<p>London has more private members clubs than any other city, and they vary a lot. Some are built around discretion and late nights, others around work, wellness or the arts. This guide compares the best-known clubs, what they cost and how joining actually works, so you can work out which ones fit how you live.</p>
<h2>Quick comparison</h2>
<table><thead><tr><th>Club</th><th>Area</th><th>Best for</th><th>Approx. annual fee</th></tr></thead><tbody>
<tr><td>5 Hertford Street</td><td>Mayfair</td><td>Discretion, late nights</td><td>£1,800 to £3,500 plus joining fee</td></tr>
<tr><td>Annabel's</td><td>Mayfair</td><td>Dining and entertainment</td><td>About £3,750 plus joining fee</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Arts Club</td><td>Mayfair</td><td>Arts and creative networking</td><td>About £3,200 plus joining fee</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ned's Club</td><td>City of London</td><td>Professionals, rooftop pool</td><td>About £3,465</td></tr>
<tr><td>Soho House</td><td>Several sites</td><td>Media and creative work</td><td>About £1,000 to £2,000 for one house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Fees are approximate and change often, and most clubs offer lower rates for under-27s or under-30s. Always confirm current pricing with the club.</p>
<h2>The clubs in more detail</h2>
<h3>5 Hertford Street, Mayfair</h3>
<p>Behind an unmarked door in Shepherd Market, 5 Hertford Street is known for privacy and a well-connected membership. It has several dining rooms and the basement nightclub Loulou's. Approximate fees: £1,800 to £3,500 a year, plus a joining fee of around £1,200. It suits people who value privacy over facilities like gyms or workspaces.</p>
<h3>Annabel's, Mayfair</h3>
<p>Annabel's on Berkeley Square is famous for its interiors and seasonal floral facades. Members get several restaurants, bars, a cigar terrace and the original basement nightclub. Approximate fees: around £3,750 a year with a joining fee of about £1,850. It is a strong choice if you entertain guests often.</p>
<h3>The Arts Club, Mayfair</h3>
<p>Founded in 1863, The Arts Club is aimed at people working in or interested in the arts, literature and sciences. It has bedrooms, a Japanese restaurant and a busy events calendar. Approximate fees: around £3,200 a year plus a joining fee of about £1,600.</p>
<h3>Ned's Club, City of London</h3>
<p>Ned's sits in a former Midland Bank building. The ground floor is a public food hall, while members get vault bars, a gym, spa and a rooftop pool. Approximate fees: around £3,465 a year. It works well for people based in the City who want a club close to the office.</p>
<h3>Soho House</h3>
<p>Soho House has around ten London houses, starting with the original on Greek Street. Membership is aimed at people in creative industries, and Every House membership gives access to houses worldwide. One-house membership is typically £1,000 to £2,000 a year.</p>
<h2>How to join a London members club</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Pick two or three clubs</strong> that match how you will actually use them: dining, work, wellness or events.</li>
<li><strong>Find proposers.</strong> Most clubs ask for one or two existing members to support your application.</li>
<li><strong>Submit the application</strong> with a short profile of your work and interests. Some clubs ask for a photo and social links.</li>
<li><strong>Committee review.</strong> Applications go to a membership committee. Popular clubs have waiting lists that can run for months.</li>
<li><strong>Interview or visit.</strong> Some clubs invite applicants in before a decision.</li>
</ol>
<h2>What membership gets you</h2>
<p><strong>Somewhere to work and meet.</strong> Many clubs have workspaces and meeting rooms that are quieter than a hotel lobby.</p>
<p><strong>Facilities.</strong> Depending on the club: pools, gyms, spas and bedrooms that are less crowded than public equivalents.</p>
<p><strong>A vetted community.</strong> Committees and proposer systems keep the membership in line with the club's ethos.</p>
<p><strong>Reciprocal access.</strong> Groups like Soho House give you a familiar base when travelling to New York, Berlin or Hong Kong.</p>
<h2>Is a members club worth it?</h2>
<p>If you would use it at least a couple of times a month for meetings, dinners or the gym, a membership usually pays for itself compared with paying hotel and restaurant prices. If you only want occasional access, a concierge service can often arrange a table or a guest visit instead.</p>
<p>BNJ Luxury members can ask our concierge team for help working out which clubs suit them, and for help with bookings and access where we can arrange it.</p>
