A match made in Shoreditch House

Soho House is primed for setting the scene for romance: the dim glow, dark corners, plush velvet furnishings and, of course, the fiery heat of Picantes. So, it comes as no surprise that many of our members choose our Houses as the setting for their romantic milestones, whether it’s first dates, anniversaries, proposals, or weddings. It’s fair to say that over the past 20 years we’ve seen it all.

Going seven years strong is Laura Jackson and Lottie Faulkner, a couple who had their first date at Shoreditch House. We caught up with Laura as she reflects on some of her most romantic moments spent at the Houses. Scroll down to read, and try not to go weak at the knees.

How did you both meet?
‘We met on a dating app back in 2015.’ 

How was your first date? What did you both drink on the night?
‘It was amazing. It lasted from dusk until dawn – we began the night at 5pm with a game of table tennis and had 5am nightcaps in the Library. Picantes always for me and Soho Mules for Lottie.’

We’ve been told that you spend your anniversaries at the Houses. Which has been your favourite?
‘We do! We realised the coincidence on our one-year anniversary when we were back at Shoreditch House. It then became a tradition. Our second anniversary at Soho Farmhouse was magical; we stayed in one of the bell tents. For our fifth anniversary, we went to Soho House Amsterdam in February 2020, right before the first lockdown, so we were lucky to squeeze it in.’ 

You got engaged at Shoreditch House in the Library – how did that evening unfold? 
‘Lottie had no idea I was proposing that day, she just thought we were meeting for drinks. Before the proposal, I spent hours (with help from the Shoreditch House team) rearranging the Library furniture to how it was on our first date. I hung up lots of fairy lights and had candles on almost every surface. The membership team kindly kept a lookout for Lottie so I could perfectly time playing our song as she entered the room. 

‘Lottie was confused at first, but I sat her down and went through a scrapbook I’d made with her that held six years’ worth of memories together. We got to the last page, which read: “this is all just the beginning…”, I then asked her to marry me (she said yes!). After the shakes subsided, we cleared the space, and in true Shoreditch House form we went up to the rooftop and celebrated with Picantes.’ 

What do the Houses hold for the two of you in the future?
‘We’re getting married in London next September and have made plans to stay at Shoreditch House the evening of our wedding day, so we can get pictures in the photobooth in our dresses. We have to, right? From where it all started up until now, it’s been pretty bloody special.’ 


Spice things up
End your Valentine’s Day with a fiery favourite – join us at the House for half-price Picantes from 10.30 to 11.30pm

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