Behind closed doors: London’s private members’ clubs

About Behind closed doors: London’s private members’ clubs

By the ULTIMATE London Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

London has more private members’ clubs than almost any other city. Some date back to the 18th century; others are recent creative clubs. Almost all are open only to members and their guests.

St James’s and Pall Mall

The traditional gentlemen’s clubs grew up in St James’s from the 18th century, with grand clubhouses on Pall Mall and St James’s Street. Membership is by election.

Creative clubs

From the late 20th century, a new generation of clubs for people in the media and the arts opened in Soho, Mayfair and beyond.

The clubs of St James’s are a world apart, behind unmarked doors.

Hotels and restaurants

Some venues combine a club with a restaurant or hotel open to the public: Quo Vadis in Soho and The Ned in the City, for example, have members’ clubs upstairs while their restaurants welcome everyone.

Visiting

Most clubs are strictly private and admit only members and their guests. A few historic clubhouses occasionally open for heritage events, such as London’s annual Open House festival.

Our advice: enjoy the clubland atmosphere in public spaces such as Quo Vadis or The Ned, and look out for Open House London for rare chances to see inside.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Behind closed doors: London’s private members’ clubs before you go.