instantly. Whether you’re kitting out your home with Soho’s beautifully crafted furniture or indulging in Cowshed’s luxurious skincare products, the savings add up fast. For anyone who loves Soho’s signature style, this discount makes the Friends membership a no-brainer.
The Trade-Offs: What You Miss
Of course, there are some trade-offs with the Soho Friends membership compared to full membership. For starters, you won’t be able to just pop into a Soho House for the day unless you’re staying at one of the properties. This is one of the key differences, and while it’s not a dealbreaker for me, it does mean you miss out on those spontaneous Soho moments—whether it’s grabbing a coffee in the lounge or a drink by the pool.
Another limitation is access to popular properties like Soho Farmhouse during peak times. Weekend bookings can be tough, and Soho Friends members might find themselves with limited options compared to full members. And then there’s the matter of missing out on members-only events unless you’re staying at a property during one of those occasions. If you’re someone who thrives on those exclusive events, that could be a drawback.
Final Thoughts
In 2024, Soho Friends membership hits the sweet spot for those who want access to Soho’s iconic hotels, love a good discount, and don’t mind booking a stay to enjoy the full experience. While it doesn’t come with all the perks of full membership—like daily drop-ins or access to certain high-demand properties—it offers enough benefits to make it well worth the annual fee. Plus, for anyone who’s passionate about Soho Home and Cowshed, the membership practically pays for itself with the discounts.
So, while I’ll always dream of being able to pop into a Soho House for a casual workday or a drink, Soho Friends is the next best thing, and for me, it’s the sweet spot for 2024.