11 best private members’ clubs in London: the swanky spots we love

You can’t unless you’re visiting with someone who is an Annabel’s member. The membership process is tightly regulated, and there’s a waiting list.

Price: The full annual membership costs £3,750, plus a £1,850 joining fee. To attract younger members, there’s also an under-35 membership option (£2,250 per year plus a £600 joining fee).

Membership requirements: A member of one of the Birley Club members’ clubs (which includes Harry’s Bar and Mark’s Club) must recommend new members.

The Gloucester Lounge, Home House

Home House

The walls of this unassuming Georgian townhouse on Portman Square have witnessed plenty of parties over the years. In the 18th century, it was the domain of Lady Home. Here, she earned the nickname ‘Queen from Hell.’ Recently, the building has become a popular wedding venue as couples look to host the ultimate house party. Renowned for its legendary parties and ‘no rules’ policy, members are estimated to consume around 20,000 bottles of Champagne annually. While the parties are legendary, the club offers plenty beyond the nightlife – breakfast meetings in the restaurant, afternoon tea in the decadent drawing room, a subterranean gym and health spa, a dreamy garden space with a changing menu and a dedicated cigar snug. And if you do happen to party until the wee hours, a handful of characterful bedrooms are available to crash in. Four-legged friends are also welcome.

How to access Home House without becoming a member

Non-members can book to stay at the house – the club also operates as a romantic hotel.

Price: The full annual membership costs £2,250, plus a £499 joining fee. The under-35 membership option costs £1,450, plus a £399 joining fee.

Membership requirements: Applications are open online.

George Milo Brown

George

Opposite London’s prettiest pub on Mayfair’s Mount Street, George is one of the capital’s latest members’ clubs and sibling to one of the city’s most famous. If sister club Annabel’s is famed for its extravagance, George is its playful little brother. Founded by Mark Birley in 2001 and named after his faithful dachshund, George recently reopened following a mammoth 18-month refurbishment by owner Richard Caring and his wife, Patricia. Out with all of the old (apart from the impressive collection of David Hockney) and in with the new, including a solid bronze circular bar, gold glass tiled ceiling and an imposing dachshund sculpture by artist Jill Berelowitz. Four-legged friends are a theme throughout – guests are warmly welcomed by the club’s resident hound, a friendly dachshund named George (of course). True to its theme, the club is dog-friendly, with a menu of doggy snacks alongside the ground floor restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu from chef Marcus Eaves. On the weekends, brunch is best taken on the terrace – the largest in Mayfair – while in the evenings, the crowd of bright young things hide away downstairs in The Hound Bar, where tapas bites and cocktails are served throughout the red Art Deco rabbit warren of lounging nooks and private rooms. Lauren Burvill