Londoners are encapsulated with private member clubs for more reasons than one. Set up for the British upper-class in the 18th century and popularised by men and women in the late 19th century, elites from the rich and famous to the self-made entrepreneurs are pulling all the stops to secure an exclusive membership.
Most people in member clubs are working, not playing. Having access to the most swanky clubs inevitably puts you in a position in which you are rubbing elbows with the crème de la crème of London. Socialising with elites not only paves the way for great conversations, but also successful business transactions and collaborations -after all, your network is your net worth.
Annabel’s is hands down one of my favourite member clubs in London, amongst Soho House. Not only does it elevate one of my favourite Oscar Wilde quotes as its ethos – ‘to live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all’, it has also opened its door to a new anticipated home, A Grade I listed mansion house at 46 Berkeley Square, sitting besides London’s finest clubs and restaurants. With it’s doors open all day and night, its members can dine, work and play around the clock.
The reason why Annabel’s particularly stood out to me was because of it’s sheer versatility to accommodate every single person, mood, lifestyle and personality. If you’re feeling to get down on the dance floor, you could enter the world’s most famous Nightclub, and Jungle Bar. A second home to guests like Drake and Rita Ora, it has an exotic vibe, with wall coverings, fabrics and furnishings featuring animal prints, jungle foliages and colourful birds complimented by mirrored glass wall. Upstairs, I discovered the Rose Room which was absolute decor goals on a level I am yet to see replicated. I was surrounded by hand-painted gold and silver leaf paintings, extravagant chandeliers and a breathtaking pink, back-lit bar. It was an ethereal escape and was a complete testament to the exclusivity and richness of the club. While we started off with drinks in the Rose Room, we had dinner in The Garden – a unique oasis quintessential English Garden lit with beautiful golden lights. I loved the salt and pepper squid and sea bass, but would not recommend the black cod – go to Novikov and thank me later. My next time at Annabel’s will be spent exploring the Elephant and Mexican Room, offering members an entirely new experience. I spent approx 20 minutes having a fully comp photo shoot in the toilets – probably one of my fav places to chill in Annabels haha.
Now that you’ve heard how adaptable Annabel’s is, you’re probably wondering how you can get your foot through the door. Although you need around £2,000 per annum, along with joining fees of £300, and the patience of joining a waiting list of anything up to 18 months, the members at Annabel’s is made up of a hand picked alchemy of like-minded individuals who collectively enjoy the finer things in life. However, gaining entry isn’t just a case of finances – the selection criteria is far more extensive than that. Good manners, wit, a breadth of contacts is essential. Reading Annabel’s 2018 Rule Book was incredibly boring, but I did it because I love you guys and wanted to give you the full DL. The following rules highlighted just how ostentatious Annabel’s is:
- your phones must be kept on silent, and no laptops or speaking on the phone to your anyone from beau to business partner after 6pm.
- No ripped jeans – yeah…that’s half my wardrobe out the window. Men have to wear blazers after 6pm.
- Members are allowed to bring only three guests so choose wisely which one of your besties want that perfect Instagram check in (LOL).
- You have to write a resignation letter to terminate your membership…sounds pretty official.
At Annabel’s, a lively debate sparked on our table in the Rose Room. It sounds like rich peoples problems, but someone asked are “private members’ clubs worth it?”. We had a multifaceted group – 2 models, 2 bloggers, Head of Engagement for Dolce and Gabanna Middle East, an oil investor, and the son of multi million pound chain Rubicon Drinks Ltd so it was a fiery debate. On the one hand, member clubs’ were seen as elitist, populated with people who went to the same universities, while another said the exclusivity is becoming diluted. One jokingly said, it is a place were boring rich people can finally be themselves #savage. Negativity is looming, so time to flip the script. An opinion that struck me was that there is an emotional need amongst the rich and famous to feel a sense of belonging, to express individuality, to network with the best and that comes at a cost of a membership. Regardless, it is still cheaper than forking out for your own office space – such clubs suit today’s digital nomads who work remotely from their laptops. The perspective that won were that while they favour the rich – everyone hangs out somewhere and why not do so with those that inspire, challenge and elevate you to be the best you possibly can be. Yes, I’d keep it real and have a night out in Shoreditch, but members clubs are more than good music, fancy beverages, and a hefty bill, it is about the trimmings that you simply may not be able to leverage without being in such surroundings. I am attracted to being amongst those that I can learn from, having intelligent conversations and maybe even sitting in a beautiful room, drinking out of glasses heavier than my Celine bag – so in my opinion, they’re damn right worth it but absolutely crazy.
If you are interested in applying for membership at Annabel’s then you can here and I hope to see you there very soon.
HS xo