7 of London’s Best Private Members’ Clubs

One of London’s better known private members’ clubs, located behind discreet windows in Soho, Groucho Club has been a favourite among city slickers and international jet-setters since opening in 1985. It earned its reputation over the next two decades for the hell-raising debauchery that took place within its eclectic walls.

It has a strict membership policy and a reputation as one of the hardest boltholes in town to get into to. However, once inside, expect a 1980s aesthetic, a large collection of contemporary art from the likes of Damien Hirst and Polly Morgan, and party-hard patrons mostly from the publishing, media, entertainment and arts industries.

Anyone can apply for membership, but those working in the creative side of media and the arts are favoured, and being recommended by existing members helps. Joining fee for under 30s is £350 per year (plus a £100 registration fee), and for over 30s it’s £850 per year (plus a £250 registration fee).

Not to be confused with RAC, the automobile break-down service, The Royal Automobile Club is one of the world’s foremost private members’ clubs, providing its esteemed members with a wide variety of swanky amenities across its two clubhouses (it has a second clubhouse and country estate located in Woodcote Park, Surrey).

Although it has a strict, somewhat old-school and complicated application system, membership at The Royal Automobile Club is well worth it. The Grade II listed Pall Mall clubhouse offers Edwardian Turkish baths, a beautiful Italian marble swimming pool, squash courts, a snooker room, three restaurants, two bars, a fully equipped business centre (The Simms Centre) opened in 2013, a Club Shop, and a small Post Office. There are also 106 bedrooms, free bar snacks, and really good, cheap food and wine.

Membership starts at £479.00 per year for those aged 18 - 23 (plus a registration fee of £1,102.00), and up to £1,612.00 per year for ages 31 and above (plus a registration fee of £3,677.00).

Blurring the lines between work and play, The Devonshire Club is one of the newest - and coolest - kids on the block (it opened in 2016). Consisting of an 18th Century former East India Company warehouse and a large Georgian townhouse, the modern club boasts a private library, super high-speed internet, three luxurious bars, and a very comfortable lounge area.

It’s convenient East End location means city folk no longer have to travel across to the West End, where most traditional members’ clubs are found. A highlight of the club is the stunning 120 seat brasserie, spread over 5 floors, with a magnificent marbled seafood counter. But, unlike many other private members’ clubs, The Devonshire Club is not all about hedonistic indulgences; it also houses 4 Wellness centre, complete with beauty treatments, blow bar, and a well-equipped gym, weights room, and yoga studio.

Standard membership is available from £2,000 per year (plus a registration fee of £2,000).

The ‘SKC’ is another new-school breed of private members’ club, “inspired by a spirit of adventure and a multicultural perspective,” according to its website. More inclusive than many clubs, the SKC has more of a focus on wellbeing and health, providing its members with the most state-of-the-art facilities, science-led treatments, and a variety of complementary therapies.

The club also houses a traditional 'banya' Russian steam bath, a well-equipped gym, Turkish baths, and a saltwater pool filled with water the club flew over from Sicily's volcanic Aeolian Islands. Priding itself on its forward-thinking approach, the SKC doesn’t ask potential members for a proposer or seconder, stating that it’s not “about who you know,” but rather, “who you are.” A true home-away-from-home where today’s modern man and woman can unwind, learn and grow.

The overall vibe at Shoreditch House is relaxed and creative, with an atmosphere conducive to getting work done and meeting like-minded people in a comfortable and welcoming environment. When working hours are over, members can make full use of the games room, bowling alley, and comprehensive gym.

Membership starts at £500 for under 27s (plus a registration fee of £150).

Blacks is a rare gem. A throwback to London’s bohemian past. As one of the oldest private members‘ clubs in the UK, originally built in 1732 by Christopher Wren‘s apprentice, John Meard Jnr, it has long been a favourite of London’s libertines. In fact, it was named Blacks Club as the antithesis to White’s Club, London’s oldest gentlemen’s club, with many of its original members said to have been banished from White’s due to their lewd behaviour.

After undergoing a renovation in 2014 to restore it to its original heritage, Black’s offers an abundance of private coves whence to enjoy a whiskey and unwind; as well as a basement nightclub, and a top floor restaurant. Fine artwork and finer wines are changed quarterly, while this legendary London institution is also dog-friendly.

Get through the hallowed doors at this timeless Mayfair private members’ club and you’ll see why it continues to attract the biggest names in showbusiness, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Jay Z and Beyoncé. Like its patrons, The Arts Club has a larger than life personality and an illustrious history to match; with Charles Dickens and James Whistler among its founding members in 1896.

The 150-year-old hangout regularly hosts events including poetry readings, cabaret performances, and curated tours of arts institutions. Along with large, fanciful rooms; restaurants; dance floors; and numerous bars, The Arts Club also houses a boutique hotel with 16 impeccable rooms, complete with hand-tufted rugs, walnut floors, and art deco-style marble bathrooms.

Membership starts at £1,000 per year for under 30s (plus a registration fee £1,000), and goes up to £2,000 per year for over 30s (plus a registration fee of £2,000). Potential members require a proposer and a seconder.