Bankers work hard, but they also play hard, and this is where you’ll find some of the city’s most upmarket establishments. Under the same ownership as 5 Hertford Street, Oswald’s Club is dedicated to wine lovers. Boasting an impressive cellar of its own, Oswald’s allows guests to purchase from their extensive range of vintages or have their own bottles stored on-site. Overnight stays are also accommodated at the Carlton Club, which boasts an extensive array of single and double rooms. Members also benefit from study and work rooms, enabling the club to be a venue for both networking and work.
Private members’ clubs are more than just luxurious sanctuaries—they offer unrivalled exclusivity, bespoke services, and access to an elite network of the world’s most influential individuals. From London’s iconic Annabel’s to the majestic Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Scotland, these clubs embody the pinnacle of refined living. In terms of exclusivity and reputation, Zero Bond secures its position among the top private clubs globally with its stringent membership criteria and upscale offerings. It sets itself apart by regularly hosting some of the most sought-after events attended by high society members who appreciate luxurious amenities along with a welcoming atmosphere.
Albert’s club is known for its exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of creatives, entrepreneurs, and high-profile guests. Experience unparalleled luxury at the Ten Trinity Square Private Club, situated in the heart of Tower Bridge. The club boasts a rich history, having once housed the Port of London Authority headquarters and been frequented by luminaries such as Winston Churchill. Elegant townhouses and beautiful stuccoed frontages provide a beautiful background to this district, where club-goers can relax and enjoy themselves in one of the world’s most sought-after postcodes.

The best private members’ clubs in London: 10 swanky spots we love

Our website, admiddleeast.com, offers continually updated coverage of the best design, interiors and architecture in the Middle East and beyond. There’s also a curated selection of covetable and clever products, travel destinations and cultural events, plus a dash of celebrity style, access to the VIP homes featured in our print magazine and exclusive video content. In fact, the “Knick,” as it’s also known, was founded on the principle of exclusivity. In 1871, members of the prestigious Union Club became dissatisfied with the institution’s newly relaxed admissions standards, so they created their own club with exceptionally high standards. The current clubhouse is located at 2 East 62nd Street in a landmark neo-Federal building constructed between 1913 and 1915. The 1930 Club in Milan is a clandestine speakeasy, accessible only through a hidden door and known to those in-the-know.

London’s Private Clubs: A Primer

Concept art shows a beach area with palapas, sun beds, as well as an elevated bar and lounge area, presumably with a pool within the complex. Overlooking the city of Tokyo, The Club occupies the entire 51st floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Described as the world’s only private ski, golf and adventure community, the club – also known as Big Sky or the Yellowstone Ski Resort – spans 15,200 acres of spectacular countryside in Montana. The members are a hand-picked mix of like-minded people who share a passion and appreciation for the best things in of life. Revived by Birley’s son and daughter in the 2000s, Annabel’s was later sold, moved and reopened in 2018 on Berkely Street where it can be found flourishing and ultra-extravagant today.

• Best of all, an increasing number of private members’ clubs double up as hotels, meaning you’re free to settle in and treat the place as a home away from home – for an added fee, of course.
• Home House was designed by George III’s architect, James Wyatt, who was tasked with building a sophisticated palace purely for enjoyment and entertainment.
• We believe that every client is unique, and we strive to understand their individual needs and preferences in order to create customised and memorable experiences.
• Among the members are celebrities, businessmen, writers, actors, models, and designers.
• Many of these clubs are steeped in tradition, with decades or even centuries of history behind them.
• The interiors reflect The Ivy’s classic style with Art Deco touches and stunning city rooftop views.
• If there’s a city that understands the concept of clubs, private clubs and somewhat wild & wonderful all-night clubbing – it has to be London.

The third, fourth and fifth floors of the 18th-century Georgian townhouse house 16 much anticipated Private Club intimate rooms and suites available to members and their friends. Rooms are decorated with hand-selected Portuguese furniture and lined in velvet and cashmere wall panels, the rooms are elegant and stylish. At the heart of the club is the Brasserie which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a celebration of seasonal flavours.

Queen’s Club – London, UK

From their exclusive, male-only origins, they have transformed into more inclusive and diverse spaces, welcoming members from various backgrounds and offering a wide range of amenities. Today’s private members clubs blend tradition with modernity, catering to contemporary needs while retaining an air of exclusivity and sophistication. Renowned for its timeless elegance and exclusivity, The Hurlingham Club stands as a symbol of tradition and luxury. As one of the oldest private clubs in the UK, it is celebrated for its stunning gardens and world-class sporting facilities, offering croquet, tennis, and polo.
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. Most clubs do allow guests, but they usually must be accompanied by a member and may be subject to certain restrictions or guest fees. Positioned as a center for global change-makers, The Conduit acts as a melting pot for ideas in business, art, and activism. It’s known for hosting impactful discussions and events, fostering a community dedicated to social and environmental causes.

• Nestled within historic surroundings, The China Club offers a luxurious atmosphere reminiscent of old-world glamour with modern amenities.
• Set in a converted church, this club has been a focus of the London elite since its creation in 1830.
• The Club offers a private dining area, a bar, and a terrace, all designed for comfort and sophistication.
• Originating in London, private clubs have been around for ages, however, now more than ever people are becoming more enthralled by the concept of meeting and hanging out in a cool space with like-minded individuals.
• Members have access to Home House’s event spaces, which show everything from fashion to art.

Many private members clubs have reciprocal arrangements with similar clubs around the world, allowing members to access facilities at these partner clubs. Private members clubs have long been a fixture in the social landscape, offering an exclusive haven for socialisation, relaxation, and networking. Historically, these clubs began as elitist enclaves for the wealthy and influential, primarily in 17th-century London. Originally, they were gentlemen’s clubs, reserved for society’s upper class, providing a retreat from the rigours of high society life. The club is revered for its sports and recreational facilities, and lifestyle amenities, as for its décor, architectural prowess and gourmet fare.
Today, the club is still part of the Conservative Party’s spiritual heartland, and plays host to many meetings and events. Beyond offering a place for the political class to meet and make connections, it is also an excellent watering hole and dining venue. A range of dining rooms, unfailingly named after Conservative icons like Churchill, Thatcher and Disraeli, are available for events and private use. Here, in this article, I have provided the 7 best private members’ clubs in London. Located in the heart of Mayfair, 12 Hay Hill is a modern members’ club catering to business leaders. It combines professional amenities like state-of-the-art workspaces with luxury dining and social spaces, facilitating both business and leisure in an elegant setting.

Relax at one of London’s finest private members club

Originally founded in 1963, Annabel’s quickly became known as the go-to destination for London’s elite. After moving to a new Grade I listed Georgian townhouse, the club is now more opulent than ever, occupying four floors of pure luxury. The decor is a stunning blend of the traditional and contemporary, with gold swan taps in the ladies’ bathroom and an iconic floating unicorn chandelier in the lobby. When the sun goes down, the club’s clientele can head downstairs into the old bank’s vault, passing the 20-ton security door as they do so.

Whether it’s the high-profile members, the luxurious setting, or the connections you make inside, these clubs define a world where only a select few are granted entry. Private members’ clubs are known for charging significant joining fees, followed by annual dues that would make most of us gasp. These fees are more than just a barrier to entry; they help maintain the club’s elite status and ensure that its members are serious about belonging to such a prestigious community. The AllBright club is an exclusive members-only club located in the heart of Mayfair, London.

Babington House, a country retreat in Somerset, soon followed (along with the first Cowshed spa) before things started taking off in the early 2000s. 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. Members can waltz into these global spaces, eat at the restaurants, sleepover in the bedrooms (Soho House-style interior design has become a brand in and of itself) and hang out in the spaces.
There are household names like Soho House, which has expanded its global scene in recent years with a smattering of new hotels, workspaces and clubs – with plenty more in the pipeline. On the other hand, certain characters favour more niche hideouts, for instance, foodies tucking in at a supper club at Quo Vadis or super-fit Londoners unwinding after working up a sweat in the gym. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up the fanciest exclusive addresses here, plus information on how to access the space for a trial run if you choose. When it comes to joining the world’s most exclusive private members’ clubs, it’s not just about having the money to pay for a membership.