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How to become a member of the Exclusive Private Members Clubs UK

If you’ve ever wondered where the elite retreat, the answer often lies behind the doors of the UK’s most coveted private members’ clubs. From heritage haunts of the aristocracy to modern sanctuaries for creatives and entrepreneurs, these clubs offer more than just a place to unwind — they’re lifestyle destinations in themselves. Here’s your guide to the best private members clubs in the UK, how to join them, and what membership really costs.

1. Annabel’s, London

Best for: Glamorous evenings, old-school luxury, and celebrity sightings
Where: 46 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London

Annabel’s, London is perhaps the most opulent private members clubs in London. Known for its lavish interiors (think: pink marble loos and rooms dripping in crystal), it’s a playground for the rich, royal, and fabulous. Founded in 1963, the club has been frequented by everyone from Princess Diana to Rihanna.

Membership cost:

  • Standard Membership: From £3,250 per year + £1,750 joining fee
  • Under 35 Membership: Slightly reduced rates available

How to join:
Applicants need two existing member proposers and must undergo a vetting process. Expect a waitlist — exclusivity is part of the appeal.


2. Soho House

Best for: Creatives, media insiders, and stylish freelancers
Where: Locations across London (Shoreditch, White City, 76 Dean Street), plus outposts globally

Soho House redefined the modern private members clubs. With its bohemian-chic aesthetic and relaxed but curated vibe, it’s designed for those in the creative industries. Whether you’re lounging by the rooftop pool or hosting a client in the Coworking House Studio, Soho House merges work, life, and play seamlessly.

Membership cost:

  • Local House (London only): £1,300–£2,750/year
  • Every House (global access): £2,750–£4,500/year
  • Under 27s: Significant discounts apply

How to join:
Apply online with details of your creative career. You’ll need a compelling profile and, in many cases, a referral from a current member.


3. The Groucho Club

Best for: Artists, writers, actors, and other cultural icons
Where: Dean Street, Soho, London

The Groucho Club has been the cornerstone of London’s bohemian elite since the 1980s. It’s famous for its unpretentious charm, art-covered walls, and celebrity members like Stephen Fry, Noel Gallagher, and Tracey Emin.

Membership cost:

  • Full Membership: £1,200–£1,900/year + £250 joining fee
  • Under 30s: From £700/year

How to join:
Applicants need to complete a written application and provide references. The club is known for valuing originality and creativity over corporate clout.


4. 5 Hertford Street (5HS)

Best for: Discretion, diplomacy, and luxury beyond luxury
Where: Mayfair, London

5 Hertford Street is ultra-exclusive and almost secretive, with a strict no-photos policy. Owned by aristocrat Robin Birley, it boasts lavish interiors and a high-powered clientele that reportedly includes royals, tycoons, and A-listers. Its in-house nightclub, Loulou’s, is the jewel in the crown.

Membership cost:

  • Not publicly disclosed but rumoured to be around £1,800/year with a significant joining fee

How to join:
By invitation only — or a direct recommendation from an existing member. Even then, it’s no guarantee.


5. Oswald’s

Best for: Wine collectors, political figures, and the ultra-discreet
Where: Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London

Another Birley establishment, Oswald’s is a quieter, even more exclusive counterpart to 5HS. It’s favoured by international financiers and high society — known for its spectacular wine cellar and plush, old-world interiors.

Membership cost:

  • Strictly undisclosed

How to join:
Invitation only. There is no application process — you are either on the radar or you’re not.


6. The Ned’s Club

Best for: Luxury leisure and business networking
Where: Poultry, London (within The Ned hotel)

Housed in a former bank, The Ned is a lavish offering with multiple restaurants, a rooftop pool, and a late-night bar. The club spans business and pleasure seamlessly — a great option for city professionals.

Membership cost:

  • Local Membership: From £3,500/year
  • Ned’s Club Global: Around £5,000/year

How to join:
Online application, plus a reference. While more open than some others, The Ned still maintains a curated membership.


7. Home House

Best for: Hedonists and party lovers with a taste for 18th-century grandeur
Where: Portman Square, Marylebone, London

Home House combines Georgian splendour with a modern-day party spirit. It’s less formal than some Mayfair addresses, but still steeped in luxury. Think wild masquerade balls, candlelit dinners, and a crowd that skews fashionable and fun.

Membership cost:

  • Individual Membership: From £2,700/year + joining fee
  • Under 30s: From £1,800/year

How to join:
Application and interview process. Connections help, but strong personality and enthusiasm for the club lifestyle are key.


Which Private Members Clubs Is Right for You?

Choosing the right private members clubs depends on your lifestyle, industry, and desired level of exclusivity. For creatives, Soho House or The Groucho offer community and access. For those seeking pure luxury and privacy, Annabel’s5HS, or Oswald’s are unmatched. And if you’re looking to network in the City, The Ned strikes the perfect balance between work and indulgence.

Pro Tip: Many private members clubs offer open days or events for potential members — it’s worth exploring a few before committing to that hefty annual fee.


FAQs

Q: Can anyone join these private members clubs?
No. Most clubs require an application, references, and a vetting process. Some are invite-only.

Q: Are there private members clubs outside London worth joining?
Yes. Many London clubs now offer reciprocal memberships with clubs in Oxford, Edinburgh, and even global locations like New York or Paris.

Q: Can I visit as a guest?
Only if invited by a current club member. Guest access is often limited to certain days or events.


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About Author

Natalie Dixon is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Chic Style Collective, an editorial magazine covering affordable luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle for women. A graduate of Vogue College of Fashion and London College of style with over 20 years in fashion and beauty, she specialises in investment dressing, considered beauty, and helping women create an elegant, attainable life of luxury. Her work is read by over 4.5 million readers worldwide.