SOHO HOUSE INVESTIGATES CLAIMS OF MISLABELLED OUT-OF-DATE FOOD

Soho House has launched an investigation after a former employee alleged that out-of-date food was mislabelled at its Shoreditch House venue in London. The former worker, who described himself as a chef, said in a TikTok video posted via an account called "Soho House Opp" that he was dismissed two days after complaining that staff were told to switch "use-by" labels so that out-of-date food could still be sold to customers. He said he first raised the matter internally, then complained to Hackney council after feeling insufficient action had been taken, and was dismissed shortly afterwards. A Soho House spokesperson said his contract was terminated for reasons unrelated to his complaint. Hackney council said it had received a report about food safety and hygiene at Shoreditch House and had opened an investigation. Soho House apologised, describing the incident as isolated and saying it does not reflect company policy.

Soho House operates ten members' clubs in London, with membership costing up to £4,500 a year. It is known for a celebrity clientele that includes Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and Ellie Goulding, who have been seen at its venues. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, met on a blind date at its 76 Dean Street house in 2016, and Meghan has since been seen at Soho Farmhouse, the group's Cotswolds venue. Under UK law, it is illegal to sell food past its "use-by" date, though food may still be sold after its "best before" date if it remains of acceptable quality. Restaurants and commercial kitchens have a legal duty to ensure food served to customers is safe and fit for consumption.

Hackney council said its investigation into the complaint at Shoreditch House is continuing. Soho House said it has opened its own internal investigation into the mislabelling. The company said the standard identified does not reflect how it expects its venues to operate. Neither Soho House nor Hackney council has given a timescale for their findings. The claims have drawn attention to food safety practices at one of Britain's best-known hospitality groups.