Admit it, we’ve all been curious. Even if we are firm believers in the Groucho Marx quote that ‘I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member’, or if we have thoughts of traditional smoke filled rooms where deals are done by the ‘great and good’ we’d all love to have a look and see what sort of facilities the membership fee buys.
Private Members clubs have been in existence for hundreds of years but they found their notoriety in London in the 19th Century, concentrated around St James Park. Until fairly recently the clubs (or ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ as they were often known) were very exclusive, only admitting the right ‘type’ of member. Since the dawn of the 21st Century however lots of clubs have been keen to open their doors to a wider audience than their more traditional member with venue hire for the events market, and this provides an excellent way to get a look behind the scenes, to see what you are missing!
There are many clubs which have opened their doors as unique venue spaces, some more traditional, some with a much more contemporary feel, and as venue hire is often the only way into the venue without paying the joining fee, here is a look at what feel are the best.
Quo Vadis (whose Latin name means ‘Where are you going?’) is one of the more open of Private Members clubs – they are famous for their restaurant and offer fantastic private dining facilities. The largest hire space the Marx room holds 70 standing or 24 seated, and the smaller Leoni Room seats 12. Located in Dean Street in Soho the club also boasts on on site bakery.
The Classic Car Club was established 20 years ago in North London as a way for enthusiasts to enjoy the cars without the hassle of owning them. The club has an impressive hire space available which is custom built to show off the car collection and can be hired with or without the cars which can be a real draw for your guests. With a maximum capacity of 500 standing this is a large space ideal for receptions or exhibitions. The Club is a real treasure trove for any car enthusiast and well worth a look if you fancied membership of a club that’s a bit different and a lot of fun!
The Hurlingham Club is one of the oldest and most spectacular of all Private Member clubs. Located by the Thames at Fulham the club sits in 42 acres of English gardens. Known as a home for polo, croquet and tennis the club has played an important part in the development of these sports in England. The history of the club can be traced back to 1867 when it was leased from the owners for pigeon shooting matches and an institution was born. This magnificent venue is now available for hire for a multitude of functions, and with a capacity of 1000 seated, a short walk to a tube station and a hard to believe 300 parking spaces this is such a flexible space in London and a real insight into another world.
Club 10 is a club which could belong in a long gone era – located three floors below street level in St Paul’s it could be a speakeasy! With a membership drawn from the City and the worlds of art and entertainment this club has a vibrant feel and a focus on live music and DJs with a packed program. With a renowned list of cocktails and sharing food it is a great location for a private party and a great example of a modern private members club.
The In and Out Club is located in the traditional home for Private Members Club, St James’, very close to both the wheels of government at Whitehall and the bright lights of Covent Garden. Steeped in tradition and history the In and Out Club (also known as the Naval and Military Club) has been in it’s present home at 4 St James’ Square since 1999. This Grade II listed building has a selection of historic rooms as befits a club that was established for officers of the armed services. The largest room, The Coffee room can seat 120 for a formal dinner and smaller, more intimate rooms are available, whatever size of event you are holding. The stunning surroundings lend themselves to formal dinners, banquets and private dining but they can also be used for conferences or other events. There is even a courtyard which is perfect for summer drinks parties.
Finally, Raffles in Chelsea is a club that likes to maintain the allure of a Private Members club. With no photography permitted inside the club it likes to retain it’s mystery! Established in 1967 it has counted royalty and famous musicians among it’s members, it describes itself as ‘facilitating the social interaction of persons connected with, or interested in fun, fashion and Chelsea’. Luckily for you it is available for private hire so you don’t need to be referred for membership to see inside the luxury interior which was refurbished in 2012. With an overall capacity of 225 and located on the Kings Road this will be a great pull as a location for your next event.
