Members of The Groucho Club have claimed the appearance of too many ‘muggles’ and a shift towards ‘corporatism’ could see the end of Soho’s coolest venue. 

The club, which has been a magnet for A-listers for 39 years, has hosted famous visitors including George Michael, Bono, Rita Ora, Cara Delevingne, Lily Allen and Noel Gallagher among many others.

But a letter going around members and seen by The Sunday Times has reportedly declared the club ‘almost dead’. 

The letter is said to accuse owners of having ‘destroyed nearly 40 years of culture’ at the club, with high prices ruining the passion of the place. 

The club has been owned by art gallery investors Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who are married, since 2022. 

The management of the club has reportedly guessed the letter was written by a former employee, while several members agree with the contents of the letter, titled ‘RIP Groucho’. 

Soho’s Groucho Club, London, when Madonna held her 29th birthday party in August 1987 

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher (left) and radio DJ Chris Evans (right) attending the British Smash Hits Awards at the Groucho Club in December 1996

Lucy Pinder, Lisa Moorish and Rose Williams attend the launch of the new album ‘Divine Chaos’ by Lisa Moorish at The Groucho Club on July 4, 2024

British television presenting duo Ant & Dec attending a party being held at the Groucho Club for the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party in December 1996

Lily Allen recently revealed she was once banned from the Groucho for a year (pictured at Groucho club in 2007)

Some of the club’s regular visitors have claimed the venue is suffering a ‘creep to corporatism’. 

Others claimed the calibre of members has been allowed to slip and that the club hosts too many non-member events. 

One said: ‘Fewer celebrities want to come in when there are lots of muggles around.’ 

However, writer and founding member Hunter Davies, 88, said it was not new for the Groucho’s customers to criticise new owners. The club had passed between successive private equity firms. 

Davies said he visits the Groucho once a year and confirmed he is still a happy member. 

He compared the Groucho with its local rival, Soho House, which has transformed into an international chain. ‘If you think the Groucho Club has become commercialised, that’s b*******,’ he said. 

Noel Gallagher at the Noel Gallagher Sighting at Groucho Club in March 2007

Bob Geldof and Paula Yates outside Soho’s Groucho Club when Madonna held her 29th birthday party in August 1987 

Notables from the world of fashion gathered outside The Groucho Club where they were promoting the Fashion Aid charity event for famine relief in October 1985 

Another common complaint among members is that the Groucho has become overrun by laptops since the Covid 19 pandemic. ‘It’s turned into a WeWork,’ said one. 

Meanwhile, some of the club’s 5,000 members have been put off by rising prices. Annual membership costs £1,250 for new joiners, up from £1,000. 

And the price of a shepherd’s pie has increased from £15 to £25, although some members have recognised that the quality of the food has improved, while inflation has been high.  

MailOnline has contacted the Groucho for comment.