When I first met Mahavir and his brother, Dev, they were preparing to develop their first new-build lifestyle hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee—a market better known for pancake houses, Dolly Parton, and rustic motels than cutting-edge hospitality. It wasn’t the typical setting for a bold hospitality venture, but that’s what made it interesting.

The private club scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shifting its traditional exclusivity to embrace a younger, more diverse membership base.

Mark Somen, a strategic advisor for hospitality consulting firm Craft House, says that, aside from club amenities, the personalities behind some of the most popular clubs can also be a draw.

Just when you think London has met its quota of private members’ clubs, along comes another. And yet The Conduit is not like any other.

What do you get if you combine one global justice expert, one ethical investment chief and an eight-floor building in Mayfair? London’s most right-on members’ club, that’s what. 

The Conduit, his latest project, is an invitation-only members’ club in Mayfair with a difference. It is due to open this summer with top chefs, sustainably sourced ingredients, a late-night speakeasy — and a programme focused on social and environmental change.

After 5 years as Director at Craft House, we're proud to announce the appointment of Mark Somen as the CEO for our client, The Conduit in London.

Craft House is happy to announce the addition of Mark Somen as Director for Craft House based in New York.