How the Circle became Manchester's most in-demand private members club with footballers, celebs and VIPs
Long before Soho House had set its sights on Manchester, there was an exclusive private members club that would go on to change the city's social scene. The Circle club launched in 2001 in the basement of the Barton Arcade on Deansgate and fast became the place that everyone wanted to see and be seen.
In 2007 the "Inner Circle" was established after the club was extended. It was a V-VIP space with a 7 deadly sins theme and darkly opulent interiors in seven themed booths that became the talk of the town. "Dom had got the building on Barton Arcade and I remember on opening night in 2001 we already had 250 members. Everyone was paying £10 a month membership then.
"Celebs knew they weren’t going to be harassed when they were in there. Every member went through a rigorous process when it started, I know because I interviewed everyone." "I said he couldn’t come in because he wasn’t a member, I was just doing my job! But at the time it became a big PR thing that everyone talked about."
Craig recalls when David first asked him to get involved he had to persuade him that it would be good to widen the membership. He says: "It was still membership, but we broadened the criteria for membership. Before you had to be arts and creative industry, but then we said anybody who can pay for it can become a member.
"The big sell of the VIP membership though was the queue jump - there's nothing more important to people in Manchester than being able to queue jump. To be the person who goes straight to the front door and not have to queue." Craig remembers some of his favourite visitors, including Starsky and Hutch star Antonio Vargas, music performances from Labrinth and Emeli Sande, and impromptu nights out with Wiil.i.Am and David Hasslehoff.
Craig says: "When you look at places like Liv now, they sculpted themselves on the back of what we had done - getting the celebrities in, targeting the footballers. They get the big artists, the people who play at the Arena, make sure they get them down to the clubs.So where did it all go wrong? Craig now pinpoints the decision to open The Kitchen restaurant in the ground floor space above The Circle as where things would start to unravel for the whole business.
The popularity of the club also meant eyes were keenly drawn to what was happening there. A brawl outside the club hit international headlines when it was revealed two famous faces had been quizzed by police - although no charges were brought against either.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brighton CEO addresses Mac Allister transfer rumours as Man United and Liverpool circleBrighton CEO Paul Barber has opened up on the transfer speculation surrounding Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentina international looks set to leave the Seagulls this summer as interest in his servic…
Read more »
Moment Manchester's Muslim community do Eid prayers at Platt Fields parkIt is estimated at least 20,000 took part in Eid prayers in Platt Fields park today
Read more »
Manchester City star's 'routine medical' found scary diagnosisFormer City midfielder Michael Brown has opened up about his shock cancer diagnosis which came at the start of the first coronavirus lockdown in early 2020
Read more »
I can honestly say I have never met a Manchester United fan who is actually from ManchesterLiving down here in London, I can honestly say I have never met a Manchester United fan who is actually from Manchester.
Read more »
Manchester United is too big a club for too many of their playersThere is no shame in admitting a player is not good enough to match the standards at Man United. It would be a shame to prolong their misery.
Read more »
Manchester City vs Sheffield United betting previewThe Inside Track brings you the best in betting tips and predictions as Manchester City look to secure their second FA Cup final appearance in five years when they face Sheffield United
Read more »