London Members Clubs
Well apparently we’re in the middle of a credit crunch. I am certainly feeling the pinch, having said goodbye to my favourite brands in favour of cheaper supermarket-own alternatives. Rather than stick on the heating I’ve taken to wearing five layers in the house and who needs lightbulbs when you can have candles? OK, OK I’m exaggerating, but you get what I mean. I certainly won’t be spending a small fortune at Westfield on chrimbo presents this year anyway!
So while I’m trying to help by bringing you guides to Cheap London Clubs, Recommended Happy Hour Bars and Credit Crunch Bars, it seems there’s a trend in our fair capital at the moment that’s trying to scupper everyone’s attempt to save pennies.
Have you noticed a sudden spate of members clubs opening up all over London? Not a week goes by when some new Shoreditch House wannabe springs up, trying to extract hundreds, even thousands, of pounds from the clutches of wealthy Londoners. Yes, there still are some of those left in London at the moment!
Members clubs have always been popular in the capital, a city where people always try to outdo each other with big houses, flash cars, designer clothes and hot partners. If you can wrangle your way into such places as Groucho Club, Almada, Tramp and Raffles then you’ll probably feel smugly superior. After all, not just ANYONE can get in.
Recently, a whole host of new members club have wormed their way out of the woodwork to try and thrust themselves into the limelight and maybe even attract a few A-listers (or at the very least Z-listers!). Jalouse is one such new members club, which pulled in Paris Hilton and – bizarrely – Ronan Keaton to its opening bash. Although a members club, if you’re hot or rich enough you can get in anyway on a Wednesday or Thursday is you have £30 to spare (ouch!). Meanwhile, Paramount has just had its soft launch opening parties (strictly invite only). Based in Centre Point (yup, hardly where you’d expect a swanky new club to be based), it’s located over three floors, including a Champagne bar, restaurant and private hire area. The views are meant to be breathtaking from the 33rd floor. Oh and don’t forget Victory, a members club looking for media professionals with a creative story to tell.
However, it’s not just the newbies trying to create a little space in a saturated marketplace. Bureau has just had a relaunch, despite first opening a couple of months ago, and offers bespoke cocktails and a DJ who will play all the tunes the members choose. Established Eight Club is opening a sister venue called Eight EC2 in, you guessed it, the City. It’s hard to see whether scared City workers will part with their cash at a time where people are unsure about their financial futures, but with a big existing club behind them it’s sure to be at least a partial success. Home House also opened an extension of its existing club space today - House 21. Encompassing a bar, several drawing rooms, a two-bedroom apartment, gym and spa, it will help keep existing members happy and stop their eyes – and wallets – straying to one of the newer clubs.
It doesn’t end there, Molton House, created by Nick Valentine - co-founder of the hugely popular and successful Cuckoo Club - is opening in mid-November, hoping to pull in loyal Cuckoo Club partygoers.
And so, these members clubs turn their nose up at the credit crunch and continue to tempt in those Londoners still lucky enough to have a few quid to spare.
Personally, I’ll be down at my local, drowning my sorrows on a happy hour pint. Who’s with me?
Comments
by 16/11/2008 @ 18:05
If you're a nobody, new in town and trying to get in The Scene in London, what's the best way to go about getting acceptance into a members-only club?
by 18/11/2008 @ 12:21
The trick is to not let on you're a 'nobody'. It's all about confidence. Never ever lose your rag with a bouncer - just smile sweetly and switch on the charming banter... Try to go in mixed groups or as a couple, as many clubs prefer that... Also, know your members clubs. Places like Groucho Club won't let you in no matter how good a blagger you are, but Jalouse will let you in Weds and Thursdays... If you can meet new people on the scene earlier in the week/evening when places like Burlington Club and Kingly Club allow anyone who looks the part in then it opens the doors to the more exclusive places. Often you have to be recommended by existing members, but if you have the money to spend, it's worth contacting the venues direct to ask about membership. Some clubs only allow in media professionals or creative types and don't care about the money, so do your research... If you go out enough and start mixing in those circles then it's surprisingly easy to get a foot in the door, especially during these credit crunch times...
Good luck!
by 08/12/2008 @ 23:59
Kelly;
Thanks for a brilliant article, and also the hints and tips on this..
I am however, looking to become a member of a private club, but their homepage say they only run membership applications by appointment only. What does that entail exactly? Do you know?
Do they mean that they run an interview? *smirk* ;) Or do they make sure you are 'someone' or just make sure you look the part and have the money to pay for your membership...?
Any help much appreciated.
Cx
by 09/12/2008 @ 10:59
No problem, thanks for your questions...
Ahh I see... Well, becoming a member in these current troubled economic times should be a little easier as people start to reign in the money...
Again, I'd suggest doing your research... Some clubs like Shoreditch House, Groucho Club, Soho House and Victory are very strict about only allowing in people who are from a certain profession - the media and creative industries - and many require that you have two existing members vouch for you as well... These places tend to be really strict on their criteria...
However, many clubs are more open... By appointment only usually means they like to meet potential members first... Not quite an interview, but close! They want to make sure you'll fit in with their current members, dress smartly and aren't a time waster. However, it does also give you the opportunity to find out more about the club and have a look round before signing on the dotted line... For these clubs, if you call and say you're genuinely interested in membership then they usually have a member of staff or department who will run through the process with you... Just make sure you prepare like an interview! Check out the details of the clubs you're interested in and work out what they want from members... Make sure you dress the part and remember that they want members! These clubs ARE exclusive, but they are still a business at the end of the day and need membership fees to stay afloat... You may be put on a waiting list for some of the bigger clubs, but it's worth asking the question...
Good luck with the hunt!
Kelly
Write your comment here: