Celebrity spot the Groucho Club closes after claims of 'serious crime' on site

London celebrity haunt the Groucho Club has closed after claims a "serious crime" took place there.

The swanky Soho joint had its licence suspended by Westminster City Council on Tuesday after a request by the Metropolitan Police.

It is understood the members-only venue co-operated with the council and acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations.

"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."

A full hearing must take place within 28 days from when the Met Police submitted the review application.

In a statement, the Met Police said: "The suspension will take effect immediately and follows an application made by the Metropolitan Police Service on the grounds that the venue had breached its licensing conditions and had been the scene of a recent serious criminal offence.

"The investigation into that offence is ongoing and as a result, there is a limit to the detail that can be provided."

The Groucho Club has been approached for comment.

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The club is understood to have sent an internal email to staff announcing the closure of the club on Dean Street.

"We are sorry to inform you that we have made the decision to temporarily close the club. We have received an application to review our licence which we take very seriously," the email reads.

"As a consequence, the club's licence has been suspended by agreement with Westminster City Council and we have made the decision to close the club pending a full hearing before Christmas."

The club opened in 1985 and was named after comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.

Populated by A-list celebrities, with others - such as the Spice Girls - unceremoniously refused entry, the Groucho Club has become a renowned meeting place for actors, comedians and media executives.

Such was the venue's success at attracting members that a rival Soho club was said to have been launched purely to cater for rejected Groucho applicants.

(c) Sky News 2024: Celebrity spot the Groucho Club closes after claims of 'serious crime' on site