18. From Restaurants to Members’ Club: Laurel Tchitembo on the Art of Hosting & Running the House of KOKO

This week’s Muse is Laurel Tchitembo, General Manager of The House of KOKO in London. Laurel and I first met years ago at Folie, where he worked in the restaurant before moving into the world of private members’ clubs. Today, he runs the food and beverage operations at one of the most exclusive venues in the city.In this episode, we trace his journey in hospitality and unpack the difference between running a restaurant and orchestrating a members’ club. We go behind the scenes of his role - what it actually means to oversee The House of KOKO, and how he manages the countless details that make the operation run smoothly. We then dive into the members dynamic: how to keep things professional while building genuine relationships, and what it takes to create seamless experiences for a diverse and discerning community. Finally, Laurel shares tales from the floor - from the craziest requests to the most touching moments that remind him why he chose this path.Through his story, we get a rare glimpse into the world of private clubs, and the human side of hospitality that keeps it all alive.LINKS:Follow the Club here: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofkoko/?hl=enDiscover the Club and apply for a membership here: https://www.thehouseofkoko.com/Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemusepodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine