Never mind the rats, in London you’re always only a few feet away from a private members club.
Feeling flush and ready to mingle? Here are seven of the best – and their Instagram accounts, in case you prefer to join the club in a more vicarious manner.
Home House
The lowdown: Just north of Oxford Street on Portman Square and set within three elegant Georgian townhouses, the grande dame of members’ clubs has brought together London’s tastemakers and party animals since the 18th century. If you overdo it, you can stay over in one of the 23 bedrooms.
The USP: The exquisite interiors – Madonna has partied under those chandeliers.
The damage: From £1,100 per annum for evening/weekend access to £2,220 for full membership. There are concessions for under-35s.
67 Pall Mall
The lowdown: One for oenophiles, the grand Mayfair club was founded by wine collector Grant Ashton in 2015. Its wood-panelled lounge overlooks St James’ Palace.
The USP: Members enjoy access to 5,000 fine wines. Just don’t drink them all at once.
The damage: Full annual membership is £2,500, with concessions for younger members.
180 House
The lowdown: The ever-expanding Soho House empire’s newest London club, this one – just a few steps from Somerset House - opened last year. It has panoramic river views and shagadelic 1970s interiors – all fluffy rugs and velvet banquettes.
The USP: The ninth floor rooftop pool and bar. Squint and you’re in Ibiza (almost).
The damage: From £550 per year if you’re under 27 and simply want access to this property, up to £2,500 for those who aren’t Gen Z and prefer access to all Soho House locations.
Home Grown
The lowdown: Tucked away behind Marble Arch, Home Grown - Home House’s sister club - launched in 2019. It’s quieter and far more business-focused, with entertainment in the form of inspiring talks from business leaders such as Kelly Hoppen.
The USP: It’s aimed at start-ups looking to take the next steps – it’s rammed with entrepreneurs and investors.
The damage: Full membership is £2,000 per annum, or £1,000 for a 20 visit per year limit.
Mosimann’s
The lowdown: Legendary London chef Anton Mosimann’s elegant private dining club is in a 19th century converted church in Belgravia. He’s the go-to caterer for Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.
The USP: Choose from seven private dining rooms to wow your date or business contact – the food was deemed good enough for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding so you know you’re in good hands.
The damage: Membership starts at a very reasonable £300 per annum for the under 35s, going up to £5000 for a three-year corporate memberships. There’s an initial joining fee of £250.
Ned’s Club
The lowdown: Formerly an Edward Lutyens-designed bank, The Ned brought a touch of much-needed Soho House-style cool to the City when it opened in 2018. The Edwardian hotel has 250 bedrooms and 10 restaurants, while members also get access to The Vault basement bar and rooftop pool.
The USP: The sheer size and scale – including the basement bar’s 20 tonne, circular, metal door that was the original entrance to the bank’s vault. It brings new meaning to having a lock-in.
The damage: Standard membership is a hefty £3,465, dropping to £2,200 for the under 30s. If you’re already a member of a Soho House, you get a discount.
The 1 Club
The lowdown: Is it a club or is it an NFT? Well, both. It’s an invite-only, digital club, which brings together like-minded tech pioneers and entrepreneurs.
The USP: The world’s first invite-only NFT. Bonus: no need for an expensive Uber home afterwards.
The damage: Membership fees increase as more members join. The price currently sits around £1000, which is a one-off fee for the NFT, which (hopefully) grows in value with time.
