Member’s only: Club Culture

A CRITICAL PART OF THE LONDON SOCIAL SCENE SINCE THE 1600S, MEMBERS’ CLUBS HAVE LONG PROVIDED A PLACE TO GATHER OUTSIDE OF RESTAURANTS AND PUBS. INITIALLY CATERING TO MEN AND THOSE OF A HIGHER SOCIAL STATUS, THERE ARE NOW A VARIETY OF CLUBS THAT ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE AND SPECIALISE IN VARYING AREAS OF INTEREST.

MAISON ESTELLE

Located within a Georgian Grade II listed townhouse in Mayfair, this new and highly exclusive club opened earlier this year. Housing four dining experiences and 11 drinking venues, it comes courtesy of Ennismore, the hospitality group behind Gleneagles in Scotland and the Hoxton Hotel chain. Expect a cosy sensibility (it has been renovated to feel like home) with a nightclub element and a curated retail space.
 

ANNABEL’S

Oozing elegance and sophistication, Annabel’s was one of England’s first members-only nightclubs. Founded in 1963 by Mark Birley, its reputation for hosting a roster of celebrity and royal members over the past 60 years is well earned. Known for exceptional nightlife, Annabel’s also features four restaurants – one of which bears the honour of holding Europe’s largest collection of tequilas and mezcal.


 

PLANQUE

Dubbing itself “a wine drinker’s clubhouse”, this east London club offers a design-led space where members can enjoy and store their wine collections – 72 bottles per member are allotted to their cellar. A retail store and advisory service encourages the expansion of members’ collections, and the onsite restaurant hosts revolving chef’s dinners with pairings as well as talks and tastings from notable vintners and sommeliers.

5 HERTFORD STREET

Another club from the Birley family (this one by Robin, Mark’s son), this beautiful club is located within an 18th century townhouse in Shepherd Market. Behind the maroon door lies two restaurants, three bars, a cinema room and Loulou’s nightclub. Over the past decade, it has become a destination for an A-list clientele.

 

THE ARTS CLUB

This 150-year-old club was founded as a haven for men in the arts and has included members such as Charles Dickens and Auguste Rodin. A celebrated art collection and a luxury hotel above the club are two of the many highlights, as is the Cuban-style cigar bar. They pride themselves on their musical performances; the onsite nightclub hosts many international artists.
 

 

NIKITA

Newly opened last December, Nikita is another Mayfair destination. Featuring lush Haussmann-inspired interiors and an intimate atmosphere, the club’s culinary program spotlights a selection from Comptoir Robuchon: champagne and caviar, patisserie goods and French classics. The nightlife element oft includes live DJs; and soon-to-come sister restaurant Mister Nice will offer priority bookings and a secret entrance for Nikita members.
 

FITZDARES

Offering a destination for sports lovers, this Mayfair club has also welcomed a sister location in Gloucestershire. Nine televisions throughout provide optimal viewing, and private rooms are available for members who might wish to host friends, as well as a poker room. The restaurant serves a varied menu throughout the intimate club and a comfortable dining room.


 

67 PALL MALL

Designed specifically for wine lovers, this unique club has been so successful it has expanded globally since opening in 2015 – offering members access to each location. Expectedly known for their wine list, which includes 1,200 wines by the glass and nearly 5,000 bottles, the sophisticated interiors play host to discerning wine enthusiasts.
 

OSWALD’S

Known for hosting politicians and royals, this Robin Birley club is notoriously secretive and has strict guest policies. Many members overlay with those of 5 Hertford Street, offering a special kinship between both Birley-owned clubs. A wine focus allows members to store bottles onsite, and each house wine is poured from a magnum; special tasting dinners highlight sommelier selections and considered pairings.
 

JAEGO’S HOUSE

Opening soon in Kensal Rise, Jaego’s House is the first club of its kind – offering extensive children’s classes and activities, a nursery, a jungle gym and a soft play area. The space will ensure that children are duly looked after so parents can properly relax. Co-working space and a gym will cater to the adult members, as will treatment rooms offering acupuncture and massages. The restaurant will make all parties happy with child-friendly foods sitting alongside booze and great coffee.
 

 

This article was originally published by CEO Magazine on 1 August, 2022 by author Keven Amfo.