I admit I was already three sheets to the wind by the time we got to Shoreditch House, so this may not be the most informative or precise review ever… but I can tell you the place was pretty awesome.

We went directly up to the fifth floor (accompanied by a member , who knew where he was going and is infinitely more trendy than i could ever hope to be).

The bar was great, really friendly bar staff (their loveliness accentuated by the fact that you dont’ expect friendliness in a private club that’s this fancy), and from what i remember the drinks weren’t too extortionate either.

Obviously we had to go and have a look at the pool even though it was 1 in the morning. It’s a very cool pool… not sure what else I can say.

We also had a wander around the restaurant on the fifth floor which looked brilliant. I need to go back and eat at this place.

I was expecting toe-curling trendiness and what i got was a brilliant and comfy spt to have a few drinks with friends. I’d really recommend trying to sneak in if you ever get the chance.

Since my friends are the wrong kind of media types (they prefer the boozing to the schmoozing) the only way I get to see this place is when there’s an event on that I’m invited to. And if, at one of those events, I happen to ‘accidentally’ find myself going up a fire escape and onto the roof terrace and pool area, so be it.

ShoHo, as I now call it, is obviously mainly about seeing and being seen, but at least it provides a lovely place to do it. A maze of rooms with bars, bowling alleys, a Cowshed spa and all kinds of distractions, it’s easy to see why membership is pricey. I actually prefer this to Soho House, the sister club; the staff are friendlier and the whole vibe is a bit more fashion-orientated and a little less corporate.

Ok, I’ll admit it. I don’t think we were meant to be on the roof.

The idea of Shoreditch House is sort of awful; a swish bar/club/gym/hang out of any kind for rich media types.

But when you get there it is totally ace.

It is a member’s club, but I think it’s cheaper for younger people.

The roof restaurant I wouldn’t say has ‘spectacular’ views across East London, the views are pretty ugly, but they are far reaching at least. Mostly you can see the new train tracks being built.

The swimming pool is outdoor and heated, and very popular with families on the weekend.

It’s a super mega trendy cool place.

launched last summer in a blaze of publicity, Shoreditch House quickly gained the reputation as the place to see and be seen ... not least because it had a stunning roof deck with pool that had spectacular views across East London. The house is now 9 months in and its PR star may have waned a little but the building and club are still pretty impressive - the venue is spread across 3 floors with a pool (already mentioned), outdoor roof deck (with roof to keep the warmth in during the winter months), 2 lane bowling lane, gym, Cow Shed spa, bar, games room, restaurant and private rooms (one with full on DJ decks, its own bar and a massive table). The decor is a mix between urban, industrial, a little bit 70s front room and the in some places New York (it sounds a mish mash, but does look really stylish). It is a private members club (in the same group as Soho House) so you have to be a member or a guest to get in ... but if you know someone then it is worth getting them to take you along - the food is great, the ambience (when it is not too busy - week day evenings or Sunday lunchtime are best) is relaxed style and the cocktails are mighty fine (for my money the espresso martini at Shoreditch house is the best in the land)