Amongst the hustle and bustle of the capital, cladded in secrecy and unbeknown to us mere civilians lie exclusive private members clubs that not only grant access to those with the privilege and prestige of a membership, but getting (and affording) that membership can be out of most people’s financial reach.
But when you are able to pass through those luxurious doors what world of amazement lies within?
Well, for those who maybe cannot afford a £3000 annual membership or perhaps don’t have Paris Hilton on their WhatsApp group, don’t worry, we have you covered.
Here at Get Licensed, we have rounded up a selection of London’s most exclusive and prestigious private members’ clubs so you can catch a glimpse of the alluring and wonderment of what lies behind those members only doors.
The Arts Club
The Arts Club was founded in 1863 to provide a haven for those people who had professional or amateur relationships with the Arts, Literature or Sciences. The Art Club has survived two world wars, as well as political and economic anomalies over the years.
Membership
Open to applicants 30 years of age or older and entitled to full access and privileges of the Art Club
Annual Subscription – £2000
Joining Fee – £2000
Members
Previous members of the Arts Club include royalty such as Prince Philip, Prince Harry to celebrities such as David Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow.
For more information visit theartsclub.co.uk
Shoreditch House
Soho House was founded in London in 1995 as a home from home for people working in creative fields. There are now Houses located in the UK, Berlin, New York, West Hollywood, Miami, Chicago, Toronto, Istanbul and Barcelona.
Membership
Soho House is notorious for its selective club membership policy. A membership committee, composed of club members, decides who is and isn’t granted access to each specific club.
Annual Subscription – £1100
Joining Fee – £400
Members
Soho House has a strict no press policy and members are forbidden from identifying fellow members as well as taking selfies and posting on social media. So, any noteworthy celebrity members are strictly confidential.
For more information visit shoreditchhouse.com
Blacks Club
Blacks Club was first formed in 1764 and has stayed authentic to its 18th-century roots. Housed in the heart of Soho, Blacks Club was originally formed as a supper club where members would meet and discuss the issues of the day with fine food and wine. This Georgian tradition still continues to this day. Blacks is also a dog-friendly private members club.
Membership
The criteria to apply for membership is that members are extraordinarily interesting and interested and leave their ego at the door.
Annual Subscription – £525
Joining Fee – £250
Members
Noticeable members include, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rhys Ifans and John Culshaw.
For more information visit blacksclub.com
Home House
Home House is an exclusive private members’ club in London’s Marylebone, which according to it’s website “fuses 18th century splendour with 21st century style.”
Home House’s facilities include a boutique health spa, a garden for dining and drinking, two restaurants, numerous bars, elegant bedrooms and suites, as well as a full calendar of social events throughout the year.
Membership
Membership applications are considered monthly by the membership committee upon recommendation of the membership team.
Annual Subscription – £1,940
Joining Fee – £295
Members
Home House is not for your average Londoner and is literally a home away from home for the exclusive and the elite.
For more information please visit homehouse.co.uk
Devonshire Club
Devonshire Club offers all the luxury and glamour of a West End private members’ club combined with the style and panache of the East End. The Club is spacious and comprises an 18th Century former East India Company warehouse and a large Georgian townhouse, with the main building housing its own exclusive boutique hotel with 68 bedrooms and suites.
Devonshire Club also hosts a 110-seat restaurant, a Champagne bar that leads into a wonderful Garden Room including its very own secret garden.
Also, unlike its rival, Shoreditch House. The use of mobile devices is permitted, as long as respect is shown to fellow members.
Membership
With membership, each member can be accompanied by up to 3 guests, and additional guests can be accommodated by prior arrangement.
Annual Subscription – £2,000
Joining Fee – £2,000
Members
Devonshire Club is often frequented by elite business people, as well those in the entertainment field as well as notable socialites.
For more information please visit www.devonshireclub.com
The South Kensington Club
According to their website, the South Kensington Club is an innovative private members’ club, inspired by a ‘spirit of adventure and a multicultural perspective’. The Club draws on ancient rituals from around the world to promote fitness, health and the spirit of discovery. It is simultaneously a place to learn and be inspired, to connect with like-minded individuals, or to retreat and unwind in total privacy.
The club includes a saltwater pool, a Turkish hammam style bathhouse, a steam room and a state-of-the-art gym.
Membership
According the South Kensington Club, it’s not about who you know, it’s about who you are. Membership is decided on a case by case basis and is not influenced by status of social group, but by individuality.
Annual Subscription – £3,500
Members
The South Kensington Club brings together a mix of “interesting and interested” individuals with a passion for delicious tastes, overall wellness, fitness and adventure.
For more information please visit www.southkensingtonclub.com
The Ned
Set in the former Midland Bank building, it boasts 252 bedrooms channelling a retro 1920s and 1930s design, nine restaurants, a range of grooming services, as well as “Ned’s Club,” a social and fitness club where members have access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa, hammam, and late-night lounge bar.
The Ned also boosts a rooftop pool and terraces overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral to an intimate lounge housed in the old Midland Bank vaults
The Get Licensed team are also known to enjoy a cocktail (or two) here once in a while.
Membership
Membership to the Ned is open for all individuals who can afford the hefty annual subscription and grants the holder all areas of the club and it’s facilitates, including exclusive perks, discounts and member events.
Annual Subscription – £3,150
Joining Fee – £1,000
Members
For more information please visit www.thened.com
How to get a Personal Licence
Thinking of applying for a Personal Licence? The Personal Licence Training Course teaches individuals about the law and legal responsibility of being a licence holder and is part of the process for obtaining a Personal Alcohol Licence.
Once you have passed the Personal Licence Course, you will then be able to apply for a Personal Licence.
Looking for jobs?
Are you looking for a job? Find exciting opportunities on the GuardPass app. All you need to do is enter your area or your preferred job title to find your next big break!
The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.
For more tips, the latest security news and exciting prize draw campaigns, sign up above to receive emails and stay updated.
