Five members’ memories from five years of Soho House Amsterdam

Time flies when you’re having fun, and Soho House Amsterdam has seen a lot of fun in the five years since its doors opened in the summer of 2018. Back then, we started things as we meant to continue with a special sleepover, hosted by Soho House founder Nick Jones, and Kelis performed at the launch party.

Located in the Bungehuis – a six-floor former trading office built in the 1930s overlooking the Singel canal – the House quicky became, as Founder member Willem Sizoo puts it, ‘like a second home right in the heart of the city’. And no wonder. From the state-of-the-art gym and spa all the way up to the rooftop terrace (complete with a pool), it has everything you might ever need for work and play. 

Those opening parties set the tone for the string of notable acts – from Thundercat and Erykah Badu to Mos Def and Kaytranada – that have taken to the stage in the five years since then. Add in some truly epic parties – New Year’s Eve and themed Halloween nights, alongside city-wide events such as the annual ADE music festival and King’s Day, and we think you’ll agree it’s been quite the ride. 

But don’t just take it from us. As we prepare for the House’s fifth birthday party (Mr Wix, Lion Kojo and JAEL are just some of the acts lined up so far), we asked long-standing Soho House Amsterdam members to share their favourite memories from the past five years. We couldn’t have done it without them.

Willem Sizoo, a Founder member since 2018
Photographer and founder of Pre-Reserved 
‘For me, Soho House isn’t just about one big event or a specific memory, it’s more about how all of these moments come together to create something bigger. I was only 18 when Soho House Amsterdam opened, so it’s been a big part of my personal and professional life. 

‘That said, my favourite memory so far is from when we put on our own event – Soho House x Pre-Reserved: Night At The Studio – about a year ago. We invited a select group of people who inspire and motivate us. After a dinner and tour of the studio and artist ateliers, we took a boat ride along the canals, finishing with an afterparty inside the Canal Room back at the House. It was an amazing night.’

Osborne Stjeward, a member since 2018
DJ and cofounder of Stewww Sound
‘We threw our first standalone party in the House in November 2019. We’d been DJing on Mondays for a while and around a 100 to 150 people showed up for us; we had a great night and after that we gained some notoriety. 

‘By the time we hosted our most recent party last summer, it was a different story – with anyone and everyone wanting to attend. People were calling membership managers and other staff members trying to get themselves or their friends in. We served Ghanaian jollof rice to guests, and were able to share our journey, story and culture through music and food with the House. It was really special.’

Nancy Poleon, a Founder member since 2018
Founder of BrandedU
‘I’m a morning person, so when someone yells breakfast or brunch I’m the first one there. Saturday brunch was one of my favourite things to do when I lived in London years ago. In the summer of 2018, Soho House Amsterdam had these weekend brunches that I loved going to after my yoga class – the pancakes were amazing. 

‘For me, nothing beats a Saturday morning at a well-curated buffet with various options of everyone’s favourite breakfast food. It was such a nice way to connect with friends over the weekend. I’m going on a campaign to bring those back.’

Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten, a Founder member since 2018 
Founder and board member of TNW
‘When I was in the process of selling my company, I would often escape to the House. An exit is stressful, so having a space away from all of that proved to be a lifesaver; it felt like a safe place. Then, one Saturday, I was relaxing on the rooftop with my girlfriend, cocktail in hand, when to my surprise the key decisionmaker in the negotiations showed up. He lives in London, but was visiting Amsterdam with friends. 

‘We enjoyed a drink together, and seeing each other in such different circumstances strengthened our relationship. It was a nice, subtle Soho House moment for me that I think says a lot about the way you meet and interact with people at the club.’

Cathelijne Blok, a member since 2019
Founder and creative director of The TittyMag
‘For me, Soho House Amsterdam is a place where different stories come alive: from coffees and first swims in the mornings to late talks at the bar and dancing in the evenings. One of my most special memories, however, was a quiet but poignant night during the pandemic. 

‘I’d hosted and moderated Titty Talks at the House before, but at the time we were still in a period where we were forced to stay indoors after the evening curfew. So, with a small team, we hosted an online talk between different women members worldwide on sexuality and feminism. We were all stuck indoors and had such an open discussion. It again showed me that if we join together, the most beautiful moments can come to life.’

Book the 'Amsterdam Five Years' rate until the end of August and enjoy a complimentary bottle of Lady A when you arrive.