Nick Jones, the founder of Soho House, has returned to the hotel business with a new luxury property in London after stepping back from the company following his prostate cancer diagnosis.
Jones, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 at the age of 58, underwent surgery and subsequently reduced his involvement in Soho House. He says the experience forced him to reconsider his relentless approach to work and learn to embrace a slower pace of life.
Now, however, the hospitality entrepreneur is back with St Clement, a new hotel overlooking the Thames that represents his latest attempt to reshape the London hotel scene.
From Soho House to St Clement
Jones founded Café Boheme before launching Soho House, which eventually expanded into dozens of hotels around the world and became a major influence on modern hospitality and design.
His latest property, St Clement, reflects many of the characteristics associated with his earlier projects: relaxed interiors, carefully considered details and a strong connection with its surroundings.
The hotel’s Café Clement restaurant was already attracting attention before its official opening, with celebrities including Mick Jagger, Adele, Paul Mescal and Stanley Tucci among its early visitors.
Jones insists that celebrity attention is not the point. His priority, he says, is creating places that people genuinely want to spend time in.
The hotel sits near the Thames and offers views stretching across some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. A neighboring development includes 98 fully serviced apartments, with the penthouse priced at up to £25 million.
‘Workaholism is as bad as any other addiction’
Jones’ return to the industry comes after a period in which he was forced to confront his own relationship with work.
After his cancer diagnosis, he stepped away from the constant travel and demands of running Soho House. He spent more time at his Oxfordshire home with his wife, broadcaster Kirsty Young, cooking and reading.
Looking back, Jones says he now sees his previous work habits differently.
“Workaholism can be viewed as something people look up to,” he said. “But it’s as bad as being any sort of addict.”
His friend Fiona Golfar describes him as a “new project-aholic,” a description that Jones does not entirely reject. His latest project is built around the question he says he always asks: if hotels did not already exist, what would guests want?
At St Clement, that includes WhatsApp-based check-in, a high-end gym and a private in-room fitness setup. A health club is scheduled to open in November.
Cancer diagnosis changed his priorities
Jones has also become an outspoken advocate for prostate cancer testing since his diagnosis.
He said an MRI revealed a large tumor after routine blood tests showed elevated PSA levels. He underwent a prostatectomy and later used his public profile to campaign for greater access to prostate cancer screening.
Jones remains frustrated that the UK government has rejected the introduction of a national prostate screening program, arguing that the current approach fails to identify enough cases early.
He is now also supporting a fundraiser for addiction charity the Forward Trust, drawing a connection between his own experience of work addiction and the broader difficulties faced by people struggling with dependency.
Jones remains optimistic about London
St Clement opens at a challenging time for London’s hospitality sector. The city has seen several major luxury hotel launches in recent years, while tourism has faced headwinds following the UK’s decision to abolish tax-free shopping for international visitors.
Jones nevertheless remains bullish about the capital’s prospects.
“London’s undoubtedly going through a challenging time,” he said, while insisting that it remains “the greatest city in the world” and will ultimately recover.
He argues that the government could help by restoring tax-free shopping, reducing National Insurance costs for employers and bringing hospitality taxes closer to levels elsewhere in Europe.
After nearly five decades in the industry, Jones still believes hospitality offers young people valuable skills, from teamwork and communication to dealing with customers and people from different backgrounds.
His career has already transformed the way Britain approaches hotels and restaurants. With St Clement, Jones is betting that he can do it again—even in a much less optimistic Britain than the one in which Soho House first emerged.
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