Soho House Mumbai is the new place to be for the city’s creative crowd

Mumbai is, in most aspects, the perfect city for a young, creative professional: the trendy restaurants and bars, the sparkly pull of media and Bollywood, and that breakneck speed of life that you love to hate. But one thing that was missing from the city’s vibrant social scene was a relaxed space that offers this set the opportunity to mingle with likeminded individuals beyond their own circles. Enter, Soho House Mumbai.

The first Soho House opened in 1995 in London, and since then they have expanded to 22 locations around the world, including Europe and North America. The 23rd Soho House, in Juhu, Mumbai, is Asia’s first. Their literature calls it an “inclusive members’ club”—contrary to how many of its kind try to position themselves, this idea behind the property is to offer a more accessible, friendlier space for people in creative professions to socialise at.

You can see this in their specified dress code, which is relaxed casuals. You can feel it in the staff’s attentive, friendly—yet not fawning—service. And the house itself has a welcoming, almost home-like vibe. The charming, smart-bohemian decor (led by Nick Jones and director of Soho House Design, Linda Boronkay) features Indian accents everywhere—from the locally-sourced wicker furniture, to cushions and upholstery made of bright block printed fabrics, and even the art (Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher, Thukral and Tagra) across the property.

The 11-storey sea-facing building has a mix of members’ and public spaces. The 38 well-appointed bedrooms—sizes ranging small to big with two suites—also feature Indian fabrics and bright tiles, with millennial-friendly accents like Marshall speakers and a full set of Cowshed products (that will soon be available for sale). The second floor is home to a large, fully-equipped gym, with a steam room and juice bar; while a cosy library on the ninth floor offers a quiet space in which to spend a few hours. Right below the library, on the eight floor, is the main members’ space, the only dining area in the house where you can reserve tables. Pick a spot here—they’re all cosy and perfect for conversation and a nibble—and spend an evening chatting over their delicious cocktails. You even have the option of a few low sugar, low alcohol drinks, should you wish to spend your night in a mild buzz and not a high.

The rooftop poolside area can make for an afternoon well-spent; claim a sunbed by the pool, and take a dip when it gets too hot. The food and drinks menu is the same across the floors—a curated selection of Indian and international small and large plates, with a different menu for breakfast. The Mumbai Fried Chicken is a good choice with alcohol; the avocado toast, nice for a between-meals bite; and the lamb burger, perfect for the ravenous hunger that hits you post-swim.

On the ground floor, Allis, their open-for-all café, offers hot and cold beverages and snacks. Once Cecconi’s—which has outposts in Soho Houses in London, New York, Miami, West Hollywood, Istanbul, Barcelona, Berlin and Amsterdam—opens doors in Mumbai this month, members and non-members are promised modern Italian offerings including wood-fired oven pizzas, pastas, and their signature spaghetti lobster, crab ravioli and meat balls.

Events spaces include the screening room, an intimate 34-seater theatre decked out with footstools, side tables and a drink and snack menu; and the Eva room, ideal for hosting gatherings and workshops with 20-70 guests. Members and guests of the House can pick from a packed calendar of events that are organised by the House every week—from talks and workshops to movie screenings and entertaining bingo nights. And of course, the famed House Parties are the perfect mixers for everyone who wants meet anyone in the creative industry—expect to run into artists, theatre personalities, photographers, designers, and since Mumbai is synonymous with Bollywood, some young cinema stars.

In a city running on speed, Soho House Mumbai offers people a place to unwind and connect with some of the most creative and influential minds around. You’ll find it hard not to run into someone you know already, but try and make new friends—that is, after all, the point of the space.

For more information and details on membership, visit Sohohousemumbai.com. Address: Soho House Mumbai, 16, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz West