Celebrating 30 years of Soho House’s film programming
As we mark three decades since we opened our doors, Global Film Director Jo Addy looks back on the big screen moments our members have joined us for
Thursday 3 April 2025 By Jo Addy
This year, Soho House turns 30 – which also means 30 years of our film programming. More than just a members’ club, from the very beginning we have been intertwined with the entertainment industry. Over the years, our creative members have sunk into the comfy seats of our screening rooms (popcorn in hand) not only to watch new releases, but also to enjoy special early screenings and Q&As with the talented cast and crew that made them possible.
Screenings in Soho
The story begins back in 1995. Soho House founder Nick Jones acquired the lease on 40 Greek Street – a space set apart by its history. Previously home to a production company, it featured a fully equipped cinema. The team decided this was something to celebrate, and so the Soho House film programme was born.
The decision to keep the cinema at 40 Greek Street wasn't just about having an added amenity; it was about creating a culture. Nick sought to bring something special to the members, something beyond the usual club experience. This led to the concept of pre-release screenings. Instead of waiting for a film’s general release, members could enjoy it first, creating a sense of excitement that was, and still is, part of the Soho House experience.
Over the years, Nick got to know Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan, cofounders of Working Title Films, who were instrumental in connecting him with distributors. Soho was the hub of the UK film industry, and Nick personally visited distributor offices, charming them into providing film prints so he could show the movies early to members. The original Greek Street screening room had 27 seats, and there was a monthly printed calendar of events and screenings. Members had to sign up with reception to secure a spot. Ali Kayley was the very first film programmer from 1995 to 2000. She also curated the artwork in the Circle Bar at the House; every month a new artist would be featured and there would be a drinks reception with the featured artist.
Screenings in Soho
The story begins back in 1995. Soho House founder Nick Jones acquired the lease on 40 Greek Street – a space set apart by its history. Previously home to a production company, it featured a fully equipped cinema. The team decided this was something to celebrate, and so the Soho House film programme was born.
The decision to keep the cinema at 40 Greek Street wasn't just about having an added amenity; it was about creating a culture. Nick sought to bring something special to the members, something beyond the usual club experience. This led to the concept of pre-release screenings. Instead of waiting for a film’s general release, members could enjoy it first, creating a sense of excitement that was, and still is, part of the Soho House experience.
Over the years, Nick got to know Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan, cofounders of Working Title Films, who were instrumental in connecting him with distributors. Soho was the hub of the UK film industry, and Nick personally visited distributor offices, charming them into providing film prints so he could show the movies early to members. The original Greek Street screening room had 27 seats, and there was a monthly printed calendar of events and screenings. Members had to sign up with reception to secure a spot. Ali Kayley was the very first film programmer from 1995 to 2000. She also curated the artwork in the Circle Bar at the House; every month a new artist would be featured and there would be a drinks reception with the featured artist.
Heading to the countryside
As time went by, Nick noticed that the House wasn’t always as busy at weekends. He realised that members were spending them away from London, leading him to a new venture: Babington House, which opened in 1998. A screening room was installed in this new rural retreat, so that members could enjoy the same pre-release film experience, even when escaping the city. Every week, 35mm film prints would be transported back and forth between London and Somerset, ensuring both locations received the latest releases.
Nick’s keen observation of his members’ habits extended beyond weekends. He also noticed a dip in business during the Cannes Film Festival. So, he followed his members to the French Riviera, setting up a pop-up Soho House on a yacht for the festival’s opening weekend. Bringing some of the team to run it created the Soho House experience that members had come to expect.
As time went by, Nick noticed that the House wasn’t always as busy at weekends. He realised that members were spending them away from London, leading him to a new venture: Babington House, which opened in 1998. A screening room was installed in this new rural retreat, so that members could enjoy the same pre-release film experience, even when escaping the city. Every week, 35mm film prints would be transported back and forth between London and Somerset, ensuring both locations received the latest releases.
Nick’s keen observation of his members’ habits extended beyond weekends. He also noticed a dip in business during the Cannes Film Festival. So, he followed his members to the French Riviera, setting up a pop-up Soho House on a yacht for the festival’s opening weekend. Bringing some of the team to run it created the Soho House experience that members had come to expect.
Across the pond (and beyond)
In 2000, I joined the team at Soho House 40 Greek Street as Events Manager. By early 2003, I made the move to New York to help with the set-up of Soho House New York. Six weeks before we were due to open, Nick came to visit and asked me to work on the film programming for the new club. I went back to London to train with Mandy Kean, who ran the programming from 2000 to 2020; I learnt everything I needed to know from Mandy. The next time Nick came to New York, we embarked on a mission, booking a car and personally visiting distributors to convince them to provide pre-release films so that we could bring the unique Soho House cinema experience to the US. I still work with many of those original connections to this day. They have been wonderful supporters of us in the US, where we now screen across seven Houses.
Between 1995 and 2025, we have gone on to set up screening rooms in London, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Istanbul, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York.
In 2000, I joined the team at Soho House 40 Greek Street as Events Manager. By early 2003, I made the move to New York to help with the set-up of Soho House New York. Six weeks before we were due to open, Nick came to visit and asked me to work on the film programming for the new club. I went back to London to train with Mandy Kean, who ran the programming from 2000 to 2020; I learnt everything I needed to know from Mandy. The next time Nick came to New York, we embarked on a mission, booking a car and personally visiting distributors to convince them to provide pre-release films so that we could bring the unique Soho House cinema experience to the US. I still work with many of those original connections to this day. They have been wonderful supporters of us in the US, where we now screen across seven Houses.
Between 1995 and 2025, we have gone on to set up screening rooms in London, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Istanbul, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York.
More than just movies
For 30 years, the Soho House film programme has offered far more than just a viewing experience; it has fostered a sense of community and a love for cinema. It’s been a place for members to discover new voices, debate the latest releases, and enjoy the silver screen in an intimate setting. A particular highlight has been the Q&As and panels we’ve hosted around new releases. In recent years, we’ve welcomed into our Houses on-screen talent including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Gladstone, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cindy Crawford, Nicholas Hoult, Lupita Nyong’o, Robbie Williams, Sebastian Stan, and Pamela Anderson. We’ve also enjoyed behind-the-scenes Q&As from filmmaker Gia Coppola, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and composer Hans Zimmer.
This year, we’re celebrating the movies we’ve shown since 1995 as part of our series, ‘30 Years of Soho House Film’. Our programming team will choose a title to be screened across all our cinemas, with in-person Q&As at select locations.
The people who curate the programming for our members are a talented team. Toby King works in the UK; in the US it’s Lisa Ogdie. Our Amsterdam House is looked after by Mercedes Martinez-Abarca, and in Barcelona and Rome it’s Javier Garcia. Julia Brandmann works on the programming in Berlin; Gulin Ustun looks after Istanbul; and in Paris we have Olpha Ben Salah. Over in Mumbai, it’s run by Paloma Joseph, and in Hong Kong it’s Andree Sham.
Visit our screenings page for more details on what’s coming up this month
For 30 years, the Soho House film programme has offered far more than just a viewing experience; it has fostered a sense of community and a love for cinema. It’s been a place for members to discover new voices, debate the latest releases, and enjoy the silver screen in an intimate setting. A particular highlight has been the Q&As and panels we’ve hosted around new releases. In recent years, we’ve welcomed into our Houses on-screen talent including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Gladstone, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cindy Crawford, Nicholas Hoult, Lupita Nyong’o, Robbie Williams, Sebastian Stan, and Pamela Anderson. We’ve also enjoyed behind-the-scenes Q&As from filmmaker Gia Coppola, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and composer Hans Zimmer.
This year, we’re celebrating the movies we’ve shown since 1995 as part of our series, ‘30 Years of Soho House Film’. Our programming team will choose a title to be screened across all our cinemas, with in-person Q&As at select locations.
The people who curate the programming for our members are a talented team. Toby King works in the UK; in the US it’s Lisa Ogdie. Our Amsterdam House is looked after by Mercedes Martinez-Abarca, and in Barcelona and Rome it’s Javier Garcia. Julia Brandmann works on the programming in Berlin; Gulin Ustun looks after Istanbul; and in Paris we have Olpha Ben Salah. Over in Mumbai, it’s run by Paloma Joseph, and in Hong Kong it’s Andree Sham.
Visit our screenings page for more details on what’s coming up this month
