Published: 2024-02-17 by, News Team in the Chiswick news category

Elite Chiswick Family Club, Linked to Royalty, Shuts Doors Abruptly

In a stunning turn of events, Maggie & Rose, the esteemed private members club dubbed the "Soho House for kids," abruptly ceased operations, leaving families in disbelief.

Members of its exclusive clubs in Chiswick were blindsided last week by an email citing "staffing and operational challenges" as the reason for the sudden closure, declared as "temporary" to their dismay.

Furious members, accustomed to fees ranging from £210 to £140 per month, expressed outrage at the unexpected disruption to their children's activities. The clubs boasted top-tier amenities such as cinema snugs, soft play areas, and even a Jackson Pollock room for creative expression.

Parents shared tales of frustration and disappointment, with one lamenting, "They just took my money and closed with no explanation." Another agonized over a canceled birthday party, leaving her child in tears after meticulous planning and financial investment.

Founded in 2007 by Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor, the club's ties to royalty through Astor's marriage to Prince William's close friend, Hugh van Cutsem, added to its allure. However, despite its prestigious status, financial troubles loomed large, with net debt exceeding £1.5 million according to the most recent accounts.

The involvement of a Chinese company, China New City Commercial Development, following Bolger and Astor's partial withdrawal in 2019, signaled a shifting landscape for the once-exclusive establishment. Despite efforts to reach club representatives for comment, silence prevailed.

Meanwhile, Maggie & Rose's pre-school nurseries, operated separately under Grandir UK since 2022, assured normal operations, providing a glimmer of continuity amidst the club's abrupt demise.

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