Trade, which opens on Soho’s Frith Street in early December, is described by its founders as a social space with a focus on high quality food and drink, ‘where like-minded hospitality professionals can socialise with their peers outside working hours, be they chefs, sommeliers, bartenders, baristas, food and beverage producers and suppliers, or those working front of house’. It is also designed to be a hospitality hub, used for networking, idea sharing, training and ‘motivating the next generation of talented individuals’.
Rousset and Devaney say they founded the club to give something back to the industry in which they have worked for the past 20 years. It will have links with catering colleges and offer training, talks, masterclasses, tastings, dinners and careers guidance from industry leaders through its ongoing programme of member events.
“I have had this idea for a long time, that there should be a space for the hospitality trade to call their own, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to bring it to life in Soho, the beating heart of London,” says Devaney.
The basement bar will serve food and drink at ‘sensible’ prices, with a concise but ever-changing wine list that reflects Rousset and Devaney’s desire to open up the world of wine to those interested in both classic and esoteric wines on any budget. There also be a regularly changing cocktail list featuring drinks from leading guest bartenders.
Musa Ozgul, previously of London members clubs Chess Club and Quo Vadis, will head up the bar.
It will be open seven days a week, from 11am until late.
Trade’s subscription fee will be £190 a year and £75 for people under 25 - payable on a monthly basis - which its founders says will be accessible enough to enable all levels of staff to join. Individuals whose membership is accepted before 31 October will be eligible for founder membership of £100 for the first year.
“This is a place where we can exchange ideas, relax and socialise with peers and London is the perfect city to do this,” says Rousset. “So many different industries have their own club, at long last we’ve got ours!”