London's Top Six Private Members’ Clubs: Get Yourself on The Hot List

When you picture a private members’ club in London, what is it that springs to mind? Perhaps it’s five-star facilities, perhaps it’s a chance to forge invaluable business connections, or maybe it’s just the experience of grabbing a pint at a bar without having to wait in line. Whatever your interests, there’s no doubt that London is a haven for these prestigious establishments where patrons can relish in a level of hospitality that is unmatched elsewhere in the city.

Keen to get involved? Here’s everything you need to know about London’s top private members’ clubs, from the vibe and the amenities to how much a membership will set you back.

Home Grown, Marylebone

The vibe: Dubbed London’s leading business club, Home Grown is from the same people behind Home House, but this time aimed at entrepreneurs who take their business seriously, meaning you must be a thriving start-up looking for expansion and hungry to network with business angels to get in. Why? This innovative private member’s club prides itself on its ability to match businesses with funders, and has been designed so that its interior architecture, furnishings and décor creates flow, empathy, energy, excitement and comfort. As such expect ‘in conversation with’ events with high-profile business leaders, ‘how to’ talks and debates and discussions over dinner.

Food and drink: Head chef James Allan creates carefully curated menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients sourced from premium, independent and, where possible, local suppliers at the club’s brasserie-style restaurant, while Unicorn Bar is a great spot for a nightcap with an array of cocktails, wines, spirits and more.

The benefits: Aside from business-themed events, Home Grown is also big on wellness, with yoga brunches and sound meditation, and you’ll also enjoy business lounges and pitching suites across the five-storey Georgian townhouse, as well as 35 boutique bedrooms.

How do I become a member? Email membership@homegrownclub.co.uk for more information.

Can I visit as a non-member? No.

The fee: There are a number of different memberships depending on your needs but, the most popular is full membership with a joining fee of £399 and then £166.67pm or £2,000 per year, with preferential rates for three or more individuals from the same business. We are currently offering 50% off membership fees for Life/Redefined members. Find out more.

homegrownclub.co.uk

Soho House, various locations

The vibe: A group of members’ clubs that need no introduction, the first Soho House was launched by Nick Jones on London’s Greek Street back in 1995 with a mission to set it apart from the city’s stuffy competitors. Fast forward almost 30 years and there are now nine locations across London including 76 Dean Street, White City House and the trendy Shoreditch House, as well as an impressive number of locations around the world in cities like New York, Berlin, Rome and Hong Kong.

Food and drink: Restaurants differ between each House, but examples include delicious Italian fare at Cecconi’s, simple British dishes and wood-fired pizzas at 40 Greek Street, and one of the best Sunday roasts in the city at Shoreditch House.

The benefits: Access to a gym and spas at many of the Houses, member rates at sister restaurants, access to members-only hotel rooms and regular events.

How do I become a member? Applicants must provide a recent headshot, nominations from two current Soho House members and an accounting of their career, with only those from creative industries considered.

Can I visit as a non-member? Not alone, but members can sign in up to three guests at a time.

The fee: Sign-up fee of £550 which can be used on F&B plus a monthly cost of £229.17 or an annual cost of £2,750.00 for access to all the Houses worldwide. Access to just one House costs an average of £100 per month.

Apply here.

Home House, Marylebone

The vibe: Spread across three Georgian townhouses on Marylebone’s leafy Portman Square, Home House is a wonderful marriage of 18th century opulence and 21st century design with a distinctive British feel. While it’s a great spot to catch up with friends over a good meal, you’ll also find an unrivalled social calendar packed with endless events and societies, making it ideal for those looking to network among new friends.

Food and drink: Boasting two restaurants, five bars and lavish party areas, they take drinking and dining seriously at Home House. The cocktails are exemplary, as are the small plates - be sure to try the sesame-seared tuna or the octopus carpaccio. We’re also particularly big fans of its quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Rooms.

The benefits: There’s a gym and health spa plus 23 suites on site with Bridgerton-esque names like ‘Marquis de la Luzerne’ and ‘Lady Charlotte’.

How do I become a member? Billed as a ‘home away from home’, there are no interviews during the application process – simply complete the application form here.

Can I visit as a non-member? No, but members can bring up to three guests per visit.

The fee: Memberships range from corporate to overseas, with the full individual membership costing £2,250 per year with a sign-up fee of £399.

AllBright, Mayfair

The vibe: Built for women, by women, this sleek townhouse in the heart of Mayfair offers wellness, business and networking in one very slick package. With a strong focus on making connections, AllBright also offers digital memberships to those who wish to avail themselves of the benefits of a female-led professional network without needing to be in London.

Food and drink: With an all-day restaurant, two rooftop terraces and private dining facilities, AllBright also offers cooking masterclasses, as well as a salad bar, if you're just in need of a light bite.

The benefits: AllBright's second floor is given over to an in-house salon, perfect for a bit of me-time between meetings. But its real power is in its business networking, with an exciting programme of events to meet and share ideas, comfortable workplaces, and, when you're done working for the day, a series of cultural programmes to enjoy.

How do I become a member? Apply online for one of their many membership offers.

Can I visit as a non-member? Guests are permitted to accompany a member.

The fee: Digital membership starts at just £8.33 a month. Full club membership is £1650, plus joining fee, and AllBright also offers Social and Corporate memberships too. Find out more.

The Conduit, Covent Garden

The vibe: Otherwise known as the London private members’ club with a conscience, it doesn’t matter what you do for a living when it comes to joining The Conduit – if you’ve done something good for the world, have a proven track record in systematic change or are passionate about leaving the world a better place than when you entered it, then chances are you’re in.

Food and drink: This sustainability theme runs throughout the club’s main dining spaces too, with a seasonal food offering plus a roof terrace complete with plants selected specifically for pollination.

The benefits: Expect over 150 in-person and digital events taking place each year, from enlightening talks to comedy clubs and wellness classes.

How do I become a member? There are a number of upcoming membership open days on 18th & 25th September, 16th October, 13th November and 11th December where you can explore everything a membership has to offer. Otherwise enquire here.

Can I visit as a non-member? The roof restaurant is open to the public every Friday and Saturday evening.

The fee: There are four different memberships including off peak, with the main membership costing £184 per month with a £350 joining fee.

The Arts Club, Mayfair

The vibe: Perhaps one of London’s most famous private member’s clubs, as the name suggests, this prestigious Mayfair hangout is aimed at anyone from the arts world looking for a place to eat, drink and chat, with a vibrant and eclectic crowd that match the equally sumptuous surroundings.

Food and drink: There are five different drinking and dining options at The Arts Club, including its signature restaurant Brasserie which is headed up by head chef Jean Luc Mongodin and features an evolving Mediterranean menu of seasonal dishes; Kyubi which focuses on Japanese cuisine; and late-night cocktail bar Leo’s which, open until 3am, is a must for night owls.

The benefits: Members can enjoy exclusive use of its private spaces for events, as well as join in talks, discussions and live music nights.

How do I become a member? Members need to have some interest and experience in film, music, fashion, theatre, photography or art, so if that sounds like you then you can start the application process here.

Can I visit as a non-member? Only if you are joining a member who must be present to sign you in.

The fee: Full membership costs £2,500 with a joining fee of £2,000. Partners sharing the same address of a member can also join with an annual fee of £1,250.