See a different side to the original east London House
From morning swims to dinners at Pen Yen, Shoreditch House is home to a community of creatives who come together every day. Here, we meet a few of them
Tuesday 20 February 2024 By Chloe Lawrance and Yasemin Celepi Photography by Mark Anthony Fox
Our first outpost in east London, Shoreditch House has always been a sanctuary for creatives to socialise, work or enjoy a Picante or two. Over the years, it’s become a go-to destination for members; whether it’s a weekly Run Club or morning swim, meetings with clients or wine tastings, Shoreditch House buzzes with activity from morning until night.
Business meetings
The Shoreditch House community doesn’t just play hard – networking and forming professional connections is as much a part of the House as the rooftop parties or live shows.
‘When you’re in a creative industry, it’s amazing to be surrounded by like-minded people who can help you dissect your ideas, explore them, then piece them back together,’ says Michelle Gayle, member and co-founder of The World Reimagined.
Founder member Dean Ricketts agrees. ‘There’s something to be said about meeting in a House that pulls its membership from so many creative industries – film, fashion, music and inspiration comes from everywhere here.’
‘That community is really important for expanding, sharing and nurturing ideas,’ adds DJ and record executive Dean Bryce.
Wellbeing circles for mamas
Run by Linda Agbontaen, wellness consultant and mother of two, regular wellbeing circles for new mums create a space where self-care is prioritised. Agbontaen invites members to bring their questions and concerns – or simply tales of motherhood – safe in the knowledge that the group will offer a supportive ear, without judgement.
‘When you become a mum, cultivating a community becomes more vital than ever,’ explains Agbontaen, who has been running the wellbeing circles from Shoreditch House for a little over a year. ‘It’s so important to have a space to feel seen. I’ll often stay a few hours after the sessions – I’ll have a roast or go for a swim with one of the other mums in the group.’
Socials in the Square Bar
For Soboye founder and creative director, Samson Soboye, the Square Bar is as much a place to host clients as it is to enjoy a glass of Champagne with friends. Previously a member of the DEI team, he worked to bring a more diverse group of members into the House.
‘We’ve all got something to contribute, and it can make for a richer experience when there’s a mix of people having a good time and learning from each other,’ he says. ‘It’s a great example of what London is about.’
Workshops in the Library
The House hosts all kinds of workshops throughout the week, encouraging members to embrace their inner hobbyist. Abi Titterington Lough, founder of 20A aromatherapy studio, has led many in the past.
‘It’s about fostering a connection with yourself and new people,’ she says. ‘My workshops are a time to gather together around a table and bond over a shared interest.’
Something for the family
It’s not only our adult members who enjoy visiting the House. For friends Valentine and Betty, both aged 10, it’s where they spend time with their family: weekends in the pool with their parents, ping pong showdowns, and getting the perfect shot in the photo booth.
‘We love to eat the burgers,’ says Valentine. ‘They’re so neat.’
Dinners at Pen Yen
For couple Ali Aden and Beth Tyler, Shoreditch House has provided the backdrop to much of their relationship. They met at a Member Mixer back in 2022, and now like to relax by the pool in the summer, cosy up by a fire with a roast on Sundays when it’s chilly, or enjoy date nights at Pen Yen, which offers Japanese izakaya-style dining and specialise in dishes from the robata grill.
Run Club
With the rooftop pool, fully equipped gym and a wide programme of fitness classes, there’s plenty to keep members active in the House. There’s also the Run Club, which takes place every Tuesday – sometimes with up to 40 attendees. But it’s much more than just a way to keep fit.
‘We’ve become friends and spent New Year’s Eve together at the House,’ says member and Run Club attendee Piero Carcagni. ‘We also have pizza in the club after our runs and go to the House Comedy nights together.’
Daily workouts
A space for wellness, the fourth-floor gym is where members can train using the Technogym machines and free weights, enjoy a class, or relax in the infrared sauna. Member Max McGee is a regular, with morning gym sessions and boxing classes, usually followed by lunch in the House.
‘The amenities in the gym are of a very high standard, with a diverse range of classes on offer. The staff are really friendly, which makes a huge difference at the beginning or end of a long day.’
Rooftop swims
While the rooftop pool is unsurprisingly popular during the summer months, some of our most dedicated members, like Lida Hujić, take a dip all year round.
‘If it’s a sunny day, even in the winter, I’ll organise my work day around fitting in a swim at the House,’ she says. ‘That’s how much I love it.’
Wine tastings
DEI board member Aidy Smith runs Tasting Club, inviting fellow members to try a range of wines, spirits or cocktails inspired by his travels – all in a relaxed, social environment.
‘I always say at the very beginning, there is no snobbery in this room,’ he says. ‘I want people to leave having learnt something new and maybe with some new friends. That’s the whole point of the Tasting Club.’
Monthly chess classes
The Library in the House doesn’t just host private parties and events – it’s also where Lawrence Thomas challenges his fellow members in Checkmates, his monthly chess class. For member Tara Sehmi, these sessions are a great example of the sense of community within the House.
‘As a freelancer, I don’t have a group of colleagues. But I can work from here in the day and go to something like the chess club with other like-minded people. Afterwards, I’ll usually grab dinner. One of my favourite things here is the mash.’
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