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London experiences

Private Members’ Clubs London

 

The story of London’s private members’ clubs dates back to the 17th Century. Originally, they served as a commune for West London’s elite, frequented by aristocratic families as a place to socialise and gamble legally. 

Today, they offer a formal and exclusive setting for enjoying food and drink, hosting business meetings, co-working, and using gym facilities. For a truly unforgettable experience, explore our list of private members’ clubs in London.

 

What is a private members’ club?

The modern private members’ club has changed considerably in 400 years. At the time, these were men-only establishments and often focused on a profession, such as farming or the arts. Today, you’re more likely to see high-profile celebrities and even royalty coming to enjoy a drink, a chat and a swim.

How does a private members’ club work?

London private clubs have their own membership requirements. You’ll need to pay a joining fee, while others have additional caveats. For example, you might need to be recommended by another member, or be part of a particular professional network.

What happens at private members’ clubs?

New members will relish the opportunity to bathe in the rooftop pool or socialise in private dining rooms. There are co-working spaces for professionals and high-end hotel rooms for late-night stays.

Many London clubs offer bespoke events, for example, women-led talks or gatherings for the creative industries. With a traditional English feel, the members-only clubs in London offer the chance to rub shoulders with like-minded people.  

Is it worth joining a members’ club?

It is certainly worth joining a members’ club if you’re looking for a way to explore the city and hobnob with high society. Discover the best of London’s club scene, relax in the cocktail bars or enjoy networking opportunities with existing members. Plus, if the unpredictable British weather’s on your side, you can unwind on rooftop terraces.

How many private members’ clubs are there in London?

There are more than 60 active private members’ clubs in London. Some are considered ‘gentlemen’s clubs’, while others, like Allbright on Maddox Street, are women-only. They are generally mixed, but some are limited to profession, such as The Arts Club.

 

Annabel’s

One of the most famous private clubs in London, Annabel’s can be found inside a Georgian Townhouse on Berkeley Square. Founded by entrepreneur Mark Birley, Annabel’s was named after his wife and has the prestigious accolade of being visited by the Queen.

Decadence comes as standard in one of the most beautiful private members’ clubs Mayfair has to offer. Though it opened in 1963, it reopened in 2018 with luxury interiors and stunning verdant scenery. A favourite of the British aristocracy, it boasts a basement nightclub, a roof terrace, cigar bar and spa. You can find Annabel’s at 46 Berkeley Square, close to our Charing Cross branch.

 

Home House

It’s hard to beat Home House – one of the top London members’ clubs – largely thanks to its focus on entertainment and wellness. Built from three Georgian townhouses, Home House is one of the most eccentric private members’ clubs in Marylebone. 

It claims to fuse 18th Century splendour with 21st Century style, which you can see with its range of bars and dining rooms. Book an event space, explore the garden, or indulge in self-care with the sauna and spa. There are parties all year round with seasonal themes, which inspire the ever-changing menus. You can even book your space on the guest list for their latest parties on the Members’ app.

Home House is close to London’s most famous sights. Enjoy a little retail therapy in nearby Knightsbridge or wander down Pall Mall. 

 

Arboretum

As the name suggests, this Covent Garden private members’ club is replete with nature-inspired décor. Unlike other exclusive clubs frequented by the likes of Charles Dickens, Arboretum has a more modern feel. It opened in 2019 and caters to younger professional audiences, offering private meeting rooms, workspaces and a boutique gym. 

You’ll find yourself riveted by the living green wall in the main lounge, ideal for hosting private parties. There are even ping pong tables and a boxing target tree to help you cool down after a difficult day. Arboretum markets itself as the place for stressed-out Londoners to relax. It does just that with flexible membership and day passes. So even if you’ve had a meeting in our nearby Charing Cross event spaces, you can still stop in for cocktails and conversation.

Take a tour of Arboretum yourself at 2A Charing Cross Road, close to St James’s Park.

 

Soho House

If you’re looking for a London private members’ club with a swimming pool, you’re in luck. Head to Greek Street to see where Soho House’s story began in 1995. You’ll discover world-famous Art Deco interiors spread out over three floors, home to a daily programme of events.

It doesn’t stop there. Today, Soho House boasts several branches across Shoreditch, Mayfair and White City – the latter of which has a rooftop pool. The brand even made a name for itself in the US when its New York venue featured on Sex and the City. You can explore all the houses across the world, from Europe to the Middle East.

Membership is highly accessible thanks to flexible pricing. You’ll have access to fine dining, bars and terraces, and daily events for members. Soho House brands itself as a “home for the world’s creatives to come together and belong”. Frequented by London’s high society including fashion guru Richard Caring, actor Emma Watson and even royals Meghan and Harry, it is the place to be.

Take it all in on Greek Street, home of the first Soho House.

 

Discover the best private members’ clubs London has to offer with The Clermont

From Kensington and Chelsea to Marylebone and Mayfair, there is no shortage of members’ clubs in London. You can access them all with a stay at our Victoria or Charing Cross hotels. Head there for the networking, or enjoy live music and entertainment straight after your corporate event. With The Clermont, you’ll enjoy an experience as exclusive as the clubs themselves.