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Members’ clubs may be the very definition of exclusivity, but for anyone under 40, the traditional establishments around the St James’s district of London may seem fusty and unpalatable.
A new breed of buzzy members’ clubs has emerged in recent years, aimed primarily at younger professionals looking for something more than a place to snooze after lunch, and with a looser approach to rules and restrictions than the old guard of Pall Mall.
For this article, aimed at first-time club members and younger people, there are some limitations on luxury to reflect the target market. The clubs here all cost under £2,000 a year for membership and the Financial Times has taken on board recommendations from younger members from various business sectors.
Sadly, even famed private clubs are not immune to economic pressures. The House of Saint Barnabas, in its iconic building and chapel just off Soho Square, was a favourite among the arts and creative set. Yet it filed for liquidation this year, bringing the shutters down on London’s only charity members’ club.
But there are still many options for those looking for a private space and a bit of luxury on a (relative) budget.
Best for multiple venues
It is hard to ignore Soho House, which has been spreading its affluent tentacles around the world for nearly 30 years. If you want the “all house” membership option, then at £2,950 a year you’re falling outside the scope of this article. However, if you opt for a “single house” membership at, say, Shoreditch House in east London, you’ll still get a rooftop pool, spa, gym, three restaurants and loads of events. Membership starts from about £1,800 a year. If you are under 27, you will get a hefty discount to £1,000 until you hit old age at 28. It is £1,500 for an all house membership for the young folk too.
Best for thinkers and speakers
If you prefer to dine without the thumping beats of a DJ soundtrack, you may want to consider a more cerebral option. The Conduit, in Covent Garden, covers six floors and offers a packed schedule of events featuring world leaders, big thinkers and Nobel Prize winners. It has two restaurants, podcast studio spaces and a rooftop terrace. Membership is £2,000 a year plus (£1,450 for those under 33) a £475 joining fee, though with the off-peak or out of towner options this falls to £1,150 a year (plus joining fee).
Best for arty types
This legendary venue — formerly Camden Palace — is geared at the artist and musician crowd. For your membership fee of £1,250 a year for under-35s (£950 if you are under 27, but £2,150 for over-35s), you gain access to House of Koko’s four floors of eclectic extravagance behind the Koko music venue. Explore secret rooms, make use of the personal bartender service and gain access to exclusive, up-close gigs and events.
