Groucho Club boss resigns after exclusive celebrity haunt is hit by rape allegation

8 January 2025, 19:44

Groucho Club in Dean Street, Soho. The famous private members club has been given permission to reopen after its licence was suspended over an allegation of rape
Groucho Club in Dean Street, Soho. The famous private members club has been given permission to reopen after its licence was suspended over an allegation of rape. Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

The head of the scandal-hit Groucho private members’ club has resigned after an alleged rape on its premises.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Elli Jafari, the club’s first female chief executive, quit her position just before Christmas, members were informed in an email.

The Iranian-born executive joined the exclusive Soho club from the Standard Hotel in May.

A 34-year-old man from Hertfordshire was arrested after a report of a rape on November 13 at the exclusive London members' club.

The celebrity haunt had its license suspended after the allegations emerged.

Read more: Manchester United star Harry Maguire slapped with driving ban after breaking speed limit by 35mph

Elli Jafari has resigned from her position at Groucho.
Elli Jafari has resigned from her position at Groucho. Picture: Getty

The email to members read: “We would like to let you know that Elli decided to resign from her role as CEO just before the Christmas break.

“We would like to extend our thanks to her for helping to steer the club through the last couple of months and wish her well for the future.”

The email added: “Finally, we would like to reiterate our sincere thanks for all the support you have shown to the club over recent months.”

Simon Cooke, a long-time Groucho member, will become interim managing director.

The Groucho Club is a famous celebrity haunt, with current or previous members said to include Harry Styles, Noel Gallagher and Stephen Fry.

Following the November arrest, Officers said: "The investigation, which is led by detectives from the Central West Public Protection Team, was launched following reports of a woman being raped inside The Groucho Club, in Dean Street, on Wednesday, 13 November. The woman is being supported by specialist officers.

"On the evening of Saturday, 30 November, officers arrested a 34-year-old man at an address in Hertfordshire on suspicion of rape. He remains in custody.

"On Tuesday, 26 November, a Westminster Council licensing hearing ruled that the licence for The Groucho Club should be suspended for up to 28 days until a full hearing can take place. The initial hearing was held following an application by the Met which raised concerns that the venue had breached licensing conditions and had been the scene of the serious criminal offence set out above.

"At this stage, there is no suggestion that employees of the venue were involved in the commission of the offence."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

INDIA-PAKISTAN-KASHMIR-UNREST

India accuses Pakistan of 'repeated violations' just hours after ceasefire deal agreed

Celebrity Sightings In New York City - December 13, 2023

Taylor Swift hits out over Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni court summons in latest It Ends With Us twist

Rachael Moses

'Nothing can prepare you for the level of devastation': British physiotherapist recounts horrors of Gaza hospital

John Legend

'Sad' to see what has happened to Kanye West, says John Legend - as he opens up about former friend's downfall

David Lammy says India-Pakistan ceasefire is 'hugely welcome' following US-brokered 'full and immediate' deal

David Lammy says India-Pakistan ceasefire is 'hugely welcome' following US-brokered 'full and immediate' deal

Metropolitan Police In London

Police given more time to question four Iranian men arrested in UK counter-terror raids

Starmer has reiterated the UK's support for Ukraine as he called on Putin to accept peace

'No ifs, no buts': Starmer and European leaders 'call out' Putin as they urge Russia to accept 30-day ceasefire

Queen Margaret University founding chancellor, Sir Tom Farmer

Kwik Fit founder Sir Tom Farmer dies aged 84

Police appeal after girl sexually assaulted in Great Barr

Manhunt underway after teenage girl sexually assaulted on bus during rush hour

Donald Trump says Pakistan and India have agreed 'full and immediate ceasefire'

Donald Trump says Pakistan and India have agreed 'full and immediate ceasefire'

Dr Rielle Longhurst's family do not believe she wanted to die

'Very clever' and much loved doctor drowned in bath at Notting Hill flat after discovering boyfriend's affair

From left, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meet during a summit at the Mariinskyi Palace

Starmer and European leaders call Trump from Ukraine to propose 'full, unconditional' 30-day ceasefire with Russia

Paris, France. 07th May, 2025. Arsenal's head coach Mikel Arteta looks on during the UEFA Champions League football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal

Mikel Arteta hopes pain of Liverpool's Premier League title win will act as motivation for Arsenal next season

Man charged with murder following death of 87-year-old pensioner in north London

Man charged with murder following death of 87-year-old pensioner in north London

'Bright and athletic' boy, 14, fighting for life after being electrocuted at renowned private school

'Bright and athletic' boy, 14, fighting for life following 'electric shock by power cables' at private Millfield School

Tesco is working with fruit growers to develop a shellac-free wax

Tesco issues urgent 'do not eat' cheese warning over 'potentially deadly' listeria contamination