The History of The Charity
The House of St Barnabas-in-Soho, established by Dr Henry Monro and Mr Roundell Palmer, first began operating as "The House of Charity" in 1864, before taking its current name in 1961. The objective was to provide refuge and accommodation for homeless people in and around Soho - and for 160 years it continued in this role. The House closed as a residence in 2006, and re-launched as a venue and Life Skills Centre.
Since September 2009 The House of St Barnabas has been working in partnership with Quintessentially to host Quintessentially Soho at The House of St Barnabas, a not-for-profit members’ lounge. Revenue generated through Membership, Event Sales, the restaurant, lounge and bars, finances the charity in the delivery of its programme, while the operation itself acts as a unique resource for training and work experience opportunities. The innovative partnership between the business and the charity promotes an environment within the House that is markedly different from that of other private clubs. Through a supportive programme of learning and integrated training, The Charity aims at creating a space within which team-work, community and acceptance are paramount, and stigmatisation is left at the door.
