Maurice Huggett
Maurice Huggett | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 7, 1945 |
| Died | December 17, 2011 (aged 66) |
| Occupation(s) | Publican, club owner |
| Known for | Owner of the Phoenix Artist Club in Soho, London |
Maurice Huggett (7 July 1945 – 17 December 2011) was the owner of the Phoenix Artist Club, an exclusive members-only venue located in Soho, London.
Career
Huggett, whose father was a builder, initially worked as a bank clerk before moving to American Express in London's Haymarket. In 1969, he took a position with the Keith Prowse ticket agency at The Dorchester hotel. Following this, he spent some time with Pan Am and later managed inbound tours for Air Express in Tehran prior to the revolution. He left Tehran on the final departing flight and returned to London, where he secured a publican's licence and ran the Players' Theatre situated beneath the arches at Charing Cross station.
The Phoenix Artist Club was originally established in 1988 by John Mahoney.[1] Huggett purchased the club—previously known as "Shuttleworth's at The Phoenix" or simply "Shuts"—in the mid-1990s.[2] Nestled in a basement below the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road, the venue had been transformed from rehearsal rooms into a bar and restaurant during the 1970s. Once under Huggett’s stewardship, it underwent significant refurbishment and evolved into a popular late-night gathering spot for creatives including artists, actors, comedians, producers, writers, and journalists. He eliminated karaoke and removed the jukebox, gaining recognition for his theatrical flair and spontaneous renditions of showtunes. Distinguished visitors included crime writer Martina Cole, singer Lady Gaga, comedian Noel Fielding, along with actors such as Jude Law, Keira Knightley, and John Hurt.
Huggett was noted for denying entry to the Arctic Monkeys despite their commercial success, citing their untidy appearance.[3][4] Author Bryony Gordon recounted an incident where Huggett banned a patron for six months due to drunken misconduct but later reinstated him with complimentary membership.[5] Regular attendees remember Huggett's firm enforcement of house rules amidst lively crowds, famously admonishing: "Don’t touch the props! Leave the props alone!”[6]
Personal life
Huggett passed away in London in December 2011 following a short illness. At the time of his death, those present noted that the music of Man of La Mancha, one of his cherished musicals, was playing.