And in a private members’ club, no one’s going to know if you’re clutching a lucky penny while putting down your chips. Private members’ clubs in the UK can be traced all the way back to the 18th century. Many of these early clubs were located in London’s West End, where they began life as gentlemen’s clubs. Aristocrats, politicians and high-level businessmen would meet in discreet venues where they could discuss the issues of the day, conduct deals and socialise without being disturbed. Though it’s one of the city’s more prosaically named venues, the Arts Club has a long and storied past befitting its artistic inclination.

Augusta National Golf Club – Georgia, USA

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and we start to see a huge shift in what private members’ clubs represent. While tradition still holds weight in many established clubs, modern clubs began to emerge, breaking away from the old-fashioned image of stuffy gentlemen’s clubs. Enter the likes of Soho House—one of the pioneers of the modern private members’ club movement. The rise of the industrial revolution brought with it a new class of wealthy businessmen and professionals who wanted in on the action. Clubs became more diverse in terms of their focus—some catered specifically to political interests, while others became hubs for literary figures, intellectuals, or artists. In essence, an exclusive private members’ club is more than just a place to hang out—it’s a lifestyle choice, a statement, and for many, a badge of honour.

London’s Private Clubs: A Primer

• The club boasts exclusive residences and a limited membership, ensuring privacy and a personalized experience.
• It’s a world where exclusivity reigns, and gaining entry is a true mark of status and sophistication.
• The original Soho House, on Greek Street, is where the illustrious club chain began in 1995.
• Top nutritionists create healthy meals customised to their member’s individual needs, while hair stylists and skin care and wellness experts provide exclusive, personalised service.
• Under the same ownership as 5 Hertford Street, Oswald’s Club is dedicated to wine lovers.
• Today’s private members clubs cater to a younger, more diverse crowd who want to work, network and socialise in a luxurious and inspiring environment.

The club also provides members with a 39 wristband and access to a personalised training programme. Top nutritionists create healthy meals customised to their member’s individual needs, while hair stylists and skin care and wellness experts provide exclusive, personalised service. You’ll need some form of membership to access social and workspaces, but Nessa and Yasmine are open for public bookings.
Even after you’ve passed all the tests, secured references, and paid the fees, you could find yourself on a lengthy waiting list. The waiting list at The Hurlingham Club, for Private Club example, is reportedly several years long. So, even if you’re willing to invest both financially and socially, patience is a requirement of its own. Now, Soho House has taken the world by storm, but don’t let its international presence fool you into thinking it’s any less exclusive. What started in London in 1995 as a private club for those in the creative industries has now expanded to over 30 locations worldwide, from New York to Mumbai. Each Soho House is beautifully designed to reflect its local culture while maintaining that signature cool, laid-back vibe.

The 7 Most Exclusive Private Clubs in the World – Here Is How You Can Get In

1,680 euros a year with La Carte plus, 900 with La Carte, and 600 for under 30s and residents outside of France. Among the members are celebrities, businessmen, writers, actors, models, and designers. Join us for a glimpse behind the velvet rope, where prestige and privilege define the world’s most secretive social circles. The most exclusive private clubs in the world are more than just luxurious retreats—they are symbols of status, heritage, and connection. Ned’s Club is located in The Ned Hotel, a Grade I-listed building and the former Midland Bank headquarters, and takes its name from the designer, Sir Edward ‘Ned’ Lutyens.

• Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a midnight snack, every meal feels like an event.
• The most attractive feature to many members of these clubs is their commitment to absolute privacy.
• We looked into the high membership fees, invite-only access, and the unparalleled networking opportunities these clubs offer.
• Located in the heart of Mayfair, 12 Hay Hill is a modern members’ club catering to business leaders.
• In recent years, the landscape of private members’ clubs has shifted away from old men sipping brandy in high-backed Chesterfields, making deals.
• With a heritage dating back to 1763, Lansdowne House was re-imagined as a leading private Members’ Club in 1935 – welcoming both men and women with equal status from the outset.

Win a one-of-a-kind couture creation worth £2,500 from Italian designers Madame X Atelier

Albert’s Club Chelsea is a luxurious and exclusive private members’ club located in the heart of the bustling King’s Road. The club is spread over four floors and boasts an all-day cocktail bar, brasserie, private dining room, champagne bar, nightclub, and a top-floor member’s lounge. The interiors are a mix of classic and contemporary styles, with bold patterns, statement lighting, and unique artwork creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop.

However, there’s currently a 30% off sale running that brings those prices down to $197 and $138, respectively. Guests already booked on Greek Isle cruises in 2026 have access to book a day pass. Mr. Bayley posted renderings on social media of what the experience could look like. Non-members can book in to stay at the house – the club also operates as a romantic hotel. It has understandably had to change with the times – hence the £20m renovation – but it has somehow retained its Sloaney vibe. This Chelsea institution somehow manages to accommodate both camps in a genteel, plush, fully equipped townhouse – and that is no small feat.

The Arts Club – 40 Dover Street

At The Aman Club in New York, for example, members enjoy access to a lavish wellness centre, complete with treatments that range from traditional massages to cutting-edge health therapies. Other clubs like Soho House have their own signature spas, offering facials, massages, and even holistic therapies to help members maintain their well-being. It’s more than just pampering—it’s about maintaining a luxurious lifestyle of health and balance. A little further out from the City, on Tower Hill, Ten Trinity Square is another after-hours destination for bankers and financiers.