These are the best private members' clubs in London – and they are boujee
We’ve all heard of Soho House – or if you fancy an escape to the country, Soho Farmhouse – but, believe it or not, there is actually a world of alternative private members' clubs in London just begging to be explored. From lavish dining halls to decorative themed bars and quiet cosy reading rooms, the club scene in London is at its top game, and there are new clubs opening all the time. Filled with exciting cocktails, Italian wine and exquisite menus (we are talking Masterchef-level plates) you won’t be left wanting more.
So, without further ado, here are GLAMOUR’s top London private members' clubs to help you decide which one to join. All you really need to do now, is decide whether you're after downright debaucherous, calm and cultured or just all out glitz-and-glam.
Scroll for our full edit of the best private members' clubs in London.
ASTRID TEMPLIERHome House
Tucked away on the corner of Portman Square, just metres from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, the laid-back neighbourhood feel of Marylebone and the well-heeled streets of Mayfair, Home House is perhaps the capital's best-kept, and most debaucherous, secret. I say ‘tucked’, though in fact, once through the unobtrusive doorway from the street outside, the members' club in fact sprawls across three connected town houses, centered by an eye-catching helical, marble staircase.
Everything here carries its own intrigue, down to the basement gym, with equipment found in a veritable rabbit warren of rooms that once housed the original Georgian kitchens, including a small spa too with a sauna, steam room and relaxation space, and - through a vaulted door next to the weights room - a gold-clad nightclub (The Vault), a decadent underground clubroom for late-night revelry, dancing and raucous singalongs (in the private karaoke booth) until the early hours of the morning.
Above ground, a string of restaurants, bars and lounges offer a smorgasbord of atmospheres, from a civilised breakfast (lap trays optional!) in one of the drawing rooms - its oversized Georgian windows looking out over the more mundane offering of life outside - to an intimate candlelit dinner at The Restaurant, followed by cocktails at The Bison Bar, and in season, the Garden is an oasis that begs an afternoon set-up of a chilled bottle of something sparkling.
Upstairs (reached via a characterful, though rickety, old servants life), bedrooms pepper the upper floors, most named after people, and as unique in styling as the cast of characters that have lived in Home House. Picture quirky patterned wallpapers, original fireplaces, chaise lounges, statement beds (some four-poster, some sleigh, some half-tester), intricate tiling, reclaimed chandeliers, and gilt-framed artworks, with bathrooms bedecked in Penhaglion’s toiletries and oversized bath tubs (many of which look like works of art, rather than bathing facilities).
Staff here are friendly and personable, used to catering to the every whim and wish of their guests, and each with their own stories of parties and guests gone-by. And that is likely exactly how Elizabeth, Countess of Home, intended it back in 1773, when she commissioned the property be built purely as a party house, for visitors’ enjoyment and entertainment.
Membership gives you 24-hour access to the club, weekly member events at the House, including the legendary Member parties throughout the year, as well as discounted rates for private hire of their exclusive terrace, events spaces and meeting rooms, or complimentary hire for birthdays. Find out more about membership here.
Kindred Hammersmith
Kindred is a cultural space which sits in a grade-2 listed mansion in the heart of Hammersmith – comprising of a shared workspace, live events space, café, bar and restaurant. And the membership programme, which will be open to all from 2023, is really rather appealing.
First up, let's talk about the dog-friendly workspace. It's split over two floors – with desks, break-out areas and plenty of space to plug in – and every day, you can meet fellow creatives and professionals over 11am coffee. It's cosy (think opulent, warmly-lit library vibes), comfortable and quiet. The perfect spot for being your upmost productive.
When you're ready for a lunch break, head downstairs to Cellar – a neighbourhood café, bar and counter that serves seasonal, international dishes like Torn burrata with sprouting broccoli, blood orange and hazelnut or Grilled Tamworth pork chop with sauce charcuterie. You can even return post-5pm for cocktails or a glass of wine, before enjoying one of Kindred's events. From highlights of the modern European wine movement and to how to manage your personal highlights.
Pavilion Knightsbridge
Lit up at night, the Pavilion Knightsbridge glows with sophisticated glamour, its warm lights beckoning you in. One membership grants you access to three London locations where you will join an active community of smart thinkers with a lively energy. Like Gatsby’s mansion, inside the club is brimming with life, with events including TEDx talks, comedy nights, live DJ sets and spoken word festivals, plus much more.
In the evening the club reportedly gets its second wind and you can sip on a cocktail or two at their iconic octagonal bar. Hungry? Fear not. Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has you covered whether it’s a Toasted Maple Cured Bacon Sandwich for brunch, or some Venison Chilli Fries.
The club encourages you to switch off from technology and connect with those around you in a meaningful and memorable way.
Membership gives you 24-hour access to the club as well as discounted rates for private hire of their exclusive terraces and meeting rooms. Find out more about membership here.
Century Club
Through a secret door on Shaftesbury Avenue is the world of the Century Club. Up 100 stairs (hence the name) you will find five floors of rooms filled with vibrant bars, brasseries, stylish workspaces and lounges.
Lit up in star-studded lights the Century stands proudly above the roof top terrace, welcoming in a community of creative people from members of theatrical advertising, TV and media backgrounds. The Club encourages curiosity and through its programme of talks, live music and intimate dining experiences they aim to empower and inspire. The Cocktail Lounge is adorned with art deco chairs and colourful wall prints and the spectacular rooftop restaurant overlooks both Soho and the river. All fruit and veg is sourced locally from Kent and the fish arrives fresh each day from a fishmonger in Bethnal Green.
To be welcomed through their secret door, click here for membership prices.
Annabel’s
Found at 46 Berkely Square, Annabel’s boasts the world’s most famous Nightclub with an iconic dance floor (which also raises to form an intimate stage) joined to the exotic jungle bar – and when they say jungle, they mean jungle. Savannah sunsets with silhouetted giraffes spread across the walls. The décor is next level, a thing of art in itself.
Matteo’s Restaurant is the most recent addition to Annabel’s, offering a wide selection of delicious Italian dishes and wines, including bottles from single vineyards in Barolo and Tuscany.
I couldn’t write this without mentioning Loos In the Mews (the toilets). Hear me out, they are insane. Over four million pieces of mosaic glass tiles adorn the entire bathroom, immersing you in a world of rainforests and jungles. A hand carved 500kg crocodile basin forms the sinks in the men’s room, whilst in the women’s the sinks are hand carved Bergenia flower heads. I have never seen anything like it.
For memberships to this all-day, all-night magical world, click here.
All Bright
Located in Mayfair, All Bright is an all-female club (although men are welcome as guests) with a mission to inspire change through a sisterhood. Women supporting women, what more could we want?
After opening in 2018, the club hopes to provide a space to nurture and inspire brilliant and smart-minded women through expert led academic courses, bespoke events and participation in an inclusive community which spans across 10 countries.
As well as spaces to work and collaborate there is also an elegant bar to unwind in, plus club membership also includes access to their hair salon. What more could a woman want! I also particularly like how All Bright offer a free digital membership which gives access to weekly newsletter, articles, select events and industry groups.
The Conduit
It has never been more important to look after our planet, and at The Conduit they welcome members who are passionate about worldwide change.
From climate action and building sustainable futures, diversity, equity and inclusion and employment and economic opportunity, the club aims to provide the space to learn, exchange ideas and find inspiration.
Their exceptional food continues to champion sustainability with food-sourced from small-scale producers from the British Isles.
Situated near Covent Garden, they boast over 150 in-person and digital events each year, focusing on leadership, wellbeing and community networking. Members here will be encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of some of the challenges facing the world and how both individuals and businesses can help work towards a sustainable future.
For membership details click here.
