House of St Barnabas: Soho members' club and charity closes due to financial challenges

The members’ club and charity, Soho's House of St Barnabas, has today announced its closure after 10 years. 

In an email seen by the Standard, operators explained the business model had become unsustainable in Britain’s troubled economic landscape. 

“It is with great sadness that we announce that the House of St Barnabas charity and members’ club has begun the process of winding up and is closed with immediate effect,” the message read.

“With our costs growing substantially faster than income, our business model is simply not sustainable in the current economic environment, and we have had too many ‘rainy days’ to ride it out.” 

The members’ club and charity was founded in 2013 with the primary purpose “to create a future where sustained employment is a reality for those affected by homelessness.” 

Writers, artists, actors and musicians including Brian Cox, Jarvis Cocker, and the late DJ Andrew Weatherall were founding members.

In the last decade, the House of St Barnabas operated workplace programmes for more than 300 people, with roles in hospitality and administration. Graduates earned a City and Guilds qualification and were provided support in finding future work and secure homes.

The email said the group has agreed a partnership with the charity Only A Pavement Away to ensure graduates will receive progression support now the club will be closed.

The team added: “We want to express our sincere thanks to all our members and supporters. We are so very sorry that the journey is ending here, but every penny you have spent or donated to us has helped us break the cycle of homelessness. 

“Thanks to our incredible staff, senior leadership and wider staff team, past and present, who have worked passionately to try to overcome the challenges of the last few years and always prioritised our impact. You are all brilliant. 

“And most of all thank you to our programme participants and graduates who have inspired us with their creativity, their resilience, and their ability to overcome and start anew.

 “We have been the club that never joined the club.”