London’s private members’ clubs provide an elite sanctuary for those seeking refined company, seamless business networking, or a tranquil retreat from the city’s vibrant pace—all within surroundings defined by sophistication and heritage.
The capital boasts a remarkable variety of these exclusive enclaves. Some are storied institutions with centuries of tradition, while others are modern hubs attracting a new generation of creative professionals—far removed from the exclusive, men-only clubs of old.
For those in pursuit of London’s most coveted club experiences, our curated guide spotlights seven private members’ clubs that define luxury and exclusivity in 2025.
1. The Groucho Club, 45 Dean Street, Soho
Among London’s most iconic clubs, The Groucho Club sits discreetly in the heart of Soho. Since its inception in 1985, it has drawn a cosmopolitan crowd, earning a reputation as the creative epicentre for leading figures in publishing, media, and the arts.
The Gennaro Room at The Groucho Club
With an intentionally selective admissions process, The Groucho is renowned for its exclusivity. Once inside, guests are immersed in a vibrant 1980s-inspired interior and an impressive contemporary art collection featuring works by luminaries such as Damien Hirst and Polly Morgan. The atmosphere is lively, with frequent gatherings of artists, writers, and entertainers.
Membership is open to all, but those with credentials in creative industries are preferred. A current member’s recommendation strengthens your application. As of 2025, fees begin at £400 per year for those under 30 (plus a £150 joining fee), and £950 annually for members over 30 (with a £300 registration fee).
2. The Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, St. James's
Often referred to simply as ‘the RAC’, The Royal Automobile Club is a British institution with international acclaim, offering members access to two exceptional clubhouses: the grand Pall Mall address and the expansive Woodcote Park estate in Surrey.
The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall
Membership involves a thorough application process, but the privileges justify the effort. The Pall Mall clubhouse, a Grade II listed masterpiece, is home to an Edwardian Turkish bath, a spectacular Italian marble pool, squash and snooker facilities, three restaurants, two bars, a dedicated business hub (the Simms Centre), retail boutiques, and even an in-house post office. With 106 sumptuously appointed bedrooms, complimentary bar snacks, and an award-winning wine list, the club is a haven for those who appreciate tradition and comfort.
For 2025, annual dues start at £525 for ages 18–23 (plus a £1,200 registration fee), rising to £1,750 per year for those aged 31 and above (with a £3,900 joining fee).
3. The Devonshire Club, 4 + 5 Devonshire Square
Combining business with pleasure, The Devonshire Club stands out as a contemporary favourite since its debut in 2016. Set within a converted 18th-century East India Company warehouse and an adjoining Georgian townhouse, the club boasts a private library, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, three elegant bars, and inviting lounge spaces.
Eat and drink in luxury at The Devonshire Club
Located in the City’s vibrant East End, The Devonshire offers an alternative to the West End’s traditional clubs. The club’s 120-seat brasserie, spread across five stories, features a dramatic marble seafood counter—perfect for gourmet dining. Wellness is also central, with a comprehensive health centre offering spa treatments, a blow-dry bar, a state-of-the-art gym, weight room, and a tranquil yoga studio.
Annual membership for 2025 is £2,250 (plus a £2,250 initiation fee).
5. Shoreditch House, 1 Ebor St
The South Kensington Club, or ‘SKC’, exemplifies the new wave of private clubs focused on holistic wellbeing and global inspiration. Its ethos is rooted in adventure and cultural diversity, welcoming members from all backgrounds and offering a suite of cutting-edge wellness amenities and science-backed therapies.
The modern, health-focused South Kensington Club
Facilities include a traditional Russian banya, advanced gym, Turkish hammam, and a saltwater pool filled with mineral-rich water sourced from Sicily’s Aeolian Islands. True to its forward-thinking approach, SKC eschews the traditional proposer system: membership is based on personal merit, not connections. Members enjoy a nurturing environment for relaxation, learning, and personal growth.
Full membership in 2025 is £395 per month (plus a £1,250 registration fee).
6. Blacks, 67 Dean St, Soho
Occupying the upper floors of a repurposed tea warehouse, Shoreditch House is a cornerstone of the Soho House portfolio, which now spans major cities worldwide including New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. The club’s East London setting attracts innovators from creative industries, offering a dynamic social scene, acclaimed dining, an indulgent Cowshed Spa, and a celebrated rooftop pool.
Open-air pool at Shoreditch House
The ambience is informal yet stylish, perfect for both productivity and socialising. Members enjoy co-working spaces, a games room, bowling alley, and a comprehensive fitness centre. The club’s events calendar is packed with exclusive workshops and networking nights designed for the modern professional.
Current membership fees start at £550 per year for those under 27 (plus a £200 joining fee).
7. The Arts Club, 40 Dover St, Mayfair
Steeped in history and character, Blacks Club is a rare find—a living homage to London’s bohemian legacy. Established in 1732 by John Meard Jnr, an apprentice of Sir Christopher Wren, Blacks was conceived as the antithesis of London’s oldest gentlemen’s club, White’s. Its reputation as a haven for free spirits and creative minds endures today.
Libertine hangout Blacks Club
Following a meticulous restoration, Blacks offers a labyrinth of intimate spaces for quiet conversation or a refined dram, a lively basement bar, and a restaurant serving seasonal menus. The art collection rotates quarterly, and the club is famously dog-friendly—making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
7. The Arts Club, 40 Dover St, Mayfair
Step inside this iconic Mayfair address and discover why The Arts Club remains a magnet for luminaries of art, music, and entertainment. With a distinguished history dating to 1863—its founding members included Charles Dickens and James Whistler—the club continues to attract global tastemakers and celebrities, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Beyoncé.
Wine and dine at The Arts Club in Mayfair
The club hosts an impressive roster of events, from literary readings and live music to private gallery tours. Lavish lounges, elegant restaurants, and vibrant bars set the scene, while the boutique hotel offers 16 sumptuously appointed rooms featuring bespoke furnishings and art deco marble bathrooms.
For 2025, membership for those under 30 starts at £1,200 per year (plus a £1,200 registration fee), while applicants over 30 pay £2,400 annually (plus a £2,400 joining fee). Applicants must be nominated by two current members.