London's best private members' clubs

While some members’ clubs may be defined by intimate, cosy spaces, the Ritz Club is situated in the former ballroom of the Ritz Hotel and immediately makes a statement with its grand, decadent surroundings. The club has a fine-dining  restaurant and opulent bar, but it’s in the legendary casino where you’ll find the big rollers. With three-card poker baccarat to roulette, there is no finer or more glamorous setting for making, or indeed, losing your fortune. For more info, theritzclub.com

While some members’ clubs may be defined by intimate, cosy spaces, the Ritz Club is situated in the former ballroom of the Ritz Hotel and immediately makes a statement with its grand, decadent surroundings. The club has a fine-dining  restaurant and opulent bar, but it’s in the legendary casino where you’ll find the big rollers. With three-card poker baccarat to roulette, there is no finer or more glamorous setting for making, or indeed, losing your fortune. For more info, theritzclub.com

Beaufort House’s four floors afford it a versatility and convivial atmosphere all of its own. You’ll be just at home having a coffee or brunch at the brasserie  as you will escaping from the Kings Rd hubbub with a glass of bubbly in the champagne penthouse. Members can enjoy monthly events such as wine tasting and cocktail classes. On the subject of cocktails, Beaufort House’s are certainly worth a look, and our favourite is the ‘Zombie’. We’ll let you discover where its name came from. For more info, beauforthousechelsea.co.uk

Beaufort House’s four floors afford it a versatility and convivial atmosphere all of its own. You’ll be just at home having a coffee or brunch at the brasserie  as you will escaping from the Kings Rd hubbub with a glass of bubbly in the champagne penthouse. Members can enjoy monthly events such as wine tasting and cocktail classes. On the subject of cocktails, Beaufort House’s are certainly worth a look, and our favourite is the ‘Zombie’. We’ll let you discover where its name came from. For more info, beauforthousechelsea.co.uk

Behind the famously inconspicuous entrance at 40 Jermyn Street are two elegantly decorated rooms - a bar  and restaurant in one and a dance floor in the other. With its 17th century wood panelling, chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and dinner-jacketed staff, Tramp resembles an old-fashioned drawing room, or the bar and ballroom of an impossibly grand townhouse. The name - given by founders Oscar Lerman and Johnny Gold - was inspired by the Charlie Chaplin  character the Little Tramp. Earlier this year, Tramp opened a sumptuous lounge bar and smoking terrace - already a Square Mile favourite. For more info, tramp.co.uk

Behind the famously inconspicuous entrance at 40 Jermyn Street are two elegantly decorated rooms - a bar  and restaurant in one and a dance floor in the other. With its 17th century wood panelling, chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and dinner-jacketed staff, Tramp resembles an old-fashioned drawing room, or the bar and ballroom of an impossibly grand townhouse. The name - given by founders Oscar Lerman and Johnny Gold - was inspired by the Charlie Chaplin  character the Little Tramp. Earlier this year, Tramp opened a sumptuous lounge bar and smoking terrace - already a Square Mile favourite. For more info, tramp.co.uk

A genuine institution in a part of London hardly short of them. Annabel’s was founded by Mark Birley in 1963, and has played host to bankers, celebrities, Euros and royals (even the Queen’s been). The club recently moved to new digs in Berkley Square, and now offers an all-day and all-night experience for the first time. Its four floors hold many delights, a collection of restaurants and bars, private dining rooms, a cigar salon and workspace. Here's to the next half century – may it prove as successful and glamorous as the last. For more info, annabels.co.uk

A genuine institution in a part of London hardly short of them. Annabel’s was founded by Mark Birley in 1963, and has played host to bankers, celebrities, Euros and royals (even the Queen’s been). The club recently moved to new digs in Berkley Square, and now offers an all-day and all-night experience for the first time. Its four floors hold many delights, a collection of restaurants and bars, private dining rooms, a cigar salon and workspace. Here's to the next half century – may it prove as successful and glamorous as the last. For more info, annabels.co.uk

London-based Soho House & Co and New York’s Sydell Group have teamed up to create this 252-room hotel and members’ club. The former Midland Bank HQ has been transformed via a £200m renovation.  There are eight different bars and restaurants – and that’s before you include Ned’s Club, which has a rooftop pool, a spa and hammam, and a late-night bar. The latter used to be the bank’s original vault – the inspiration for Fort Knox in Goldfinger. You enter through a 20-tonne door and then are surrounded by its 3,800 safety deposit boxes. But my favourite spot here is the spa’s subterranean pool, which used to be a bullion vault. Just watch out for gold diggers. After all, the City hasn’t changed that much. For more info, thened.com

London-based Soho House & Co and New York’s Sydell Group have teamed up to create this 252-room hotel and members’ club. The former Midland Bank HQ has been transformed via a £200m renovation.  There are eight different bars and restaurants – and that’s before you include Ned’s Club, which has a rooftop pool, a spa and hammam, and a late-night bar. The latter used to be the bank’s original vault – the inspiration for Fort Knox in Goldfinger. You enter through a 20-tonne door and then are surrounded by its 3,800 safety deposit boxes. But my favourite spot here is the spa’s subterranean pool, which used to be a bullion vault. Just watch out for gold diggers. After all, the City hasn’t changed that much. For more info, thened.com

Building on its success of winning Harpers Awards’ ‘Best New Restaurant’ accolade in 2015, the M Threadneedle St is branching out and launching a private members’ den. A space designed for both work and play, it features a meeting room for the serious stuff and a ten seat screening room, foosball table, rotating art gallery, Hennessy Bar and a Belvedere Martini trolley for the lazy. As a member, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of a complimentary breakfast, the option to invite up to five guests, priority tasting of limited edition spirits and wines and a Personal Membership Manager to look after your every need. There’s no stuffy dress code either. Gentleman, your den in the city awaits. For more info, mrestaurants.co.uk

Building on its success of winning Harpers Awards’ ‘Best New Restaurant’ accolade in 2015, the M Threadneedle St is branching out and launching a private members’ den. A space designed for both work and play, it features a meeting room for the serious stuff and a ten seat screening room, foosball table, rotating art gallery, Hennessy Bar and a Belvedere Martini trolley for the lazy. As a member, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of a complimentary breakfast, the option to invite up to five guests, priority tasting of limited edition spirits and wines and a Personal Membership Manager to look after your every need. There’s no stuffy dress code either. Gentleman, your den in the city awaits. For more info, mrestaurants.co.uk

The oenophiles among you need look no further for the members' club to join. 67 Pall Mall of St James’s was recently named as having the best wine offering in London on WineListConfidential.com, the wine rating service from the team behind The Drinks Business. The club achieved a score of 95.4 out of 100 and was praised for its amazing "diversity and depth". Fittingly the whole of 67 Pall Mall is a temple to wine, with a Members' Lounge serving high-quality labels by the glass and bottle, and the Wine Library displaying the club's impressive collection. With a first-floor expansion due to be completed by summer 2017, now is the perfect time to add yourself to the list. For more info: 67pallmall.co.uk 

The oenophiles among you need look no further for the members' club to join. 67 Pall Mall of St James’s was recently named as having the best wine offering in London on WineListConfidential.com, the wine rating service from the team behind The Drinks Business. The club achieved a score of 95.4 out of 100 and was praised for its amazing "diversity and depth". Fittingly the whole of 67 Pall Mall is a temple to wine, with a Members' Lounge serving high-quality labels by the glass and bottle, and the Wine Library displaying the club's impressive collection. With a first-floor expansion due to be completed by summer 2017, now is the perfect time to add yourself to the list. For more info: 67pallmall.co.uk 

Famed for its bohemian outlook and creative clientele of actors, musicians, artists and poets, for many The Groucho remains the quintessential members' club. Opened in 1985 as a antidote to the stuffy members' clubs of yore, The Groucho was a hotbed of celebrity and revelry throughout the 1990s, the place where the great and good came to let their hair down. The club was refurbished in 2015 but the new decor didn't dampen its appeal as a place to see and be seen. Its namesake Groucho Marx famously said, "I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member" – The Groucho keeps alive the spirit of that sentiment. For more info, see thegrouchoclub.com  

Famed for its bohemian outlook and creative clientele of actors, musicians, artists and poets, for many The Groucho remains the quintessential members' club. Opened in 1985 as a antidote to the stuffy members' clubs of yore, The Groucho was a hotbed of celebrity and revelry throughout the 1990s, the place where the great and good came to let their hair down. The club was refurbished in 2015 but the new decor didn't dampen its appeal as a place to see and be seen. Its namesake Groucho Marx famously said, "I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member" – The Groucho keeps alive the spirit of that sentiment. For more info, see thegrouchoclub.com  

Happy birthday, Quo Vadis! The legendary club – Karl Marx wrote much of Das Kapital in a room above the restaurant – has experienced a makeover for its 90th anniversary. Additions include a members’ restaurant on the first floor, and the former bar area on the ground floor restored to its original dining room glory. The food at Quo Vadis has received high praise from those who are both hard to please and in the know: Giles Coren, Jay Rayner and Fay Maschler are all fans of chef Jeremy Lee's exquisite menu. Enjoy delicious British dishes such as haddock fish cakes, venision, and a daily pie and mash (exquisite), perfect designed for the long cold nights. And don't worry: the Quo Vadis cocktails aren't going anywhere. If you're looking this good at 90, please tell us your secret. 

Membership is by application or invitation. Candidates require a proposer and seconder who is an existing member and the application goes before a committee. There is a £500 annual fee, plus a £150 joining fee. The annual fee is £300 for under 30s. For more info, visit quovadissoho.co.uk

Happy birthday, Quo Vadis! The legendary club – Karl Marx wrote much of Das Kapital in a room above the restaurant – has experienced a makeover for its 90th anniversary. Additions include a members’ restaurant on the first floor, and the former bar area on the ground floor restored to its original dining room glory. The food at Quo Vadis has received high praise from those who are both hard to please and in the know: Giles Coren, Jay Rayner and Fay Maschler are all fans of chef Jeremy Lee's exquisite menu. Enjoy delicious British dishes such as haddock fish cakes, venision, and a daily pie and mash (exquisite), perfect designed for the long cold nights. And don't worry: the Quo Vadis cocktails aren't going anywhere. If you're looking this good at 90, please tell us your secret. 

Membership is by application or invitation. Candidates require a proposer and seconder who is an existing member and the application goes before a committee. There is a £500 annual fee, plus a £150 joining fee. The annual fee is £300 for under 30s. For more info, visit quovadissoho.co.uk

Housed in the former Port of London Authority building, Ten Trinity Square is one of the most exciting additions to the capital’s members’ clubs in recent memory. The Reignwood Group’s monster project is due for completion early 2017 including a luxury hotel and 41 private residences, but it’s the club itself that is the main draw. Sensitively restored to show off the historic building’s finest attributes, the space is all hand-carved walnut panelling and high ornate ceilings – a strong blend of moody, classy and comfortable. tentrinitysquare.com

Alongside a cigar lounge, billiards room, private dining and meeting rooms, the club has two restaurants catered for by three-Michelin-star French chef Anne-Sophie Pic. But the wine is where Ten Trinity Square turns it up to 11. Partnering with the internationally-acclaimed Chateau Latour – a world first for the Médoc vineyard – the club will offer some of the winery’s best vintages to members, including an incredible Chateau Latour Discovery Room for true oenophiles. tentrinitysquare.com

Since launching in 1995, the Soho House chain of private members' clubs has proved phenomenally successful, with Houses now located in Berlin, New York, West Hollywood, Miami, Chicago, Toronto and Istanbul. With the original Soho House currently undergoing refurbishment, the recently opened 76 Dean Street is a delightful alternative. 

However if you want one area to embody the brand's championing of the creative industries, it could only be Shoreditch. Unsurprisingly, Shoreditch House manages to cram several identities into one venue: busy social hub, high-class restaurant, relaxed health centre – the Cowshed Spa is celebrated in its own right – decadent hangout complete with rooftop pool, and compact hotel. Even the work-space turns into a games room come the evening. It's the perfect place to sit-down for the types who hate standing still. 

For more information see shoreditchhouse.com

Since launching in 1995, the Soho House chain of private members' clubs has proved phenomenally successful, with Houses now located in Berlin, New York, West Hollywood, Miami, Chicago, Toronto and Istanbul. With the original Soho House currently undergoing refurbishment, the recently opened 76 Dean Street is a delightful alternative. 

However if you want one area to embody the brand's championing of the creative industries, it could only be Shoreditch. Unsurprisingly, Shoreditch House manages to cram several identities into one venue: busy social hub, high-class restaurant, relaxed health centre – the Cowshed Spa is celebrated in its own right – decadent hangout complete with rooftop pool, and compact hotel. Even the work-space turns into a games room come the evening. It's the perfect place to sit-down for the types who hate standing still. 

For more information see shoreditchhouse.com

"A new era in club hospitality" may sound like a bold claim, but the soon-to-open Devonshire Club promises to live up to the hype. This enclave of exclusivity – which is aimed specifically at City workers, and will occupy six floors of a listed 19th century warehouse near Liverpool Street – is raising the bar when it comes to members' clubs, and bringing them firmly back into the spotlight.

The man behind the club, Brian Clivaz (aka the "King of Clubs") was launch MD of Home House and the revamped Arts Club, so expect this destination to quickly become the hottest ticket in the City, with a feel that's distinctly more Mayfair than Monument.

So what will the £2,400 per year membership fee (or ten-year debenture membership for £24,000) get you? Well, for starters, there's three bars – Cocktail, Champagne and, in keeping with tradition, Library – as well as a 120-seat brasserie, one of only 12 places in the UK to serve Kobe beef, and four private dining rooms. Sixty-eight luxury bedrooms will accommodate those who wish to stay overnight, while the gym and pilates studio will assist in counteracting any overindulgence. Speaking of which, there are also blow dry and nail bars, as well as a spa.

In terms of interior design, the feel is "luxury mid-century", created by March & White (who were also on board at the Arts Club), with bespoke stained-glass windows and an elegant aesthetic throughout.

Like the sound of it? You're certainly not the only one – the buzz surrounding the Devonshire is already electric, and with the managing teams' collective intention of making it one of the leading private members' clubs in the world, you can bet that investing in a membership could be a wise move.

For more information, see: devonshire.club

If the thought of queuing for the treadmill at your dingy local leisure centre fills you with dread, we've found you a far more idylic location for your workout. Francis Bacon’s former house in South Kensington has been transformed into a members-only 'wellness and health sanctuary', and it's got fitness covered: the entire top floor of the main building is a state-of-the-art, bright and airy gym that offers personal training, and high energy classes including boxing and power yoga. Membership is £365 per month or £3,504 annually, with a £1,000 joining fee. For more info, visit southkensingtonclub.com

If the thought of queuing for the treadmill at your dingy local leisure centre fills you with dread, we've found you a far more idylic location for your workout. Francis Bacon’s former house in South Kensington has been transformed into a members-only 'wellness and health sanctuary', and it's got fitness covered: the entire top floor of the main building is a state-of-the-art, bright and airy gym that offers personal training, and high energy classes including boxing and power yoga. Membership is £365 per month or £3,504 annually, with a £1,000 joining fee. For more info, visit southkensingtonclub.com

Business-meets-pleasure is the idea behind 12 Hay Hill, a new concept club in Mayfair that provides luxury serviced office space as well as facilities for recreational pursuits.

Aimed at London-based entrepreneurs and both established and emerging international companies, members get access to state-of-the-art, fully serviced offices, nine meeting rooms, four boardrooms and luxury business lounges, and a contemporary restaurant serving dishes devised by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin. There's also a New York-style deli bar, and a terrace and garden overlooking Berkeley Square.

The club's art curator runs a collection of regularly changing exhibitions and displays throughout, so you can take time out of a hectic day with some moments of quiet contemplation. Business seminars are also held throughout the year, and there's the option for members to host their own events, too. 

As well as providing a smart environment for work and play, the team behind 12 Hay Hill has created a space in which you can interact with similarly minded businesspeople, and expand your network of contacts. The whole concept also makes the transition from your desk to post-work drinks effortless, which is surely worth the membership fee alone.

For more information, see: 12hayhill.com

Situated in a Georgian townhouse on Charles Street in the centre of Mayfair, Mark's is everything that you would expect from a traditional members' club, and it's all the more magnificent for it. Take for example its dress code, which states that "ladies should be elegantly dressed, while gentlemen are required to wear a jacket at all times… Suits are actively encouraged". While sportswear, naturally, is not.

Originally founded in 1973, Mark's re-opened after an extensive refurbishment at the end of last year, and the team behind it – Charles Price, Peter Dubens, Howard Barclay and Richard Caring – are dedicated to providing a genuinely exclusive experience for its carefully curated array of members. So selective is the membership policy that, during July last year, all of the club's then existing members had to reapply. Shortly afterwards, David Cameron was given an honorary membership (which would usually cost £2,000 per year, plus a joining fee of £1,000). If you're keen to join the lucky few, you'll need to be proposed by an existing member, seconded by another, and pen a letter explaining your worth.

For more information, see:marksclub.co.uk

Spread across three Georgian town houses at 19, 20 and 21 Portman Square, Home House merges old school glamour with contemporary interior design, exemplified by Zaha Hadid’s sculpture-like bar. Offering two restaurants, bars, a spa, gardens and the decadent party rooms of The Vaults, we’re told the club has only one rule: nudity is discouraged, while naughtiness is de rigeur. We’ll feel right at home, then.

Annual membership for over 35s is £1,840, plus £295 registration fee.

For more info, visit homehouse.co.uk

Spread across three Georgian town houses at 19, 20 and 21 Portman Square, Home House merges old school glamour with contemporary interior design, exemplified by Zaha Hadid’s sculpture-like bar. Offering two restaurants, bars, a spa, gardens and the decadent party rooms of The Vaults, we’re told the club has only one rule: nudity is discouraged, while naughtiness is de rigeur. We’ll feel right at home, then.

For a long time those in the know in the London 'meeja' scene have been members of the excellent Covent Garden private members club, The Hospital, which was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and David Stewart  (formerly of the popular beat combo, The Eurythmics). It's been dubbed a ‘creative hub’ by those in the know, thanks to its art gallery, TV studio and screening room, plus the usual things we expect from members' clubs (comfy chairs, meeting rooms and free-flowing booze – sorry – ideas). 

Now the club has decided to open its doors to non-members (gasp) with the launch of 15 luxury bedrooms, which will give overnight guests the chance to rest their heads in a very chic setting, and allow them the opportunity to hang out with the club's big wigs by sharing use of its full facilities.

For a long time those in the know in the London 'meeja' scene have been members of the excellent Covent Garden private members club, The Hospital, which was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and David Stewart  (formerly of the popular beat combo, The Eurythmics). It's been dubbed a ‘creative hub’ by those in the know, thanks to its art gallery, TV studio and screening room, plus the usual things we expect from members' clubs (comfy chairs, meeting rooms and free-flowing booze – sorry – ideas).

If you fancy feeling superior, end your evenings on a high with a membership at Searcys at the Gherkin, where you can sip on an Old Fashioned as you look down on the City’s mass of tiny worker ants, 180 metres below you. Once you’ve paid the £250 joining fee, £750 annual membership and been approved by the board, you’ll have exclusive access to the Club Lounge, plus use of the restaurant and bar, which boast 360° views that are difficult to beat.

For more info, visit searcysthegherkin.co.uk

If you fancy feeling superior, end your evenings on a high with a membership at Searcys at the Gherkin, where you can sip on an Old Fashioned as you look down on the City’s mass of tiny worker ants, 180 metres below you. Once you’ve paid the £250 joining fee, £750 annual membership and been approved by the board, you’ll have exclusive access to the Club Lounge, plus use of the restaurant and bar, which boast 360° views that are difficult to beat.

If you like the idea of spending your spare time in the company of creative types, big names and some even bigger personalities, you'd be wise to consider a membership at the legendary Arts Club on Dover Street.

Having hosted the wedding of Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley, welcomed the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé into its stylish surroundings, and lured musical heavyweights such as Ronnie Wood, Noel Gallagher and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers to its basement bar, it's fair to say that when it comes to attracting some of the world's most famous faces, the Arts Club has it nailed.

You won't find that anyone inside is remotely bothered though, as the destination has a long history of hosting the cream of the creative crop – its past members and guests have included Charles Dickens, as well as artists Walter Sickert and Frederic Leighton. Indeed, one of the club's original members was James Whistler (although he left to found the rival Chelsea Arts Club).

This Mayfair institution was founded in 1863 as an exclusive club for those with a passion (either professional or personal) for the arts, literature or science, and stays true to this ethos: the in-house art collection is impressive, featuring site-specific installations and both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as regular events.

Elsewhere, you'll find a brasserie serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon pastries and dinner; an oyster bar, and a library. The club's traditional decor has recently been given a contemporary update, and each club room has its own feel and design. Stand-out spots include the grand staircase in the heart of the building, and art deco-inspired dining areas.

The speakeasy-style basement bar hosts regular musical performances, as well as cabaret and film screenings, and stays open until 3am, so it's just as well there's 16 guest bedrooms and suites on the top floors of the building. All that culture can be exhausting.

For more information, see: theartsclub.co.uk

With two EC2 locations – Moorgate and Bank – Eight is the perfect hangout for off-duty City boys and girls. With its library, studio gym and an impressive rooftop terrace, Eight Moorgate is great for those seeking some downtime. If you’re a pool player that craves a more refined destination than the sports bar to pot the black, then Eight Bank, with its Brunswick Champion Pool Tables, is your club. 

Membership for both clubs is £800 plus VAT with a £75 joining fee.

For more info, visit eightclub.co.uk

With two EC2 locations – Moorgate and Bank – Eight is the perfect hangout for off-duty City boys and girls. With its library, studio gym and an impressive rooftop terrace, Eight Moorgate is great for those seeking some downtime. If you’re a pool player that craves a more refined destination than the sports bar to pot the black, then Eight Bank, with its Brunswick Champion Pool Tables, is your club.