Renowned as one of London's premier private members' clubs, The Groucho Club has announced its plans for expansion into Yorkshire. The new establishment, dubbed Groucho Bretton,

will find its home in Bretton Hall near Wakefield, within the picturesque setting of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This marks a significant milestone for the club, as it will be its first permanent venture outside the capital in its 39-year history.

Set to unveil its doors in 2026, Groucho Bretton will be housed within a Grade II listed building, boasting 40 bedrooms and extending its hospitality to non-members as well. The collaboration for this venture involves Groucho owners Artfarm and Yorkshire-based real estate investor Rushbond Group, who have secured an agreement with Wakefield Council to develop the site in harmony with the sculpture park.

Ewan Venters, the CEO of Artfarm, expressed his enthusiasm for this new endeavor, labeling it as one of the most exhilarating ventures in The Groucho's extensive history. Venters highlighted the club's previous engagements in pop-ups at various cultural events but underscored the significance of establishing a permanent residence beyond the club's traditional Soho roots.

Formerly an esteemed art college for nearly six decades, Bretton Hall's rich heritage served as a compelling draw for The Groucho's proprietors. With plans that honor the site's legacy while infusing it with modern amenities, Groucho Bretton aims to cultivate a vibrant atmosphere where both locals and visitors can engage in work, leisure, and cultural events.

Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery lauded the development, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in Bretton Hall's history, poised to inject new energy into the iconic venue. Clare Lilley, director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, echoed this sentiment, expressing anticipation for Groucho Bretton's role in revitalizing the historic 18th-century building, which had remained dormant for 16 years.

Taking the helm of this ambitious project is Elli Jafali, slated to assume the position of The Groucho's new chief executive. Founded by a group primarily consisting of women publishers, The Groucho Club has long been celebrated as a hub for creatives across various disciplines. Notable for its eclectic membership, the club has welcomed luminaries from the worlds of music, literature, media, and art.

With Groucho Bretton, The Groucho Club looks to extend its legacy of fostering creativity and camaraderie, while embracing the unique character and spirit of Yorkshire. Photo by Ewan Munro from London, UK, Wikimedia commons.