View on Map. Civil Engineer Website: www.eightclub.co.uk, Great for: Oenophiles 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. Physicist Ease of entry: Ideally theyd like you to be in the creative industries. 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. Annabel's is truly iconic. Nowhere does a private members club quite like London. It claims to have an atmosphere of "quintessential English charm," with a "relaxed sophistication" in the day that becomes "electric" as dusk falls. Home House is an exclusive private members' club in London's Marylebone, which "fuses 18th-century splendour with 21st-century style.". She graduated from the MA International Journalism course at City University London and is proud to be Canadian. 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 107 Pall Mall St James's London SW1Y 5ER. Ease of entry: Members without a proposer can opt to be interviewed by the committee Ease of entry: Members must be proposed and seconded by existing members With its grand Portland Stone finish Brooks was designed to mimic early Dutch country houses. If asked, say youre a relative of late member Cecil Rhodes (Athenaeum membership is inherited). When it was founded, in 1824, the Athenaeum broke the mould. Artist and Royal Academy professor Joseph Turner became a Club Member in 1824. Main reception should never see you leave. It was painted by fellow Member Fiona Graham-Mackay after they met at Heaney's 2012 Poetry Evening at the Athenaeum. Robert Peel was elected at the first meeting of the Club on February 16 1824 when he was the UKs Home Secretary. KEY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Fine dining experiences, a unique calendar of events, plus luxurious rooms to host your own Three years later he began work as chief engineer on the Great Western Railway one of his many revolutionary engineering feats, which also included the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the worlds largest steamship. 'Being a member of The Athenaeum is a real honour. 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. Until now. The phoenix that has risen from not-quite the ashes is part hotel and part exclusive club. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. For more details, please contact the Membership Department on 020 7321 5110 or email membership@oandc.uk.com. Where: 1 Change Alley, The City, EC3V 3ND Considered one of the great violinists of the 20th century, Yehudi Menuhin joined the Club in 1969. The second floor is home to the "Blue Room," an intimate, atmospheric lounge with an open plan bar and first-rate sound system. Key membership benefits: The roster of events is impressive There are discounted memberships for students or those under 33, anyone living overseas, or those joining as a not-for-profit or social enterprise. Blow in by telling them you were in the club last night and left an open bar tab. When asked to leave say you cant because you have an open tab. Poet, Playwright and Critic 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. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. The Athenaeum: 'More Than Just Another London Club Membership cost: 250 joining fee and 525 per year, Great for: The health conscious Judge and former Supreme Court President The Chelsea Arts Club has a rustic and bohemian charm. Despite spurious claims to having been formed in 1764 (when Samuel Johnson, David Garrick and Joshua Reynolds formed a supper club) history wasnt really made until 1992 when Blacks launched with a reputation as an enjoyably louche bohemian drinking den. Famously formed as a giant snub in the ongoing feud between founder Robin Birley and Annabels owner Richard Caring, the club is a labyrinthine sprawl of luxury. If youre the sort of person who refuses to watch the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair or Oceans Eleven, then youre probably after the original Soho House too. He secured an open scholarship to study modern history at Oxford and became president of the Oxford Union. They generally observe strict dress codes, if not a suit and tie then at least a jacket. To add to all of this, the staff are unfailingly helpful. To you, all the other Soho Houses are as worthless as the rebooted Jumanji or Italian Job, and good for you. Michael Wheeler, The Athenaeum: 'More Than Just Another London Club (Yale University Press, 2020) A compelling history of the famous London club and its members' impact on Britain's scientific, creative, and official life When it was founded in 1824, the Athenum broke the mold. Observatory, envisioned a club modeled after The Athenaeum in London. It currently has around 4,500 members and a membership fee of more than 1,000 a year. The controversial US oil plan explained, Trio of Americans who tried to smuggle drugs through Heathrow jailed. The Clubs book collection may be found in the South Library and other library rooms (each with different subject matter specialisms). So your four-legged friend can laze in front of the open fire while you enjoy all the spoils of the dinner menu. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. Who goes here: Young, millennial, professionals Rooms may be booked for private parties and meetings with available capacities ranging from ten to 150 people. The Ned is something totally different. Where: 67 Pall Mall, St. Jamess, SW1Y 5ES Website: www.quovadissoho.co.uk. In addition to offering a discounted rate of 21 ($284) for under 30s, the club distinguishes between "town" and "country" memberships, with the latter benefitting from a reduced rate of 435 ($567). They also come to enjoy concerts, talks, quizzes and films. It has a fascinating list of past and present subscribers, including members of the royal family. Launched in the 80s, the club takes its name from Groucho Marx, who famously exclaimed that he wouldnt be a member of any club that would accept him as a member. Find the perfect corner of waterloo place stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. Information on membership can be found online here. Key membership benefits: Annual calendar of exhibitions, talks and events At night, exit via number 21, the Vestibule Bar, like any other drunken member. The Houstonian Club is a private club with endless health, wellness and fitness activities in our 185,000 sq. Where: 38-42 Harrington Road, South Kensington, SW7 3ND 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. It was one of 20 novels he wrote, many of which centred on a clash of cultures between America and Europe. Ten! Palace. Wales just happens to be on Foursquare (social network) so his whereabouts are known. MEMBERSHIP COST: This is Tramps best kept secret youll need to enquire to find out. Established in 1891, the club boasts over a century of artistic credentials and somehow its bohemian as ever. The club is home to London's creative elite, with a number of celebrity members, and is renowned for its contemporary art collection. 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. The membership application process is the same for all Soho Houses you applyonline herewith some information about yourself and two current members as proposers. Twitter @nnimrodd. Whether you are looking for a wellbeing sanctuary, to indulge in the world of fine wine, art, and live performance, or just somewhere with cool rooms where cool-looking people hang out, each club has its very own niche, making it even trickier to pick the right one. Evening Standard writer Nimrod Kamer with a staff member from the Athenaeum Club on Pall Mall. Founded in 1985, The Groucho Club is the original arts and media members' club in the heart of Soho. Membership involves being proposed and seconded by an existing member, but many clubs also try to attract a clientele from specific sections of society, the In and Out has close military connections, the National Liberal the Lib Dems, and the Athenaeum has traditionally drawn people from the arts and sciences. All rights reserved. Opened in 1973 as "an alternative to the St James's gentlemens clubs," Mark's Club is an elegant and traditional retreat for work or play situated in a Mayfair townhouse. Quo Vadis, easily recognisable by its iconic neon street sign, is another of Soho's members' haunts. Show Map Tel: 0207 930 4843 Email: porters@hellenist.org.uk Dress Code: The Athenaeum has a formal dress code - jacket, collar and tie. To apply, hopefuls should submit a personal profile online here. The various rooms in the Club provide convenient spaces for discussion, reading and research. Candidates can register their interest online. Naughtiness, on the other hand, is de rigueur.". Were south of the river! The Athenaeum isnt just a beautiful, conveniently-located dining room and bar; its a home from home for the inquiring mind. 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. If the skylit gym has you feeling a little weary, dont panic you can put your feet up with a host of their holistic treatments, and relax in the tea library. 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. Ease of entry: Members must be proposed and considered by the committee (tip: take special note of the You and the Ned section) Key membership benefits: An escape from your mindlessly dull but well paying job. Ease of entry: A proposer and seconder must put you forward (they need to have known you for more than two years). The Club - The Athenaeum This is a posh place, though the website states: "Ladies should be elegantly dressed and gentlemen are required to wear a jacket at all times," and provides a list of banned clothing, including leggings and untucked or unbuttoned shirts. The discreet entrance has seen the comings and goings of everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Beatles, to Hollywoods major players. The Club has played host to just over 20,000 members since it was founded 200 years ago. Ease of entry: Apply online 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. Personally, the talk dinners are the highlight. Sinceopening in 2012, the clubs already achieved legendary status, and is a firm favourite of blue-bloods and A-listers alike. As we approach our bicentenary in 2024, it is fitting that this distinctive characteristic prevails today. His later works heralded the modern 20th century novel. Labyrinthine and always chokka block of people you know, think youve met before or want to meet now, its always a party and always fun. We did, however, manage to get the above glimpse of its insides. The Reform began with a highly specific membership requirement support for the Great Reform Act of 1832. The New Zealand-born physicist is regarded as the father of nuclear physics. Morton's head chef, Dario Avenca, has devised a Mediterranean-inspired menu and the club claims to boast the largest wine list above any of its competitors. Members are welcome to use laptops and mobile devices in the library and reading rooms, provided these are set to silent. Great for: The party vibe and, of course, the rooftop pool With gentlemen not allowed entry until the 1960s, The Sloane Club was ahead of its time in honouring spaces for empowered women. Indeed, this private members club was banned from holding its annual ball in the Albert Hall in the 1950s due to its notorious reputation for rowdiness, nudity and public homosexuality. Where: 40 Jermyn St, St. Jamess, London SW1Y 6DN You can make membership enquiries online here. Soho newcomer The Court, situated on Kingly Street, is set to open in spring 2019 with a 24-hour license, making it one of the latest nights in the neighbourhood. Ease of entry: Good manners and discretion, apply to the membership committee The open fires, soft lighting and armchairs made to sink into make it a dream spot for lazing off your hangover, treating a date, or impressing your parents with your excellent lifestyle choices. You wish to settle it. I am honoured to be a member of a club that reflects the vibrant intellects, diverse talents and inclusive faces of 21st century modern Britain. Local membership to Soho House Dean Street and Greek Street, Those interested in a founding membership can apply online. Sat Nav Reference. Meanwhile, Beaufort House remains open-to-business to non-members. Who goes here: A-listers and aristos (Harry Styles was famously turned away) Great for:Just being bloody cool Who goes here: A smart but discerning set Given its proximity to the theatres of London's West End, it is frequented by people in the arts, media, and entertainment industries. One of the foremost scientists of his generation, he wrote that he was "full of admiration at the Athenaeum, one meets so many people there that one likes to see". To become a member, candidates must be proposed and seconded by two existing members. Artist and painter 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. Founded in 1824, our nearly 2,000 members are drawn from a wide range of professional worlds including literature and the arts, education, business, law, medicine and healthcare, public service, politics, science, engineering and technology. To get in, put on an orange hi-vis jacket over your suit. Key membership benefits: Wellness facilities, not least a traditional Russian Banya The Club is a wonderful place to meet friends for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, with good food and a relaxing atmosphere. Pall Mall, London | The Athenaeum is a private members' club in London. The AllBright club, which opened in March in Bloomsbury, was the first female-only members' club in the UK. Politician and Prime Minister Under 28s can obtain a reduced membership of 250 ($326). A clash of 18th century grandeur and modernity, The House of St Barnabas goes out of its way to redefine the private members club image, not least by combining the pleasures of clubbing in every sense (except seal) with a commitment to social responsibility. 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. All rights reserved. Religious, traditional or formal national dress and service dress uniforms are permitted. Author, Journalist, Editor By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. cThose The first costs 1,300, and gives you access to the facilities at one house in particular, while an every house membership grants you access to all of the clubs, and costs 1,650 ($2,149). He also proposed younger brother William, a Tory politician, for membership. Hand the receptionist a mobile phone on which your friend is saying Ill be there in 20 minutes. Once home to Charles Fortnum (of and Mason fame), this Soho townhouse now plays host to Blacks Club, an institution thats enjoyed something of a recent revival. Money can't buy you a membership at the prestigious Hurlingham Club in Fulham at the moment at least according to its website which states "the waiting list for new members is now closed, subject to annual review.". 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. Three years later he began work as chief engineer on the Great Western Railway one of his many revolutionary engineering feats, which also included the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the worlds largest steamship. Website: www.shoreditchhouse.com. Membership cost:Famously secretive, butreportedly1,800 a year, Where: 2-5 Hertford Street, Mayfair, W1J 7RB Applications are to be made to membership secretary Stephen Howard. All rights reserved. But. KEY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: A CHIC CO-WORKING SPACE, ROOF TERRACE, AND 100+ AFFILIATE MEMBER CLUBS AROUND THE WORLD. The speakers are always at the top of their field and the debate that follows each talk is always thought provoking, lively and engaging. ', Architect All you need to do now is get to buttering up your proposer and seconder to nominate you to become a member. Who goes here: Restauranteurs, arts and culture types and creatives Membership requirements: A member of one of the Birley Club members' clubs (which include Harry's Bar and Mark's Club) must recommend new members. Non-members are also welcome to book a table, subject to availability. The seven-story building has an award-winning TV and music studio, a gallery, restaurant and bars, a screening room, 15 hotel rooms (open to non-members) and a live performance space, The Oak Room. Debates over admittance for women are pretty much the only time you will see these clubs talked about in the press, with politicians and celebrities joining in the fray. Mention how Scarlett Johansson swam in the clubs pool in the film Scoop (2006). Inside, order booze and food freely (they sell to anyone). Who goes here: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rhys Ifans and John Culshaw are apparently all members 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. Under 27s benefit from a discounted annual membership of 475 ($619), and a joining fee of 100 ($130). Unlike swanky parties, where its easy to bluff the guest list by mentioning someone elses name from Twitter, members clubs require a membership card. Musician He was one of 40 people - including Charles Darwin - who were fast-tracked to membership on the same day and were later affectionately dubbed the 'Forty Thieves'. Plus a willingness to constantly nod and bow. Ease of entry: The waiting list is decades, better off marrying into it It is located in the former BBC London headquarters in West London. And a dress code. A portrait of the Irish poet, who was a Professor at both Oxford and Harvard Universities, hangs in the Clubhouse. Club membership begins at 1,600 ($2,084) (for 20 visits per year), while business membership costs 3,200 ($4,168) (for 60 visits per year), and premier membership (unlimited visits per year) is 3,800 ($4,950). The club has a reputation for showcasing emerging and established creative talent via its gallery and member spaces. Website: www.annabels.co.uk, Great for: People watching, celebrity spotting and dining in style We've rounded them up and ranked them by the price of a standard annual membership. 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 Website: www.therichmondclub.uk 5 Hertford Street There is a reduced membership price of 575 ($749) for under 35s and 350 ($456) for under 30s. ', Interior and Furniture Designer Membership privileges include priority reservations, the ability to book in parties of up to 12 people, and free access to special events, talks, and masterclasses. Places people like to go after The Athenaeum Club. A lifetime membership is priced at 15,000 ($19,540). 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. 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. Home; The Clubhouse; Contact; Map; Members' Area I also use it as a place to meet and interact with work colleagues, to study and somewhere I can retreat to. Below, another gallery showcases a selection of our most celebrated members of the past. His membership (until 1851) coincided with his artistic peak, when he painted masterpieces like The Fighting Tmraire and Rain, Steam and Speed. London's Most Exclusive Private Members' Clubs, Ranked by Price . 2023 Athenaeum Club. The club centres around the billiard room, the dining room, and a secluded garden. '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. St James's Palace. He attended many Club dinners and sponsored Rudyard Kipling's membership. If rollerdecks were still a thing then 5 Hertford Street would have the most impressive in the world. If you manage to put on your swimming trunks swiftly, no one will suspect you arent a member. Great For:Offering exciting events, and a social haven away from Richmonds bustling High Street Wave more friends in as if you belong there. Sohos largest rooftop doubled in size during lockdown and it ideal for gazing across the lights of the West End with a sundowner in hand. Key membership benefits: Its got to be the pool! Ten Trinity Square opened its doors in London in September 2017. Home to yoga and boxing classes, Russian saunas, a plunge pool and Reformer Pilates, the private members club is essentially a masterclass in the art of the detox. They also come to enjoy concerts, talks, quizzes and films. 2023 Athenaeum Club. 06/12/13 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. He also designed a club in which the membership was open to those who had achieved distinction in the arts and sciences, politics and the Church, rather than on accidents of birth. Guests rejuvenate on our peaceful 27 . The full membership costs can be found onlinehere. Membership grants you access to all three, making it excellent value, particularly if youre local. Often raucous and always fun. Coffee and light snacks are served in the Drawing Room and in several other rooms; lunches and dinners are served in the Coffee Room, and drinks can be obtained at the bar. There is plenty of headed paper to write letters on. A leading engineering designer of the Victorian age, Isambard Brunel followed his civil engineer father (Marc) Isambard Brunel into Club membership in 1830. Personally, the talk dinners are the highlight. It may not be the oldest, the grandest or the most exclusive, but its one of the best-known clubs in London and the swish private members club really is at the very top of its game at the moment. Who goes here:Practising artists, or at least those withconnections to the visual arts 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. Meanwhile, the first international club, The AllBright West Hollywood, will open in Los Angeles in summer 2019. Check Instagram as well, as Coronation Streets Elizabeth Tan might tag herself at the drawing room. Its website states: "The theme is always celebrated in style with special menus and plenty of wine! More information on membership at Albert's at Beaufort House can be found here. 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. Home to London's longest copper bar, a restaurant, private dining rooms, a 38-seater cinema, private sound studios, and an outdoor heated terrace, The Ministry is a pretty cool place to be. But it is also a stimulating place, with many interesting events and activities, taking me down avenues I would not have thought of by myself., Broadcaster 107 Pall Mall St James's London SW1Y 5ER. Discussion of business matters is outlawed entirely in some, others allow business-talk but no closure of deals. 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. 'The Athenaeum has become a valued part of my life. Ian Fleming wrote Boodles into both Moonraker and You Only Live Twice.