Which is why we’ve also curated a list of the best women private member clubs in London. Fitness and wellness are also important, with many clubs offering fully equipped gyms, spas, swimming pools, and personal training services. The City University Club is a prestigious private members club located in the heart of the City of London, founded in 1895. When it first opened, the club only admitted students of the Oxford and Cambridge universities as its members, along with bankers who worked on Cornhill Street, where the club had its first building. If you’re looking for a private members club in the city that not just offers entertainment, relaxation, and good vibes, but also helps expand your professional network, you’re in the right place. Each entry on this list has its unique charm and character, so that no matter what your tastes and preferences are, you can be sure that there’s an exclusive club in London that’s just right for you.
Upstairs at the Langan’s, Mayfair
While many contemporary social clubs à la Soho House or Neuehouse have a fairly low barrier for entry, the world is still full of more traditional private clubs, where membership is by Private Club invitation only to maintain the utmost exclusivity. We’re taking you inside a few of these storied social institutions, from classic clubs in New York and London to a modern hideaway in Los Angeles. Overall, London’s private members club scene offers a unique and exclusive experience for those who are part of it. With a rich history, diverse range of clubs, and insider tips and recommendations, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of private members clubs in London. On the other hand, contemporary clubs such as The Groucho or Soho House appeal to a younger, more diverse crowd.
The Oriental Club is not just about luxury but also about fostering a unique community spirit among its members, offering a blend of traditional club values with a distinctively international flair. Boodle’s represents the quintessence of British private club tradition, located in the prestigious St. James’s area of London. Established in the 18th century, it maintains an aura of historical grandeur, blending timeless elegance with contemporary comforts. The club’s design, aiming to evoke the warmth and intimacy of a home, is complemented by a vibrant calendar of events, making it a coveted destination for the discerning London socialite. Additionally, Maison Estelle has expanded its allure with a newly opened sister location in Oxfordshire, further enhancing its reputation as a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity.
- In short, these clubs have come a long way from their traditional roots, but at their core, they remain as coveted as ever—a place for the privileged few, where connections are made, and luxury is a way of life.
- Babington House, a country retreat in Somerset, soon followed (along with the first Cowshed spa) before things started taking off in the early 2000s.
- Ultimately, these clubs represent a lifestyle choice, a statement of prestige, and a unique community for the elite.
- A place where entry is reserved for the chosen few, behind closed doors, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- And if you’re looking to network in the City, The Ned strikes the perfect balance between work and indulgence.
- Call it classist or elitist, but Hong Kong has a long and rich history of private membership clubs, dating back to when the British brought their tradition of London’s private men’s clubs to our shores.
Silencio Club, 142 Rue Montmartre
This elite establishment is known for its prestigious membership and exclusive amenities. With a joining fee rumoured to be around £25,000 and an annual fee of £8,000 to £11,500, it is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after private members’ clubs globally. Skibo Castle offers an unparalleled array of activities such as golf on their renowned course or indulging in lavish spa treatments. Additionally, the club hosts various cultural and social events throughout the year catering to a highly influential clientele. London’s private members club scene is a world of exclusivity and luxury, offering a unique experience for those who are part of it. From the historic gentlemen’s clubs of St James’s to the modern establishments of Mayfair, London’s private members clubs offer a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests and preferences.
There’s a rooftop space exclusive to members, with a heated pool, a restaurant, and a basement club with live music at the other end of the building. Every members’ club has a unique application process, some of which we’ve outlined below. For example, you’re more likely to be accepted to Soho House if you’re part of the city’s creative community.
The Most Exclusive Private Clubs in the World: A Look Inside Elite Membership
The Thirty Nine redefines the concept of the luxury health club, offering members access to cutting-edge fitness equipment, personalized coaching programs, and a gourmet restaurant helmed by acclaimed chef David Knapp. The Middle East’s leader, located in the city’s financial district, it is the meeting place of Dubai’s most influent businessmen. The Club hosts The Club Restaurant and a cigar room with a selection of about 100 cigar brands, a modern wellness center, an art gallery, a rooftop bar, and four luxurious junior suites with 24-hour butler service.
Soho House—Global Network
- Then there’s Farmhouse, Brighton Beach House, Babington House in Somerset, and further afield houses opened in Rome, Berlin, Mykonos, Nashville, Toronto, Hong Kong and beyond.
- Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a socialite, or an artist, these members-only establishments provide elite networking opportunities, unparalleled amenities, and a rich history of prestigious guests.
- A symbol of success and prestige, the club boasts lavish amenities such as opulent dining rooms, a grand ballroom, libraries, and fitness facilities, all housed within a historic, architecturally significant building.
- With its rich history and decadent atmosphere, Langan’s remains a timeless treasure in London’s club scene.
- It’s the perfect place for Paris’s creative elite to meet, collaborate, and celebrate their craft.
- Since its establishment, Soho House has become an iconic part of the city’s cultural and social scene, offering its members an exclusive and refined atmosphere unparalleled in the city.
- It’s this level of service that makes members feel like they are part of something truly special.
Welcome to the insider’s guide to London’s best private members clubs, where we review 37 iconic destinations. To join Annabel’s Mayfair, prepare to pay an annual subscription of £3,250 (USD4,215), plus a joining fee of £1,750 (USD2,270). Many spaces inside the newly restored KOKO are open to the public, including all-day restaurant Cafe KOKO and concerts, offering a tempting glimpse into the life of a member. The Conduit Club is known for its unique events and experiences, such as art exhibitions, workshops, and talks by leading thinkers. The club features two bars, a fine-dining restaurant, and a penthouse nightclub with great views of the bustling King’s Road. Tennis clubs attract top athletes and social elites who enjoy the sport in a refined, exclusive setting.
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The club hosts regular events, from art exhibitions to themed dinners, creating an engaging social calendar for its discerning clientele. Home House Bath is perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with exclusive cultural experiences in one of the UK’s most picturesque cities. Born from the 17th-century coffee houses, London’s private members’ clubs have been a mainstay of the city’s social scene for hundreds of years. Today, these enclaves of exclusivity are where the great and the good gather to dine, drink, socialise and work – in exchange for often ostentatiously expensive membership fees.
Their membership criteria allow for non-journalists to join as well, although this privilege does come with a much heftier price tag. The FCC also regularly hosts speakers and events and is affiliated with press clubs worldwide which members are granted visiting rights to. With an initiation fee of $200,000, the elite club caters to an elite clientele seeking a sophisticated and intimate escape in the heart of Manhattan. Zero Bond, one of the most exclusive modern NYC clubs for young adults, is nestled in the heart of NoHo at 0 Bond Street.
For those seeking a blend of wellness and luxury, clubs like Cloud Twelve in Notting Hill offer a sanctuary for both body and mind. Unlike many of the clubs on this list, the Yacht Club de Monaco is somewhat transparent about its membership application. You must first be nominated by two existing members, after which your application will be reviewed by HSH Prince Albert II, President of the Yacht Club de Monaco, and the admissions committee. Monaco’s yachting history began in 1862, when Prince Charles III held the country’s first regattas. Within a century, Monaco became synonymous with yachting – and that led Prince Rainier III to establish the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco.
Whether it’s a billionaire unwinding after a hectic day or a Hollywood star enjoying a drink, privacy is of the utmost importance. Staff are trained to respect this, ensuring that what happens within the club, stays within the club. It’s a sanctuary for those who value their privacy, which in today’s world is a true luxury.
Owned by aristocrat Robin Birley, it boasts lavish interiors and a high-powered clientele that reportedly includes royals, tycoons, and A-listers. Ever needed a table at a fully booked restaurant or last-minute tickets to a sold-out show? Members of these exclusive clubs often have access to bespoke concierge services that can make the seemingly impossible, possible.