From the historical grandeur of White’s and The Athenaeum to the dynamic creativity of Soho House and The Conduit, these clubs continue to shape social and cultural landscapes globally. Over time, these informal spaces evolved into exclusive clubs where like-minded gentlemen could socialize, network, and discuss politics, arts, and business away from the public eye. Private members’ clubs trace their roots to 17th and 18th-century London, where establishments like coffee houses served as gathering places for the intellectual elite. Our website, admiddleeast.com, offers continually updated coverage of the best design, interiors and architecture in the Middle East and beyond.

• Couples and Single ladies have FREE membership and it’s just £70 p/a for single guys.
• These clubs aren’t just about socialising; they’re about creating meaningful connections.
• Membership here is extremely limited, and it comes with a hefty price tag, but the experience is unparalleled.
• In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the most exclusive private clubs in the world, while also delving into questions like the most expensive private members club, the most elite club, and where the affluent choose to gather.
• You will also need a letter of recommendation from an existing member.
• Inaugurated in 2006 and founded by Scottish former international rugby player Ross Beattie, a resident of Monaco, it is an oasis of relaxation and wellness in the name of a healthy and balanced lifestyle without renouncing luxury.

The Groucho Club

Private members’ clubs are organisations which provide social and other facilities to members who typically pay a membership fee for access and use. These clubs aren’t just about socialising; they’re about creating meaningful connections. You’ll often find spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology, private meeting rooms, and co-working areas designed to encourage productivity and creativity.

• The restaurant, meanwhile, serves an all-day dining menu featuring everything from seabass ceviche to pumpkin ravioli, alongside signature cocktails like the Chai Martini, made with vodka-infused chai tea and espresso.
• But after a period of closure, since 2014 Warehouse Elementenstraat’s four rooms have once again been bouncing to some of the best cutting-edge dance and techno music, and hosting parties such as Hyte, Welcome To The Future Indoor, and Reaktor.
• Conceived and built as a private members’ club for business, 12 Hay Hill is unique in providing business leaders and entrepreneurs with high-specification facilities in which to work alongside exceptional leisure space and five-star service.
• Members can also participate in exclusive talks, art exhibitions, and social events that foster innovation and connection.
• After all, this private members’ club on Jermyn Street in Mayfair, which first opened in 1969, has been graced by the glitterati, from celebrities to high society and royalty.
• This elite establishment is known for its prestigious membership and exclusive amenities.

The Groucho Club, London

Some clubs are so sought after that it can take years to get a place. The waiting list at The Hurlingham Club, for 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.

Hefty Initiation Fees and Annual Dues: It’s Not Cheap

In a private venue, players can focus on strategy, intuition and finding their own fair share of luck. Many players seek luck in gambling through charms such as a rabbit’s foot or a classic four-leaf clover, but while some might dismiss these as trinkets, they can provide a psychological edge for those players who take comfort in them. And in a private members’ club, no one’s going to know if you’re clutching a lucky penny while putting down your chips. One of London’s most glamorous clubs, Annabel’s has hosted royalty and Hollywood stars since 1963. Renowned for its opulent interiors and unmatched service, Annabel’s offers everything from fine dining to exclusive events, cementing its status as a haven for the elite. Before Annabel’s moved to 46 Berkeley Square, in 2018, it was originally established at 44 Berkeley Square in 1962 and named after founder Mark Birley’s then wife, Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart.

Monte-Carlo Country Club – Monaco

A number of niche touches have been added to the mix, from a dog walker billed as ‘the world’s finest’ to look after members’ pets to an ice-carver whose job is to carve out different-shaped ice cubes for cocktails. But despite its 21st-century evolution, there are some ways in which Annabel’s will remain delightfully old school – telephones and laptops are barred from all but one floor. Describing itself as the place to see and be seen, Home Grown isn’t shy about its elitist status. Plus, there are 35 crash pads perfect for after a late night working in the city or if you’re Private Club climbing the stairs from a heavy night in the downstairs Unicorn Bar. Undoubtedly one of the coolest clubs in town, you can’t help but be wowed by The Ned hotel’s grand entrance and range of bars, restaurants, and facilities.

How to Join The Most Exclusive Private Clubs in the World

Clubs like The Conduit in London are centred around bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders from different industries to collaborate and share ideas. Aesthetes will have much to delight over at The Twenty Two, London’s members’ club on Grosvenor Square. Designed by Natalia Miyar, the venue features beautifully maximalist interiors throughout – think bevelled mirrors and dark blue velvetted banquettes, plus a plush basement bar accessed via a leopard print staircase. Since it opened earlier this year, it’s become a magnet for celebs, with everyone from Naomi Campbell to Jeff Bezos having visited – but the general clientele is perhaps a little younger than typical Mayfair members’ clubs. There’s also a lovely restaurant spearheaded by Executive Chef, Alan Christie, and 31 bedrooms and suites. The place to see and be seen… Where Annabel’s once came to life after dark, these days it offers a near 24/7 service (7am to 4am) with restaurants, bars, a garden terrace, private dining rooms and a cigar room.

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Members enjoy access to exclusive events, workshops, and networking opportunities. The Battery is a dynamic space for San Francisco’s innovators and artists. One of London’s long-standing members’ clubs, The Arts Club has been around for over 160 years. It was initially created as a hub for those interested in the arts, literature or sciences, attracting a string of prominent creative figures – from Charles Dickens to Auguste Rodin. To this day, the club continues to be a community for innovative thinkers, hosting an array of cultural events, alongside a programme of exhibitions.