Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 22 Aug 2019 | |
| Conduit News |
"Some 100 years ago, the term members' club had a whole different meaning than what it does today. Pall Mall and St James’s Street was the beating heart of the gentleman’s clubland, with White’s known as the first and oldest members’ club in the city, opening its doors in 1693. In fact, writer Samuel Johnson, in the 1700s, penned the term ‘unclubbable’, which the Collins English Dictionary defines as those who are ‘not fit to be a member of a social club; socially inept; unrefined’. These gentleman’s clubs were ultra-exclusive, offering high society men an escape from the pressures of work and family, with potential members judged on their eligibility by class and gender. Unsurprisingly, women were categorically banned from joining all of them.
Thankfully, today most of these clubs have evolved from their archaic pasts, quite rightly allowing women to join too (for some, like the Carlton Club, this has only happened in the last 11 years). However, they’ve now got some serious competition because a new wave of clubs have since popped up all around town, redefining what it means to be part of an exclusive network and far more inclusive than their older counterparts. They’re all about creating a space for entrepreneurs and business leaders to unite, blurring the lines between a working space (which was always banned in the traditional gentlemen's clubs) and a social hangout. Younger members want to be able to network, drink cocktails and tap away on their keyboards so modern day clubs have had to cater for this and become more lifestyle focused. As well as offering cool surroundings, some of these clubs also provide mentoring, such as the women’s-only All Bright, helping its members develop professionally and socially.
Will they still be standing in another hundred years? Who knows. But what we do know is that the outdated private club model has been well and truly turned on its head.
Here’s our pick of the best members clubs in London today...
This iconic club on Berkeley Square has always been known as the place to be see and seen (from supermodels to royalty). After moving premises to Grade-I-listed Georgian townhouse just two doors down from the original club, this place is enormous, spread across four floors and features everything from Lalique gold swan taps in the ladies bathroom to a floating unicorn hanging from the chandelier in the lobby. There are restaurants, bars, private dining rooms, a garden terrace and a cigar salon. Oh, and they have an in-house dog walker.
Annabel's
Owned by Robin Birley (the son of Annabel’s founder, Mark Birley), this club is insanely homely, it feels lived in with endless chesterfield armchairs, dogs on laps and photos of family members filling fireplaces and walls. Its basement nightclub, Loulou's, feels much like the Old Annabel’s where you’ll probably spot Lady Kitty Spencer. You can even get away with wearing jeans with ‘subtle rips’.
5 Hertford Street
The Soho House group’s city outpost was the first to open membership to the corporate lot and it’s been a winner since it opened in May 2017. The former Midland bank has some incredible features like the original vault, which now leads to the basement lounge. Some of its restaurants - including the groundfloor Millie’s Lounge are open to non-members although the Cowshed spa and rooftop restaurants are strictly for members only.
The Ned
Albert’s has moved from its South Kensington premises to the good ol’ King’s Road. The new club, set inside the gorgeous Beaufort House, spans four floors with an all-day cocktail bar, brassiere, private dining room, champagne bar and nightclub. The interiors are outrageously Insta-worthy.
Alberts
Set within the former headquarters of the Port of London Authority, this club is part of a partnership between investment group Reignwood, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Château Latour. Members, naturally, tend to be working in the City and this club is striving to attract future business leaders with its new membership for under 30s. There’s a billiard room and cigar shop plus it’s host to the world’s first Château Latour Discovery room outside of France. One for the wine lovers.
Ten Trinity Square
Opening in February 2019, this new members’ club in the former Bag O’Nails premises (where the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Stones, The Beatles and The Who used to play) is set to be one of Soho’s coolest new hangouts. Bradley Theodore has done the decor with florist Nikki Tibbles at the helm. We’re most excited by the Gatsby-esque basement bar and the nightly live music.
The Court
Soho House, Soho
If you know the term ‘members’ club’ you’ll know Soho House. The original club, at 40 Greek Street, was first founded for creatives in 1995. Today there are 22 sister clubs all over the world, including 9 in the UK (Shoreditch House, Little House, Electric House, Soho Farmhouse and more) and outposts in Mumbai, Manhattan and Berlin. Having a full house membership gives you access to all of them, and the fun that comes with it.
Soho House
This is London’s first private members’ club aimed at providing a space to host brilliant, like-minded women. It’s located in a gorgeous five-storey townhouse in London’s Bloomsbury and as well as ample working space, there are regular workshops and events. Oh, and the second club in Mayfair’s Maddox Street is set to open this spring and we hear there’s going to be two huge roof terraces. Handy.
The AllBright
It’s been dubbed the London’s member’s club with a conscience and this recently-opened spot is certainly living up to the claims. To be a member, job and pedigree aside, it’s all about whether you’ve got a proven track record in systemic change, ie, what have you done that’s good for the world? There’s a cracking rooftop terrace that wouldn’t look out of place in Marrakesh and a pretty impressive library.
