Groucho Club closes over 'serious crime' claims

One of London's most famous private members' clubs, The Groucho Club, has shut following claims a "serious crime" had taken place at the premises.

Westminster City Council said it had suspended the Soho venue’s licence after a request from the Metropolitan Police.

The private members club is understood to have co-operated with the council’s licensing sub-committee, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and accepted the decision.

A full hearing about the licence will be held within 28 days of when police submitted the review application.

A council spokesperson said: "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.

"The allegations are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we cannot comment further at this stage."

The Met said its investigation was still taking place, meaning the amount of detail it could provide was limited.

It added further details would be released "when possible".

The Groucho Club has been approached for comment.