An exclusive members’ only club in the East End smacked a six-month ban on a businessman because he looked too dapper.

Peter Bingle was told he should not enter Shoreditch House in Ebor Street, Bethnal Green or its sister club Soho House in central London because he ignored the casual dress code by wearing a suit and tie.

In a letter to him, the club said it “openly discourages the wearing of suits”.

Mr Bingle, a former councillor for Wandsworth who works in public affairs, said: “Maybe my suits aren’t very good. It’s quite something being banned from a club for the first time at 51.

“If I was 19 and smashed the place up then I could understand it.”

Shoreditch House is spread over the top three floors of a renovated warehouse and opened in June 2007.

It is well known for its celebrity bashes and allows members the use of a rooftop pool, restaurants and bars.

A spokeswoman for the club said: “It’s important to us that we create a relaxed, casual and overall, a friendly environment for our members. Whilst this may be frustrating for some, we are within out rights to make decisions based on that ethos - sadly not everyone will like it.”