Why Soho House needs Manchester
As we prepare to open our new club in the North of England, Paris Armani, our local Head of Membership, shares what makes the city and its creatives unique
Tuesday 21 October 2025 By Emma McCarthy
Located in the heart of the city, our new House is taking shape in the former Granada Studios building, which opened in 1956 as the UK’s first purpose-built television studio. From hosting The Beatles’ first TV performance to producing Coronation Street and the UK’s first televised election debate, it has played a defining role in British culture and today its legacy as a creative landmark remains central to Manchester’s story.
Here, our local Head of Membership, Paris Armani, explains what she loves most about her city and how Soho House can serve to champion its well-established creative network.
‘Manchester has always been a city of firsts, from the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution to the home of ground-breaking music scenes that shaped global culture. It’s a city that thrives on creativity and resilience, where football, fashion, art, and activism all sit side by side.
‘Bringing Soho House to Manchester feels like a natural step. The city’s cultural impact has always been huge, and right now there’s a fresh energy that makes it one of the most exciting places to be. The House will be a place for members to connect with that spirit, to meet, collaborate, and be part of what’s next for Manchester.’
‘People in Manchester have a real pride in the city. There’s a sense of belonging here that comes from its history of activism, inclusivity and innovation. That loyalty and passion is what makes it so unique, and it’s something we want to celebrate and reflect back to our members. From musicians, designers and chefs to those working in tech and digital, to name a few, our mix of members are all connected by a shared creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
‘By listening to feedback from members and leaning on our amazing Committee, we want the House to be a true part of Manchester’s cultural fabric, hosting events, talks and performances, supporting grassroots talent, and giving members opportunities to connect and collaborate. It’s about creating a space where the city’s ideas and energy can come together.’
Soho House can serve as an international hub, connecting creative networks across the UK with the rest of the world
‘Through Cities Without Houses, we’ve already built strong links with Manchester’s creative community, making sure we are not only supporting members, but also providing spaces to collaborate, connect and share ideas. We have introduced new concepts to the city with moments like our Headliners dinner at Park Life, and more recently Wax Tales at Depot Mayfield and THG Studios.
‘With the House, we’ll take that further, creating a platform for bigger cultural moments and making sure we’re supporting the city in ways that feel authentic and lasting. As well as hosting international talent and delivering unique experiences that can only be found at Soho House, we can continue collaborating with Cities Without Houses to tap into creative communities further north in the future.’
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