The opening of Soho House Manchester last month was more than just a new launch for the hospitality sector; it was a watershed moment that formally cemented the city's status as a global creative hub. As the international private members' club opens its doors in the iconic Granada Studios, it signifies a major shift in focus, demonstrating that the North West is now unequivocally the destination for creative and digital innovation in the UK.

The opening of Soho House Manchester last month was more than just a new launch for the hospitality sector; it was a watershed moment that formally cemented the city's status as a global creative hub. As the international private members' club opens its doors in the iconic Granada Studios, it signifies a major shift in focus, demonstrating that the North West is now unequivocally the destination for creative and digital innovation in the UK.

We often discuss the power of location in business, and this move by Soho House, their first foray into Northern England, is a definitive statement on where the industry momentum lies. It’s an endorsement of Manchester’s burgeoning talent pool and entrepreneurial spirit, giving us all cause to realise just how far the city’s creative economy has risen.

A New Anchor for the St John’s District

The choice of location itself is highly symbolic. Soho House has taken up residence within the former Granada Studios, a building steeped in British cultural history, located at the heart of the regenerating St John's neighbourhood. This district is already home to a robust community of media, tech, and digital businesses, and the House acts as a highly visible new anchor for this ecosystem.

Unlike traditional clubs, Soho House operates on a vetting system focused entirely on the creative community, attracting members from the film, music, art, and digital sectors. The initial demand speaks volumes: reports indicate a significant membership base and a substantial waiting list, underlining the density of creative professionals working in and around Greater Manchester.

For our own industry, this represents a golden opportunity. Whilst London remains a key player, having a dedicated physical space for collaboration and networking of this calibre in the North offers huge potential for knowledge transferand strategic partnerships. It brings a global brand, a global network, and crucially, global capital to the city's creative economy.

From Local Talent to Global Networking

The true impact of this opening lies in the curated programme of events and support initiatives that accompany the club. Soho House is not merely providing a sleek rooftop pool and excellent dining; it is investing in the creative future of the area.

Key to this mission is the establishment of the Soho Mentorship programme in Manchester, which pairs established members with young creatives from lower socioeconomic or underrepresented backgrounds. This commitment to talent development is perhaps the most exciting aspect for the city’s long-term creative trajectory.

When a network of this scale invests in local talent, it helps to:

• Elevate Local Profile: By connecting Manchester’s best to a wider global network of creative professionals across cities like New York, Barcelona, and Hollywood.

• Encourage Collaboration: Creating a physical space where cross-disciplinary collaboration, from designers to developers, musicians to marketers, can happen organically.

• Boost Economic Confidence: Signalling to other international businesses that Manchester is the ideal location for expansion and investment, particularly within the digital and cultural sectors.

Manchester: The MICE Destination of Choice

The presence of Soho House also bolsters Manchester's standing in the lucrative MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. The inclusion of versatile event spaces and high-calibre facilities within the venue means the city can now attract more high-end industry events and summits, drawing international delegates who seek luxury and unique cultural experiences.

This influx of high-value business tourism will inevitably generate positive ripple effects across the city's entire business community. It is a defining moment that moves Manchester beyond its strong industrial heritage, positioning it as a modern, sophisticated, and globally focused cultural capital.

For agencies like our own, this momentum is palpable. Our recent decision to move our headquarters into the heart of Manchester was directly influenced by the city's dynamic growth and its dedication to fostering digital and creative excellence. The arrival of international institutions like Soho House only validates this choice, reinforcing our belief that Manchester is the ideal base from which to service our clients and attract top industry talent across the UK.

The creative rise of Manchester is not a flash in the pan; it is a meticulously planned ascendancy built on talent, heritage, and regeneration. The arrival of Soho House is simply the latest, and perhaps most prominent, piece of the puzzle, reinforcing the North West’s undeniable reputation as the heart of UK creativity.