London experiences,
June 28 2024
London’s private members clubs have long been a part of the city’s culture. The first gentlemen’s clubs opened in the 17th century for wealthy members of high society. These rooms often conjure images of dimly lit, smoke-filled spaces, dark leather chairs and crystal glassware - but now they represent a more modern approach to exclusivity where the allure is driven by aesthetic escapism.
To help you make sense of the long list of private members clubs in London and decide if you’re ready to take the plunge and make an application, we’ve collated our recommendations.
Members only clubs in London are organisations that provide facilities for those who hold a membership. You usually pay a monthly or annual fee for services that could include access to a range of food, drink, leisure, or social venues owned by the organisation.
To join one of London’s private clubs you will always need to pay a membership fee and may also need the sponsor of an existing member.
All organisations are different, and some private members clubs will be tailored to a specific group interest, for example golf. Commonly, private members clubs are places where like-minded people can work, socialise, eat, drink, work out, enjoy art, music and private events.
Members only clubs in London are a great way to expand your network and meet people who share the same interests. Regular social events and mixers hosted by the organisation can help you make new friends and find new opportunities.
London’s private clubs are exclusive but varied, it’s hard to put an exact count on the long list of private members clubs in London but The Association of London Clubs, a network created to promote and develop the club sector, represents 48 of them – although that’s unlikely to be the exact number.
One of the most famous private clubs in London is Annabel’s private members club in Mayfair. Annabel’s was founded in 1963 and quickly became known for drawing glamourous and aristocratic clientele. The tasteful and sophisticated Berkeley Square townhouse location offers restaurants, bars, and an infamous nightclub for members.
To join the membership waitlist, you’ll need a letter of support from an existing Birley club member, applications are then reviewed and invited by the committee if successful – membership prices start at £2,250 annually, plus a joining fee.
Known as one of the top London members clubs, Home House is celebrated for its unrivalled social calendar and regular events hosted in the late-night party chamber. This private member’s club in Marylebone is splayed across 3 Georgian townhouses at Portman square, featuring textured and eccentric grand décor with a quintessential British touch.
The iconic facilities at home House include 23 bedrooms, 5 bars, 2 restaurants, a boutique gym and health spa and a courtyard garden, all pitched in homage to hedonism as an inspiring space where members can relax and connect.
For those of you looking to apply to a palace built for enjoyment and entertainment there are a range of membership packages starting at £1,100 annually, plus joining fee.
Arboretum is a Covent Garden-based private members club created for younger clientele, in contrast to London’s legacy establishments this organisation caters to entrepreneurial sectors with a focus on creative clients. As an independent organisation, they offer more affordable rates than some of their competitors, pitching themselves as inclusive by taking the ‘private’ out of members clubs.
Prices start at £20 for a day pass up to £450 annually for an individual membership. The venue features a main lounge, co-working space, meeting rooms and a boutique gym that is accessible for members.
Common features of London’s members clubs are bars, restaurants and gyms – if you’re looking for a private members club in London with a swimming pool then you might be best at Soho House. Founded on London’s Greek Street in 1995, Soho House is now a global private members club for people in the creative industry. Facilities include bedrooms, bars, restaurants, terraces, and a rooftop swimming pool at their White City location. As well as the White City and Soho venues, Soho House is also located in Shoreditch and Mayfair with membership fees starting at £100 annually for a Soho friends’ membership.
While these are our recommendations of the best private members clubs in London, there are many more you can try across different areas of the capital. If you’re looking for a luxury stay while you explore, join us at one of our Thistle Hotels such as Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch, The Tower - you can even book meetings and events.
