You might be looking for somewhere new to spend your time in the New Year. The appeal of the London private members’ club is obvious. Exclusive places to hang out, work out, meet likeminded people or take clients, members’ clubs offer the reassurance of a luxurious home-from-home vibe.
London’s private clubs often come with top of the range restaurants and stunning interiors as well as gyms, work spaces and even rooftop terraces with swimming pools. Many organise their own social, networking and training events linked to their sector or particular clientele. And as more of us blend office life with working from home, they provide a good hybrid, thanks to their offer of workspaces and private meeting rooms.
Membership fees can be steep and many clubs, including the Groucho and the Soho House group, require recommendations from existing members.
With private members clubs as popular as ever, we take a look inside some of London’s finest.
1. Annabel’s
One of the best-known members only clubs in London, Annabel’s was founded five decades ago by entrepreneur Mark Birley. It attracts an elite crowd of supermodels, rockstars and royalty, from its Berkley Square townhouse location. Benefits include a bar, restaurant, nightclub and private dining room with butler – there’s even an in-house dog walker.
2. Soho House and Shoreditch House
The original Soho House is London’s premier media club, established in 1995 by television presenter Kirsty Young and husband, Nick Jones. Since then, the Greek Street establishment has been joined by 27 more across the globe – from Manhattan to Mumbai. UK outposts include Babington House in Somerset and London’s White City House in the former BBC studios. Set in a converted warehouse, Shoreditch House has a rooftop pool with views across the City and East End.
3. The Groucho Club
“Back with sass” says the website of this iconic London club, open once more to arts and media types with a ‘maverick’ spirit. Based in Soho’s Dean Street, it has counted numerous A-listers among its membership, including Noel Gallagher, Melvyn Bragg, Rachel Weisz, Lily Allen and Stephen Fry. There are three bars, two restaurants, 20 bedrooms, a snooker room and four event rooms available for hire.
4. The AllBright
The first London private members’ club aimed at working women, the AllBright is located in a gorgeous five-storey townhouse in Bloomsbury. There’s plenty of work space, plus regular networking events. Look out for Bond actor Naomie Harris – a founder member.
5. The Court
Private members’ club in the former Bag O’Nails music venue, Soho where 60s legends, including Jimi Hendrix, once played. There’s nightly live music in a basement bar. The Court doesn’t look to recruit members from any particular industry, just “people with a story to tell”.
6. The Ned
This former Midland bank opened as a City club almost five years ago, and is popular with finance and fashion types alike. The restoration of the building kept many of its features including the original vaults – now a basement bar.
7. The South Kensington Club
Members’ club with a health and beauty slant. You’ll find a juice bar, yoga classes and a stunning gym – all the essentials for a perfectly balanced, holistic lifestyle, in fact.
8. 67 Pall Mall
This Mayfair club, exclusively for wine lovers and the industry, is all about sharing a love of fine wines with like-minded people.
9. Ten Trinity Square
You’ll find Ten Trinity Square within the historic former HQ of the Port of London Authority. Aimed at City workers looking for a place of escape, the club boasts a series of “lavish yet discreet rooms ideal for conversation and relaxation” alongside world-class dining and culture.
10. Albert’s at Beaufort House
Albert’s is a private member’s club set within Chelsea restaurant Beaufort House. It extends over three floors, offering all-day dining, two bars, and a nightclub a private dining and meeting room.
11. St James’s Club
St James’s calls itself the “club in London for the modern traveller.” It’s a traditional club dating back to 1857 and takes pride in its standards of service, comfort and hospitality.
If you’re thinking of relocating to South London, such as Clapham, Balham or Wandsworth, and want help exploring your options, contact us to talk about the merits of different areas and to find out about our portfolio of properties available to buy or rent.