Nowhere does private member's clubs like London. In the past, private clubs were a place for high society gentlemen to escape from the pressures of work and family - with women categorically banned from joining any of them. Today, the vast majority of these clubs have thankfully evolved from their archaic pasts, and have become more inclusive. London’s private clubs offer all kinds of events and benefits, appealing to a new generation of professionals who want to network and build skills (as well as drink cocktails and let their hair down). Speaking of professionals, we experts here at Plum Guide know all the ins and outs of the capital’s private club scene, and have picked out the very best. Whether you’re after something fitness-focused, trendy, or traditional, here are the most sought-after private member's clubs in London.
Annabel’s, Mayfair
Wine glasses and serviettes on a table in a private dining space
Situated in a Grade I listed Georgian townhouse in Mayfair, Annabel’s is one of the most revered and well-known private clubs in London. Spread across four floors featuring eclectic, dream-like interiors by the esteemed Martin Brudnizki (think golden swan taps and unicorn chandeliers), the club is home to multiple restaurants, bars, private dining rooms, a cigar salon, a garden terrace, and its infamous nightclub. There’s even an in-house dog walker to look after your prized pedigree while you sip on cocktails with ice - made by the specially appointed ice carver. Members must adhere to the club’s rules, even if your wallet knows no boundaries (The Beatles, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder have been turned away for not following the dress code).
Lilac Irises, Plum Guide home in Mayfair, London
Allbright, Mayfair
The first of its kind, Allbright in Mayfair is a women’s only club - aimed at providing a space for like-minded women in business to career network, find friendships, and unwind. There are regular events designed to boost self-esteem, including talks from inspiring female founders and entrepreneurs, personal development workshops, and restaurant residencies. The club is set over five floors, and includes an in-house art collection, a hair salon, two rooftop terraces, a restaurant and bar, and private dining rooms. If you can’t get to Mayfair as often as you’d like, you can also join digitally - get access to over 200 training courses and virtual events.
Soho House, Soho
Soho House was first established on London’s Greek Street in 1995, when Nick Jones wanted to create a private club aimed at creatives in the Soho area. Today, it’s still one of the best exclusive member's clubs in London for those working in the creative industry, with an outdoor courtyard, a roof deck, a bar, a restaurant, and many club rooms - as well as an exciting roster of events like cabarets, educational talks, and board game evenings. Its popularity has grown so much that Soho House now has nine clubs in London, as well as Houses in cities including Barcelona, Mumbai, and Manhattan. Having a full house membership grants you access to all the clubs around the world (and the fun that comes with them).
City Dove, Plum Guide home in Soho, London
Ned’s Club, City of London
A view of multiple drinks at a late-night bar
When it comes to private clubs in London, Ned’s Club really goes above and beyond. Set over a whopping eight floors of prime real estate in the heart of the city’s financial centre, the club boasts ten individual restaurants, a late-night bar, gym, spa, two pools (one underground and one rooftop), and a whole floor dedicated to meeting other like-minded professionals - the likes of well-heeled bankers and city folk. There’s also a calendar packed with monthly events such as cocktail masterclasses and talks, as well as rooftop parties. Membership grants you access to Ned’s Club globally, which includes the newest branch in New York.
Pavilion, Knightsbridge
With panoramic views of Hyde Park and an all-day dining menu (that’s breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted), it’s hard to imagine private clubs getting any better than this. This elite club is just as breathtaking on the inside as it is on the outside, with interiors by Russell Sage, the designer behind the 5-star Fife Arms and the celebrated Glenmorangie House. Set over six floors of extravagance, the club boasts two bars including one for cocktails, a terrace, multiple private office spaces and a library. Staying the night in the city? You’ll want to bag the penthouse suite with its alfresco terrace featuring idyllic views of Hyde Park’s greenery. Designed as a place where you can work, dine and party, you’ll also find a regular schedule of events like book launches, pub quizzes, wellness events and Thursday Cocktail Clubs.
Opulent Living, Plum Guide home in Knightsbridge, London
The Court, Soho
Want to be part of Soho’s coolest hangouts? Once the premise for Bag O’Nails, a legendary music venue which welcomed the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones, the building is now home to a trendy private member’s club. Despite its name, this is the type of place you do want to find yourself in. The Court has a speakeasy feel, with a Gatsby-style basement bar and a piano stage with live music every evening - set amongst an elegant interior reminiscent of 1920s glitz and glamour. Dining is an equally stylish affair at the club’s restaurant, which features a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers.
67 Pall Mall, St James's
Two people clinking glasses of red wine at a private wine bar
67 Pall Mall is a paradise for oenophiles. Set across three floors overlooking St James’ Palace, this club is all about fine wine. Interestingly, 67 Pall Mall is far from extravagant - it was set up almost as a backlash against the eye-watering wine-markup charged by London’s bars and restaurants. There are over 5,000 bottles on the club list, with the most valuable safely stowed away in the vault. Using the in-house iPads, browse through an unrivalled wine list - which also includes critic’s scores and winemakers’ notes. Should you want to build a collection of your own, 67 Pall Mall also offers a Member’s Reserve facility, which allows you to personally store up to 36 bottles in the club cellars.
Cockspur Street, Plum Guide home in St James's, London
Eight Club, Moorgate
With private members’ clubs in Bank and Moorgate, and its gym and wellness centre Eight Core, Eight Club has you covered across EC2 and EC3. Each club has a selection of smart and elegant lounges, restaurants, bars, and meeting rooms, as well as an exciting schedule of social and networking events. Eight Moorgate features terraces boasting extensive views of London, while its Quartier Restaurant serves up superb international dishes. Over at Eight Bank, members have access to the in-house cinema and live music events at the Blind Bee members’ lounge. Whether you want to join the poker or golf societies, or gather around the Brunswick Champion Pool Tables, Eight Club is designed for both business and pleasure.
Kindred, Hammersmith
If you’re a freelancer or a WFH type looking to socialise and network, this Hammersmith institution is the ideal place for it. Kindred presents an active social calendar, with events like sustainability workshops, live gigs, and late-night comedy. Its restaurant downstairs, Cellar, serves locally-roasted coffee, simple ingredient-focused food, sustainable European wines, and seasonal cocktails. Compared with what can be perceived as London’s somewhat stuffy private clubs, Kindred is a breath of fresh air, with an inclusive vibe encouraging members to become part of an open-minded community - enjoy a sense of togetherness through enriching and diverse experiences.
Hammersmith Hideaway, Plum Guide home in Hammersmith, London
South Kensington Club, Kensington
The inside of a traditional wooden sauna with steam
Once home to Ronnie Wood’s notorious Harrington Club which saw frequent visits from Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, this elegant Georgian townhouse has done a 360 - it's now home to the South Kensington Club. If wellness and relaxation is what you seek, then this is one of the best private clubs in London for you. The club attracts stylish, health-conscious folk who come for the excellent range of facilities from around the world - think Russian saunas, saltwater Watsu pools, and Turkish hammam. There's also a state-of-the-art gym, a schedule of over 420 classes, and a beauty suite. Following one of the many holistic treatments, put your feet up in the tea library, juice bar, or cocktail bar and terrace to let your body absorb the best health benefits money can buy.
The Richmond Club, Richmond
Located in the beautiful and leafy Richmond Upon Thames, this club is perfect for those looking for a space to work and socialise. Enjoy food and drink at the main bar area, or head upstairs to the Pineapple Room - ideal for business meetings and events. And when it comes to events, The Richmond Club doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find everything from comedy clubs and wellbeing classes to cocktail masterclasses, wine tastings, and supper clubs. Head outside for cocktails in the spacious garden and Pagoda - the only place you’ll want to be on a warm summer's day.
The House of Art, Plum Guide home in Richmond, London
Home House, Marylebone
A DJ's equipment in a busy nightclub
There’s plenty to like about Marylebone’s Home House, starting from its fresco-adorned walls in the entrance hall. But while it may look like a Bridgerton set, there are plenty of modern touches to complete the look of British sensibility. As you’d expect, the facilities are equally first-rate, with a boutique spa and gym, two restaurants, five bars, intimate gardens, and party rooms available for private hire - they certainly know how to attract a smart but discerning crowd. Throughout the week, Home House hosts events like DJ nights, candle painting, and drag bingo, making it the perfect place to work during the day and party even harder at night.
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