Union History

The Union Club was set up in 1993 by ex-North Sea oil rigger Pete Cross and Chef Carolyn Dawson, and both are (for their sins) still at the helm of the Club today. Opening a private members club had been a long held dream for the duo, and they took the plunge after buying a dilapidated building at 50 Greek Street, Soho, all those years ago.

The building was in a terrible state but Carolyn and Pete rescued it from semi-dereliction after the previous tenant had set fire to it. After lashings of TLC from a crew of family, friends and waitresses-to-be – the doors were thrown open to members in September 1993.

The club grew slowly but steadily through its youth; and now, nearing three decades later, it has become an established Soho institution, home to those looking for a secluded escape from the hurly burly of the City.

In 2015 the club acquired the 4-storey premises next door and expanded into what is now a warehouse-style workspace for members, and a series of small chic meeting rooms.

Over the years, the club has gained a large and ever-growing collection of art, furniture, fittings and furnishings. While Carolyn leads her talented crew in the kitchen, it’s always fun to spot Pete’s latest artistic addition to the Club.

Although the club may change and evolve with time, we pride ourselves on our longstanding staff and members – many of whom joined us in 1993 and haven’t left! They are just as big a part of the Union as the very fabric of the building.