When you think of a private members’ club in London, it might be easy for your mind to wander towards images of old men in three-piece suits, sipping on whisky in stuffy rooms where the smell of cigar smoke chokes the air. We are happy to report though, that private members’ clubs have come a long way since the days of yesteryear, and now represent some of the most dynamic and attractive spaces in the city.
In fact, private members’ clubs have never been more popular in the capital, with new exclusive venues opening left, right and centre. While the exclusivity aspect is an obvious appeal of these high-end clubs, it is not the only draw. Members’ clubs in London are often home to jaw-dropping interiors, while many of them also offer much-welcomed amenities such as state-of-the-art gyms and luxury spas. A few most clubs even offer on-site upmarket accommodation at discounted rates, which is a rare thing in a city as costly as London.
If you have been flirting with the idea of joining a private members’ club, it can be hard to know where to start. There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from traditional clubs with a proud heritage, to more modern propositions that celebrate new technologies and ways of thinking. There is also the question of how you go about securing a membership, as well as exactly what it is you will get for your money. These are all important questions, but luckily we have done the hard work for you and discovered all of the answers.
Whether you are looking to gain access to these VIP hotspots, or you just want to enjoy a peek at how the other half live, our round-up of the most exclusive private members’ clubs in London has everything you need to know.
George, Mayfair
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Why is it exclusive?
Members’ club George has been on the London scene for years and is well-known for its affinity for our four-legged friends (it’s even named after founder Mark Birley’s pooch). Posh pups can make themselves at home thanks to specially designed dog-friendly menus, as well as drinking from fancy dog bowls, before heading for a nap in a premium dog bed. So, if you are the kind of person that considers your dog a member of the family, George is the members’ club for you.
What is the stand-out space?
For human members, there’s no doubt that George’s restaurant and bar is an attractive proposition, not least because of the arresting David Hockney artworks that hang from the walls. The terrace overlooking Mount Street is a nice touch too, especially on warmer days, while the downstairs bar is a gorgeous Art Deco-style space complete with plenty of nooks and crannies if you and your pup want some one-on-one bonding time.
How do you become a member?
To nab a membership at George for you and your pooch, you will need to be proposed and seconded by two existing members of the club. Your application form will need to detail why you want to join, as well as containing letter of support from your proposer and seconder.
Annabel’s, Mayfair
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Why is it exclusive?
Annabel’s has long been a fixture on the London members' club scene, but a £55 million refurbishment and a new location brought it back to the fore. It’s easy to see where the money went, as the Martin Brudnizki-designed venue is as opulent and extra as you’d expect for a space that has been created as a playground for the super-rich. There’s a whole host of bars, restaurants and lounges to choose from, as well as an extensive courtyard and possibly the prettiest loos (or ‘powder rooms’) we’ve ever set eyes on.
What is the stand-out space?
While the aforementioned loos are an Instagrammer’s heaven, we think the most arresting space at Annabel’s is the subterranean Nightclub & Jungle Bar. As the name suggests, this is a seductive space featuring a mash up of kitsch animal prints, reams of foliage and hand-painted mirrored glass walls that depict colourful rare birds and lizards. Brass palm trees and a hydraulic dance floor which can be raised to create a stage are further draws.
How do you become a member?
You can apply online for an Annabel’s membership, but your application will need to include a letter of support from an existing member. Full annual membership clocks in at £3,250 (plus a joining fee), while under 35s and under 27s can enjoy discounted fees.
Library, Covent Garden
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Why is it exclusive?
Describing itself as “a hub for creativity and innovation”, Library is an attractive member’s club perched on St Martin’s Lane. The club is built on up-cycling and recycling but without forfeiting chic design. The venue is also home to a charming restaurant, as well as six boutique bedrooms spread over seven floors, while a packed events calendar keeps guests entertained, including art exhibitions, author-led book clubs and film screenings. Need to book a theatre show last minute or nab a table at a top restaurant? Library’s 24-hour concierge is on hand to help.
What is the stand-out space?
Found on the basement level, St Luke’s Kitchen is Library’s intimate restaurant which is open to both guests and the the general public. The restaurant gets its name from the patron saint of artists and butchers (who is immortalised in a stained glass window on the stairwell). Quirky accents such as menus printed on paper scrolls and stacks of books atop the table add to the fun, while the menu features the likes of a crab and avocado salad or venison fillet.
How do you become a member?
You can apply to become a member on Library’s website. Individual membership begins at £1,000, while a discounted rate is available for those under 30. There are other types of memberships available too, including a Day Pass for those not ready to fully commit.
Ned’s Club, City
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Why is it exclusive?
Since opening in 2017, The Ned has quickly become a fixture of the City, pulling in huge crowds to its clutch of ground floor restaurants and bars. If you want to enjoy some of The Ned’s more exclusive amenities though, you’ll need to plump for membership of Ned’s Club. Membership gives you access to the basement, where you’ll find the stunning Vault Bar which sits behind a 20-tonne, two metre wide vault door and is lined with 3,000 original safe deposit boxes. Upstairs meanwhile, there’s the roof terrace which comes complete with a pool and panoramic views of London, while back downstairs you can prep your poolside bod in the gym or at the spa.
What is the stand-out space?
Found in the basement, The Dining Room is The Ned’s modern British fine-dining restaurant, which is a welcome escape from the hecticness of the permanently rammed ground floor. It’s a stunning space, harking back to eras gone by via velvet club chairs in seaside hues of blues and greens, alongside stunning hand-painted golden de Gournay wallpaper. Our top picks from the menu? The succulent Wagyu sirloin which is given bursts of freshness via courgette and mint, and the cocoa-dusted chocolate rocks for dessert, served with Madagascan vanilla custard.
How do you become a member?
You can apply for membership to Ned’s Club via the The Ned’s website and there are various packages available, including all-access or a limited weekend membership.
Devonshire Club, City
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Why is it exclusive?
Boasting a great location just a short walk from Liverpool Street station, Devonshire Club is a members-only venue that features a restaurant, bars, lounge areas, a wellness centre, outdoor space and 68 bedrooms. Members can benefit from use of all of these facilities, as well as the best rates on bedrooms and priority booking at Number Five restaurant. Rooms and suites here are chic and colourful affairs, while a partnership with Truth Gym (which uses scientifically-approved diagnostic tools to shape workouts) means you can look and feel your best.
What is the stand-out space?
Number Five is Devonshire Club’s sophisticated modern British restaurant, and it’s an attractive space featuring colour pops of canary yellow and midnight blue, as well as boasting a smart courtyard which is great for al fresco dining on sunnier days. The restaurant is members-only during the week and open to the general public on weekends, with the menu making the most of premier British ingredients – think sweet Devonshire crab paired with a pickled watermelon salad, or poached halibut in a clam chowder risotto.
How do you become a member?
You can enquire about membership on Devonshire Club’s website. Membership fees are not publicly available.
AllBright Fitzrovia and Mayfair
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Why is it exclusive?
AllBright is unique in that it has been designed for and by women. There are now two clubs in the capital, as well as international outposts in Los Angeles and New York. Membership here secures you access to the club’s selection of restaurants and bars, as well as all-year-round roof terraces, the dedicated wellness floor, a fitness studio and a state-of-the-art spa and beauty salon. AllBright also helps women progress in their careers through the AllBright Academy, which offers free online courses for women at various stages of their business life.
What is the stand-out space?
Everyone knows that feeling your best is essential to having a successful and productive week, so AllBright’s collection of holistic treatment rooms are the perfect way to make sure you’re feeling ship shape. Decked out in calming shades of blue, 58 Wellbeing at the Mayfair club offers up plenty of treatments suited to the needs of busy women, such as a deep tissue massage, reiki, a ‘red carpet’ facial and a luxury pedicure.
How do you become a member?
You can apply to become a member of AllBright online, with annual membership starting from £1,300, plus a joining fee. Those under 30 enjoy a discounted rate, and can also choose to pay their fee monthly instead of as a lump sum.
Home House, Marylebone
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Why is it exclusive?
Home House is resolutely traditional in its look and feel, and there’s a real sense of occasion that comes with visiting here. The club comprises a handful of restaurants and bars, as well as spa and fitness facilities and a collection of luxury bedrooms. Choose from cosy Club Rooms, characterful Feature Rooms and spacious Suites for overnight stays, while The Restaurant is the place to enjoy modern British cuisine complete with views across leafy Portman Square, and subterranean The Vaults is where to take the party after hours.
What is the stand-out space?
The grand surrounds of Home House play host to creations by some of the most prominent designers across the globe. In the House Bar, you’ll find a striking and futuristic metallic bar designed by the late, much-celebrated architect Dame Zaha Hadid, alongside the designer’s signature sweeping lines and metallic finishes in pyrite bronze. Head here to sip on fun cocktails and indulge in an international menu that includes fresh sushi rolls and filled tacos.
How do you become a member?
You can apply to become a member of Home House via the club’s website, with full individual membership starting from £1,940. Under 35s benefit from a discounted fee, while members can choose to pay either monthly or in a lump sum.
Lansdowne Club, Mayfair
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Why is it exclusive?
Complete with nearly 250 years of history, Lansdowne is built for socialising thanks to its dining room and cocktail bar, but the venue also offers a range of sporting facilities, as well as 73 rooms and suites to choose from should you need a place to stay in central London. The club hosts various events where you can get to know fellow members and guests, while you can also socialise at one of the various sports clubs, which include fencing club, a ski team and a shooting society.
What is the stand-out space?
Lansdowne Club’s flagship restaurant is called the Art Deco Dining Room, and is an arresting mix of pale blue chairs, mustard yellow booths and mint green walls. It’s a fine-dining experience like they used to make them, complete with white tablecloths and slick and personable service. Head here for gourmet dining experiences with a menu that makes the most of seasonal ingredients, as well as delicious wine pairings.
How do you become a member?
Budding members must apply to Lansdowne Club by post, and all applicants are required to be proposed and seconded by two existing members. There are various membership packages available starting from £1,200, while the children of members (aged 12-17) can also join.
Groucho Club, Soho
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Why is it exclusive?
Tailor-made for Soho’s media set and creative types, Groucho Club was originally established in the 1980’s by a group of (mostly women) publishers who wanted to create an antidote to stuffy gentlemen’s clubs. The club boasts two restaurants, a choice of bars and 20 boutique bedrooms for overnight stays. The club is famously choc-full of works by famous artists, and there is also a packed schedule of events to awaken your cultural senses, such as members’ drinks parties, life drawing classes and sound healing meditation classes.
What is the stand-out space?
The top level bar is our favourite space at Groucho Club, where many members retire to for a few drinks after a long day. Featuring plush furnishings in shades of royal blue and dark grey, as well as walls lined with eye-catching works of art, this is a stimulating and atmospheric space. Head to the marble topped bar to enjoy monthly changing cocktails, while cheese and ham toasties or a chicken and halloumi burger are on hand to sort out any hunger pangs.
How do you become a member?
Applicants for Groucho Club should be involved in the Arts or Media and budding members can apply online (fees are not listed). Bear in mind that your application will need to be proposed and seconded by two current Groucho Club members.
The Fox Club, Mayfair
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Why is it exclusive?
The Fox Club makes a big deal about being friendly and relaxed, an antidote to more traditional members' clubs. That’s not to say it’s low-rent though, as the interiors here make use of high-end touches such as plush couches and studded leather. The restaurants and bars are a riot of jewel tones and serve a selection of small plates that are inspired by global flavours and change seasonally, such as Teriyaki salmon with a lime and sweet chilli dip or spiced meatballs in a tomato sauce.
What is the stand-out space?
Like many other members' clubs, The Fox boasts a range of rooms and suites for guests to lay their heads on. For easy access to luxury accommodation in the heart of Mayfair, it’s hard to compete with the likes of The Dorset Room. This three-person suite comes complete with a king size bed, a TV and a marble-clad bathroom. Continental breakfast is included in your stay (with the option to enjoy it in bed), while there’s a workspace should you need to catch up on emails.
How do you become a member?
You can apply to become a member of The Fox Club online. Applicants are required to fill out an online membership form, before waiting for approval from the club’s membership committee.
The Ivy Club, Covent Garden
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Why is it exclusive?
The Ivy Club spans three floors above the original The Ivy restaurant in Covent Garden (the brand has since been rolled out across the UK). Designed by Martin Brudnizki, The Club is accessed discreetly via a flower shop on West Street and contains The Piano Bar, which is a relaxed all-day dining restaurant, alongside The Drawing Room which is home to the library and serves a menu that more closely mirrors The Ivy Restaurant. The Loft meanwhile, offers a workspace with WiFi and screens for club-hosted events.
What is the stand-out space?
The Drawing Room is an eye-catching space which benefits from those iconic stained-glass windows that also frame The Ivy Restaurant downstairs. The menu encompasses a variety of homely dishes which take their inspiration from both home and abroad. So, that might mean you find yourself tucking into a plate of battered cod and thick-cut chips with mushy peas, or perhaps the more international likes of bang bang chicken with peanut sauce and chili.
How do you become a member?
This is one of the capital’s more exclusive member’s clubs – memberships are by invitation only and require two proposals from existing members. Pricing is not disclosed.
The Rag – Army & Navy Club, St James’s
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Why is it exclusive?
Established back in 1837, The Rag – Army & Navy Club was originally designed to entertain military and naval officers, but these days it welcomes professional men and women from both military and civilian backgrounds. Benefits of membership here include access to The Dining Room and Ribbon Bar (which features an open-air terrace), as well as being able to use an in-house hairdresser, take advantage of competitively priced accommodation and partake in the ever-evolving schedule of events, talks and more.
What is the stand-out space?
The Army & Navy Club is home to a regal dining room, which features a plush red carpet, white tablecloths and red leather dining stools. The walls are also adorned with large oil paintings of famous military figures, while the views outside are just as charming, with the restaurant overlooking St James’s Square. The kitchen team have devised a menu which highlights the best of British produce and evolves with the seasons, at prices which are more modest than you’d expect given the location.
How do you become a member?
You can apply to become a member of The Rag on its website. Prices are not disclosed publically, but The Rag promises its rates are competitive in comparison to some of London’s other private members' clubs.
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