With its vogueish dcor, airy spaces big enough to make you feel miles from the scrum of Soho, this private members club is a real sanctuary. Membership cost: 875 per year. Membership cost: 1,400 annual membership, plus a fee to be on the waiting list (if it opens again), Great for: Smart-setArtists Lifetime membership can be obtained for a one-off payment of 2,500 ($3,257), or annual membership is 650 ($847) with a 250 ($326) joining fee (or 500 ($651) for under 30s). Picture by Daniel Hambury Established in 1891, the club boasts over a century of artistic credentials and somehow its bohemian as ever. Membership cost: 4,380 per year and a 1,000 joining fee, Where: 27 Poultry, The City, EC2R 8AJ GREAT FOR: Celebrity spotting, dining, and partying til the early hours Who goes here: The cool, East London crowd (basically,millennials) The Chelsea Arts Club says it has a waiting list for new applicants, who have to be sponsored by two existing members whom they have known for at least two years. The club boasts a cocktail bar, library and lounge, exhibition space, and bookable meeting rooms. Website: www.chelseaartsclub.com. 2023 Athenaeum Club. Based in the beautiful Richmond Upon Thames, in a gorgeous converted building, The Richmond Club is a break from the norm with its quirky features and tailored spacetomeetmembers needs. There is plenty of headed paper to write letters on. A top-floor restaurant and rooftop pool with iconic views across London. Great for: The party vibe and, of course, the rooftop pool As its name would suggest, The Arts Club attracts people connected to or passionate about art, architecture, fashion, film, literature, music, performance, photography, science, theatre, and TV/media. American-born writer Soho House spreads its achingly cool appeal across the globe, and Soho House Greek Street is where it all started. Author, Journalist, Editor Members come to exchange ideas, to read or research, to listen to talks by leading experts in their field or to meet friends or colleagues over lunch or dinner. 387.50. The club boasts plenty of other areas for members to chill out in or freelance from including the sitting room, the Square bar, the Snug, Cowshed Spa, the House Kitchen, which boasts a wood-fired oven, in addition to a gym, sauna, and steam room. This is an updated version of an earlier story by Rosie Fitzmaurice. Founder Harry Mead says of the members' club: "We have a wide range of characters on the members'panel so that we can curate an interesting and diverse membership. Congrats! Home House is an exclusive private members' club in London's Marylebone, which "fuses 18th-century splendour with 21st-century style.". Where: 1 Change Alley, The City, EC3V 3ND My own involvement in the Club is just one illustration of this. Fifteen bedrooms are available for members to reserve and receive room service. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Naturalist, geologist, biologist Membership discounts apply for under 35s, under 30s, and "wine professionals.". Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. Home Grown aims to "combine allthe luxuries of a members club with unrivalled networking opportunities" through events and a brasserie-style restaurant, study caf, bars, business lounges, meeting rooms, pitching suites, and 35 bedrooms. When it was founded, in 1824, the Athenum broke the mould. All male clubs may be the work of the devil, but all female private members clubs are progressive as hell. Its a bar and a restaurant and a place to listen to live music and see stunning art its the whole experience that makes it what it is. To become a member, candidates must be proposed and seconded by two existing members. According to the club, "the best bit is that there are no stuffy rules, in fact there really aren't any rules at all. Robert Peel was elected at the first meeting of the Club on February 16 1824 when he was the UKs Home Secretary. 06/12/13 Prospective members must be proposed and seconded by existing members to begin the membership process. As it's outside of central London, it's surrounded by luscious green manicured lawns, offering the perfect spot for an afternoon game of petanque, bowls, or croquet. A portrait of the Irish poet, who was a Professor at both Oxford and Harvard Universities, hangs in the Clubhouse. Who goes here: Business leaders and entrepreneurs It was one of 20 novels he wrote, many of which centred on a clash of cultures between America and Europe. Website: www.hurlinghamclub.org.uk, Great for:Sporty types and families The full membership costs can be found onlinehere. A portrait of the Irish poet, who was a Professor at both Oxford and Harvard Universities, hangs in the Clubhouse. The club doesn't have a blanket policy for membership and says it instead looks at case by case applications, accepting people without airs and graces who are interesting and happy to be themselves. London's private members' circuit has come a long way since the days of the stuffy gentlemen's club. The club says it is a members' bar not in the conventional sense, and that applications are welcome from people of all backgrounds and persuasions. The phoenix that has risen from not-quite the ashes is part hotel and part exclusive club. The revamped look is pretty slick too. ', Interior and Furniture Designer Oh, and dont wear a tie, whatever you do! It was designed by Club member Decimus Burton in 1830 in the Neoclassical style. Beautiful surroundings and interesting members Set in the former Midland Bank building, it boasts 252 bedrooms channeling 1920s and 1930s design, nine restaurants, a range of grooming services, as well as "Ned's Club," a social and fitness club where members have access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa, hammam, and late-night lounge bar. The club's wine list is curated by 67 Pall Mall's master sommelier, Ronan Sayburn MS. Then beg for a White Russian while waiting for a wedding that hasnt started. Charles Darwin was elected to the Club in 1838 two years after his return from the HMS Beagle expedition that inspired his theory of evolution through natural selection. My own involvement in the Club is just one illustration of this. Membership of the Athenaeum is not a badge of attainment, but is often regarded as a recognition of achievement. Even better the club is dog-friendly in all areas, at all times of the day, making it the perfect members club for fur parents. Playing host to talks and live music members can enjoyfour exclusive bars, three restaurants and three separate roof terraces, without doubtThe Century Clubs secret weapon. Not all eateries are members only, letting you try before-you-buy, but the club also boasts two pools (one subterranean, the other rooftop) just for members, plus a floor of dining, meeting and relaxing space; an invaluable resource in the heart of Londons financial centre. The original members of this new kind of non-partisan club, with its close connections to the learned societies, were elected on the basis of their achievements rather than their background or political affiliation. Main reception should never see you leave. Apply Now. . Great for: The ideal place to work during the day, then party during the night Also, good co-working space With exceptional facilities the private members club boasts two restaurants, five bars, lavish party rooms and intimate gardens it offers members an unrivalled social calendar packed with endless events and societies. Who goes here: People who actually know about and care about fine wine The sometimes discreet, sometimes outrageous Soho private members club is a mecca for Londons media types, with no visit complete without meeting at least a handful of your heroes from stage and screen and at least one popstar to boot. Membership can be obtained only through application, but the word is some billionaires have been unable to score entry, so it's best not to get your hopes up. Set in what can only be described as a bunker, you descend several flights to even reach this dark cavern of fun. Membership cost: 3,250 per year + 1,750 joining fee. 107 Pall Mall St James's London SW1Y 5ER. 'A haven of enjoyment, companionship, events, debate and, at times, inspiration. This year, the private members club has an exciting new calendar of events. Among its many features is the screening room, a fully air-conditioned 43-seat cinema (pictured above) offering a varied programme of advance screenings and new releases. Great For:Offering exciting events, and a social haven away from Richmonds bustling High Street With multiple restaurants, bars and of course, its infamous night club, Annabels re-entered a busy members club market with an impressive offering. its no surprise that Tramp fast became Londons favourite place to let loose. There is an air of eccentricity to the club which offers its members access to a series of private rooms, including the salon noir, salon bleu, and salon rouge, which regularly host performances and general debauchery. Unlike in other preeminent clubs, its members were chosen on the basis of their achievements rather than on . Ease of entry: Members need to be proposed, good business women candidates are currently fast-tracked It was established by a future Prime Minister, Lord Lansdowne whose name is given to the nearby Lansdowne Club. Naughtiness, on the other hand, is de rigueur.". Climb up to the library and grab Car (magazine) by the fireplace. Which is good for AllBright Mayfair because the smart hangout for women includes a restaurant and bar, two secluded rooftop terraces, salon and fabulous interiors. The Arts Club has undergone something of a renaissance, travelling from somewhat a fusty and fading institution a decade ago, to one of Londons most exclusive and right-on private members clubs today. A whopping 65m spending splurge saw them leave their traditional basement home a few doors down and instead occupy a substantial Berkeley Square townhouse in its entirety and the results are quite impressive. 250 years on, it still stands on St Jamess Street. The Club is a wonderful place to meet friends for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, with good food and a relaxing atmosphere. 'Along with the Athenaeums architecture, interiors and gardens, what I most enjoy is sharing this convivial environment with members from diverse walks of life and a unique breadth of knowledge. Ten years after its launch as Londons edgiest new club, Shoreditch House has retained its cool credentials but gained a little maturity, and a lot of members. Annual fees at most clubs range between 500 and 1,500. For under 30s, country members and those overseas the joining fee is reduced to 100 ($130). Stick around for long enough and you're sure to spot a celebrity. Its parties are said to be "legendary.". It was painted by fellow Member Fiona Graham-Mackay after they met at Heaney's 2012 Poetry Evening at the Athenaeum. Where: 67 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 4QH ', Architect One of the most imposing clubhouses in London, the Athenaeum sports a distinctive bas-relief frieze, replicating the Parthenon in Athens. ', Physician and Academic WHO GOES HERE:THE NEW CHELSEA SET:MODERN SLOANIESAND INTERNATIONAL JET-SETTERS KEY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: A CHIC CO-WORKING SPACE, ROOF TERRACE, AND 100+ AFFILIATE MEMBER CLUBS AROUND THE WORLD. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. The wood panelled drawing room features a pianist and bar while upstairs the minimalist loft feels like a spaceship or laboratory. Ease of entry: Ideally two proposers, butcoffee with the membership team will do instead Website: www.sohohouse.com. Marlborough Rd. So your four-legged friend can laze in front of the open fire while you enjoy all the spoils of the dinner menu. Well, just one: 'Nudity is discouraged.' Website: www.tramp.co.uk. The eccentric English "Alice in Wonderland" style decor alone makes it worth a visit to its restaurant, bars, garden terrace, private dining rooms, spa, and cigar room think bespoke chandeliers, pink ceilings, and a seriously Instagram-worthy bathroom. WHO GOES HERE: Anyone whos anyone. Where the class system of yesteryear left off, private clubs stepped in, and Londons private members clubs are world famous both for the sheer number of them, and their exclusivity. Great for:Just being bloody cool Religious, traditional or formal national dress and service dress uniforms are permitted. . From talks frominspiring female founders, to restaurant residencies and networkingopportunities, the beautifulsurroundings are justthe start. Candidates can apply online, but must prove "tangible experience in social impact/social enterprise.". Elected to the Club in 1937, Noel Coward was already one of the country's most celebrated playwrights, having penned hit comedies like Hay Fever, Blithe Spirit and Private Lives. Key membership benefits: Entry toLondons cosiest club It's not hard to see the draw of joining the Hurlingham Club to those who have the money and connections. They are kept and nourished like other tourist attractions, though tourists cant get in, or hardly anyone else. When asked if youre a member, reply How else did I get in?. Top ways to experience nearby attractions London is home to some of the most exclusive private members' clubs in the world. Set in a Southwark former printworks, the club, an offshoot of Ministry of Sound, couldnt be further from the over-the-top likes of some Mayfair clubs, or the too-cool-for-school Soho ones, The Ministry is chill and fun. Today it remains one of the most architecturally impressive clubhouses in London. Great for: Enjoying the art collection Key membership benefits: Theres no pool but there is a gym and wellness suite. The Soho House group offers two kinds of yearly memberships "local" and "every house." Its creative crowd of members include painters, sculptors, filmmakers, poets and actors making it the rebellious younger sister to the stuffy St James Clubs. Key membership benefits:The art and the events are noteworthy, the health club costs (a lot) extra, but it does have its own MRI machine! He attended many Club dinners and sponsored Rudyard Kipling's membership. The Roof Bar features a retractable roof and heaters, and offers views of the City and St Paul's Cathedral, with an international menu prepared on the rotisserie grill and wood oven. Membership Cost: Full 400 | Corporate 1000 | Couples- 750 | Under 27s 270 |Social (Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday) 250 | A small first year joining fee applies, Where:115 117 Kew Road,Richmond,TW9 2PN Ease of entry: Apply online KEY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Fine dining experiences, a unique calendar of events, plus luxurious rooms to host your own Watch Members Sir Michael Palin and Professor Michael Wheeler speak briefly on the history of the Club before the publication of Professor Wheeler's book The Athenaeum: More Than Just Another London Club (published by Yale University Press on 22 September 2020), a compelling history of the Club and its Members' impact on Britain's scientific, creative, and official life: Where: The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, Fulham, SW6 3PR Ease of entry: Two proposers required A Hall Porter is on duty 24 hours a day for assistance, except at Easter and over the Christmas and New Year period when the Club is closed. A leading engineering designer of the Victorian age, Isambard Brunel followed his civil engineer father (Marc) Isambard Brunel into Club membership in 1830. Who goes here: Clubbable types with a social conscience Open All Hours: 16 London Late-Night Bars. The discreet entrance has seen the comings and goings of everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Beatles, to Hollywoods major players. Alberts, the South Ken club, is a South Ken club no more, because now its a Chelsea private members club, having come to settle in Beaufort House. The club offers over 500 wines by the glass using Coravin's revolutionary wine access system, as well as an extensive list by the bottle from all corners of the world. 'The Athenaeum has become a valued part of my life. JOINING FEES ALSO APPLY. Where: 354 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UZ While areas such as Mayfair and Pall Mall are still synonymous with the members' club scene, an explosion of more accessible, affordable, and trendier clubs have shaken things up. There are great venues across the city that tick one or two of these boxes, but very few that bring all of these. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. Annabels is legendary on the London club scene. There is, however, a rule book for members. Over 21 years olds only In the early 19th century, the then Foreign Secretary Lord Castlereagh and his contemporaries felt there was a need for a club in London that would cater specifically for diplomats, travelling gentlemen and foreign dignatories. And anyone looking for a truly traditional Georgian feel MEMBERSHIP COST: 800 PER YEAR FOR UNDER 30s, FROM 1,015 PER YEAR FOR SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP, AND 1,240 PER YEAR FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP. Great for: Sealing a massive city deal, celebrating a bonus, that kind of thing Seamus Heaney became a Club Member in 1996 - a year after he received the Nobel prize for literature. Like the Club's first Secretary Michael Faraday, he was a great experimentalist who received the Nobel Prize for chemistry for his "investigation into the disintegration of the elements and the chemistry of the radio-active substances". But where Shoreditch House reaches dizzying heights is the top-floor restaurant and the rooftop pool with iconic views across London. 2023 Athenaeum Club. Those interested can apply online. Who goes here: Mainly youngish, Chelsea types 24 and under. Expect to rub shoulders with London's elite and even royalty,Princess Charlotte was reportedto have been taking tennis lessons there. Work in The Chelsea, a serviced co-working space filled with light by day and a buzzy bar with showstopping cocktails by night, enjoy gastronomic delights in The Garden Room, and hand-selected wines in The Bar and relax in one of the chic bedrooms at the end of the day. 'If you like being surrounded by clever people who bring both joy and curiosity to every conversation, and who will surprise you with the things theyve seen and done, this is the place for you. Unlike swanky parties, where its easy to bluff the guest list by mentioning someone elses name from Twitter, members clubs require a membership card. Known for his wit and flamboyant style, he also wrote around 300 songs, with Mad Dogs and Englishmen and A Room With A View among the most notable. A career in British academia led to him being appointed the first black dean. The private members club has its own 40 seat cinema, a great co-working space, a heated terrace, Londons largest copper bar and theyve even got a tequila and mezcal bar in the actual loos. Join our daily email now, Let us send you the stuff we think you'll, Opening its doors at 40 Jermyn Street in December 1969, Tramp has been one of the most, exclusive private members clubs in London ever since, outlasting many of the popular haunts of the, past. Breeze in with confidence, in a three-piece suit (no denim, no sneakers), walk straight down to the changing room. Website: www.theministry.com. Where: 143 Old Church Street, Chelsea, SW3 6EB The wide interests of the Club's membership are reflected in the Athenaeum Library, regarded by many as the finest club library in London. Where: The Groucho Club, 45 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 4QB There are discounted memberships for students or those under 33, anyone living overseas, or those joining as a not-for-profit or social enterprise. Key membership benefits: Members events and private dining Member? the one-time Lord Chancellor replied, do you mean this is a club, as well?". The move has breathed fresh air into the venture, and the location is perfect for that corner spot that nobody seems able to make work until now (it was an ASK for a while, among other guises). Information on membership can be found online here. Prince William, Charles, and the Duke of Wellington, as well as David Cameron, have all reportedly been members at some point. These rates are reduced to 700 ($912) and 925 ($1,205) respectively for under 27s, for whom the registration fee is also lower at 200 ($261). Judge and former Supreme Court President Ive tried all these methods with unlimited success. Key membership benefits: Access to a world beating club, one of Londons most famous and splendid Associate Member 2: Per Visit Fee (must reside more than 60 miles from The Athenaeum to qualify) Other . Musician But far from extravagance, the premise of this private members club was in fact thrift a backlash against the extortionate wine-markup charged by Londons restaurants and bars. Somehow tucked discreetly away behind Shaftesbury Avenue, one hundred steps take you up to the aptly named Century Club, spread across five floors of members areas. Under 30s benefit from a reduced annual subscription of 1,000 ($1,303), plus a joining fee of 1,000. Housed in a converted East London warehouse (where else? It's popular with the neighbourhood's media crowd. Website: www.sloaneclub.co.uk. Dickens was 26 when elected to the Club on 21 June 1838. Composer, Playwright, Actor Membership of the Athenaeum is not a badge of attainment, but is often regarded as a recognition of achievement. Ease of entry: Members must be proposed and considered by the committee (tip: take special note of the You and the Ned section) Notable members have included Clement Attlee, Stephen Fry and T.S Eliot. Like the Club's first Secretary Michael Faraday, he was a great experimentalist who received the Nobel Prize for chemistry for his "investigation into the disintegration of the elements and the chemistry of the radio-active substances". Lifetime membership can be obtained for a one-off payment of 2,500 ($3,257), or annual membership is 650 ($847) with a 250 ($326) joining fee (or 500 ($651) for under 30s). Ease of entry: Members must be proposed and seconded by existing members The original members of this new kind of non-partisan club, with its close connections to the learned societies, were nominated and elected because of their achievements rather than their background, family connections, professional or political affiliations. White's, London's oldest club, today counts both Prince Charles and the Duke of Cambridge as members (the heir apparent even had his stag do here). Sign up for exclusive newsletters, comment on stories, enter competitions and attend events. Until now. It boasts two floors of member spaces, a 17-metre rooftop pool and bar, steam room, sauna, hammam, cinema, screening room, huge gym, and 45 bedrooms. Being a member of the Athenaeum allows me to continue to learn and debate ideas, to be able to explore the design fascination I have for the Regency world and its continued influence on contemporary art and design that still surrounds the club today. Website: www.allbrightcollective.com. Read more: The 10 most expensive cities to live in around the world in 2019. comedy club, and themed experiential dining events, to the relaunch of Londons original nightclub restaurant, and partnerships with some of Londons most exciting brands. For all our emphasis on luxury and maybe a little excess, The South Kensington Club is the destination to rest and restore yourself. You can make membership enquiries online here. Meanwhile, Beaufort House remains open-to-business to non-members. Alberts, spread over four floors, is a great fit, perfect for a Chelsea clientele keen not to make the trip into central London. He was elected to the Club in 1967. 51.5068 . Annabel's is truly iconic. Who Goes Here:Professionals and those who appreciate interesting cocktails, food and wines amid an entertaining and engaging environment. Membership cost:Famously secretive, butreportedly1,800 a year, Where: 2-5 Hertford Street, Mayfair, W1J 7RB They range from 150 ($195) to over 6,000 ($7,816) a year. Martin Brudnizki, the ubiquitous interior designer whose work can be seen in some of Londons most exclusive spots, has created a playground perfect for the rich and famous. Quo Vadis The restaurant and private members club, housed in a former brothel that was once the home of Karl Marx (presumably not at the same time), combines a triumphant Soho restaurant with a private members club. In the best case they will let you stay for tea. As we approach our bicentenary in 2024, it is fitting that this distinctive characteristic prevails today. To get a membership one must be vetted by the previous class of occupiers and transfer a joining fee of 2,000 and an annual subscription fee of 1,500 (Dover Street Arts Club prices). Genuinely, it really is worth it. Artist and painter We have the secret guide to social mobility. The smoking rooms may be gone, but London's historicclubhousesare still open for business Named after a former headwaiter, Boodles is one of the most written-about clubs in London. It is, in short, my London haven. It says it also provides "atmospheric rooms in which to relax and to leave the world of business behind.". Accessed via a discrete entrance round the corner from the eponymous restaurant, a short lift-ride and youre in the exclusive confines of the three storey private members club. From live music nights, an exclusive. Ease of entry: Ideally theyd like you to be in the creative industries. It resembles a country estate. Ipso facto, an open tab at the Groucho is the same as a membership. Civil Engineer Albert's Private Members' Club recently re-opened in Beaufort House just off the Kings Road in Chelsea, having originally opened its doors to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 2016. Part of the ever-expanding Ivy empire, The Ivy Club is a newcomer but one worthy to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best of Londons nightspots. As they desperately try to find the bill, order a negroni sour and open a new tab, with a real debit card. Henry James was elected to the Club in 1882 a year after the publication of his masterpiece novel, Portrait of a Lady. Key membership benefits: What about tequila in the loos couldnt you like? These upper-crust citadels have become Londons number one blue-blood obsession. Ten Trinity Square opened its doors in London in September 2017. The following day return and ask to pay for the four negronis you had yesterday, showing them your open tab card. Formerly Rolling Stone Ronnie Woods socialite-heavy Harrington Club, The South Kensington Club has gone a very different direction now. Palace. Membership cost: 550 registration fee and 1,800 per year (2,750 if you want access to other Soho House clubs), Where: 40 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4EB She graduated from the MA International Journalism course at City University London and is proud to be Canadian. Part of the Soho House empire, unusually membership to this private members club doesnt automatically give you access elsewhere, as The Ned stands apart from the rest of the Soho House structure. This account already exists. Its currently closed to newcomers, having reached 30 years long. Membership cost: 2,000 joining fee, 2,500 annual membership, Where: 40 Dover Street, Mayfair, W1S 4NP 1,150 ($1,512) plus a 300 ($394) admin fee (or 750/$986 and 250/$329 fee for under 30s) will get you access to all three clubs, while the Bloomsbury Club is 700 ($920) plus 300 fee, and Mayfair is 900 ($1,183) plus 300 fee. Membership cost: Annual full membership at Home House is 1,450 for under-35s, 2,250 for those over 35, plus a 399 joining fee. "We want members that have something in common: namely, a creative soul.". The beautiful, spacious garden and Pagoda is definitely the place to be for the upcoming summer months, the perfect space to enjoy one of your favourite tipples in. Ease of entry: A proposer and seconder must put you forward (they need to have known you for more than two years). Key membership benefits:Networking, exclusive events, weekend entertainment, priority tickets to in-house events including the Cinema Club and access to Richmonds first members club, Ease Of Entry:Membership applications online. Membership - The Athenaeum Membership The Club has an upper limit of 2,000 members. Key membership benefits: The sports facilities are fantastic St James's Palace. It has a fascinating list of past and present subscribers, including members of the royal family. Medical consultant From worldly icons, to fashion trendsetters, city folk and luxury connoisseurs The Club is a wonderful place to meet friends for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, with good food and a relaxing atmosphere.