The Most Elegant And Stylish Members’ Clubs In London
London is a thriving hotspot for private members’ clubs – from the grand and the classic to the new and innovative. Here, KATIE BERRINGTON delves into some of the city’s most exclusive spaces
The best for prestige and heritage
It is unsurprising that many of London’s most private and magnificent members’ clubs are nestled behind the discrete doors of Georgian townhouses that line Mayfair’s elegant streets. From the legendary Birley Club portfolio (which includes Annabel’s, Mark’s Club and Harry’s Bar), the tasteful but playful George boasts an impressive David Hockney collection, a large private terrace and the self-proclaimed title of London’s most dog-friendly club (it takes its name after founder Mark Birley’s beloved daschund). On a cobbled courtyard, Soho Mews House is a recent opening from the Soho House group and one of its most intimate, with three storeys featuring atmospheric lounge spaces with live music, a fine-dining restaurant and a cocktail bar. The ultra-discrete Maison Estelle calls itself a ‘hosted home’, revealing a warren of sumptuously furnished rooms – including four dining rooms and two nightlife spaces – within the historic townhouse. And on the maximalist side (both in size and interiors), The Twenty Two resides in an Edwardian manor on the storied Grovesnor Square, as both a luxurious boutique hotel and a members’ club for “the creative and the curious”.
In Marylebone, Home House is a haven that dates back to the 18th century, where splendor and whimsy meet across the restaurants, bars and lounges, a courtyard garden, opulent bedrooms, and the gym and health spa.
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The best for wellness
From the Maybourne group – who own London’s iconic Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley – Surrenne is a sublime and innovative luxury spa and health club at The Emory in Belgravia. Four expansive and beautifully crafted storeys reveal tranquil treatment rooms, the exclusive Tracy Anderson Studio, a skylight-illuminated pool (lit by candles at night) and a menu of treatments, classes and consultations pioneered by visionary wellness experts.
Six Senses at The Whiteley is the first opening from the wellness-focused hotel brand in London. Beyond being home to guest rooms, suites and residences, the Six Senses Spa is of course a talking point, designed to evoke an old-fashioned London underground station – albeit much more serene, with an indoor pool beneath arched ceilings, the Alchemy Bar, and a vaulted relaxation room. But it is also home to the first Six Senses Place, a new kind of social and wellness club for residents and members, encompassing lounges, co-working spaces, a restaurant and treatment rooms.
At the iconic Arts Club, the heart might be a shared love of culture and creativity – showcasing art exhibitions and live music in its storied rooms – but expert wellness is now a focus too, as it is the only place in the UK to offer the experience of Lanserhof. This world-class health and wellness clinic combines a holistic ethos, with innovative medical and technological developments, and outstanding treatments.
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The best for families
While members’ clubs have traditionally been a grown-up affair, a fresh cohort is inviting young members into the fold – and catering to the wishes of all ages. In Notting Hill, Cloud Twelve is a sleek lifestyle club that combines a luxurious day spa (complete with extensive treatment menu), salon and holistic wellness clinic, with a supervised kids’ club, forest-themed soft play, children’s café, and a program of events and creative classes – such as art, movement, cognitive development, wellness, mindfulness and sustainability.
Little Houses Group has two properties in West London already – Jaego’s House and Jesse’s House – and they are set to welcome a new sibling next year: Orly’s House in South London. With an ethos of bringing together play, fitness, work and social life for the whole family, the houses are pleasingly designed for both older and younger guests – featuring playgrounds, studios, gyms, restaurants, lounges and co-working spaces. Childcare is offered, along with weekly sessions that include Reformer Pilates, yoga, barre, baby ballet, football and science club.
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The best for events
The Ned is a masterpiece of London’s members’ club scene – and, unlike most of its more classic counterparts, it is not located in Mayfair. Taking over the headquarters of a former bank, this capacious building infused with 1920s glamour boasts 250 hotels rooms and suites, a stunning spa and state-of-the-art gym, and 10 restaurants and bars. While the hotel and most restaurants are open to the public, it reserves some of the best spaces for members only, including the rooftop with a heated pool and panoramic London views and the downstairs cocktail lounge, The Vault.
The Conduit brings something rather unique to the scene, with its membership made up of global changemakers – from entrepreneurs and investors to creatives, activists and policymakers – for panel talks and events covering climate change, AI, health and politics. Meanwhile, a more recent addition, on the banks of the River Thames, Lighthouse Social extends to 10,000 square feet with a myriad of spaces, offering something for everyone. This is particularly apparent in its calendar of events and workshops – including art classes, DJ and games nights, film clubs and culinary tastings.
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The best of the countryside
Members’ clubs are not solely for city dwellers – beautiful, bucolic estates are the settings of some of the most refined and exclusive country piles. There is the resplendent Estelle Manor, sister to Mayfair’s Maison Estelle, a historic hotel and private members’ club set in 3,000 acres of parkland and gardens in Oxfordshire. Highlights include the French Riviera-inspired South Terrace, where scalloped, striped parasols flank the centerpiece swimming pool; opulently designed bedrooms, bars and several restaurants; and the Roman-inspired Eynsham Baths spa, offering a heavenly thermal journey. While non-members are able to book into the hotel, members also get access to the estate all year round (including to the spa, kids’ club and a members-only workspace), as well as exclusive rates, discounts and a program of events and parties.
Down in Somerset, Babington House is a stalwart of the country-hotel scene, a charming and sophisticated estate under the extensive Soho House umbrella, with a particularly beautiful spa. Finally, one to watch on the horizon: there are rumors that The Ned has its sights set on a major rural opening in the next few years.
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