A glimpse of Annabel’s in Mayfair — the fanciest only-members club in the whole world
With some of the world’s richest calling it home, it’s fair to say that the bright lights of London city has a fair few private member’s club. Here London’s elite can mingle with only others of similar status, enjoying world-class cuisine and taking part in high-culture activities. While some argue money is all that is needed to join a private member’s club, there are some clubs in London were far more is required to join their utopian world.
Take Annabel’s in Mayfair for example, where clientele are expected to boast ‘unapologetic snobbery and daunting good-taste’. Members are handpicked by invitation-only, based on their passions for the finer things in life and abilities to take part in intelligent conversation. Memberships are reviewed on a yearly basis, by a strict team of London’s elite, some hailing from royalty an aristocratic background. Of course, it’s regarded ultra-prestigious to be a member at Annabel’s, but what is the undeniable appeal held by so many?
In 2018, Annabel’s undertook a dazzling 50m makeover, which saw it reopen its extravagant doors in a Grade 1 listed Georgian mansion in the affluent Berkeley Square. Here members can work, fine dine and be entertained around-the-clock in their lavish public and private setting.
Let’s start with The Basement, which is known by members as The Jungle Bar and Annabel’s only nightclub. Here members can take to their iconic hydraulic dancefloor and dance the night away to internationally renowned DJs and musicians. Annabel’s also proudly hosts later night dinners, combined with world-class dancing lives. The interior of The Jungle Bar is of course, second-to-none. Heavily influenced by Wenzel Peter’s The Garden of Eden, the venue boasts furnishings covered with exquisite animal prints, faux palm trees in most corners and hand-painted mirrored glass walls. The Jungle Bar aims to effortlessly whisk members to an exotic paradise — and there’s no denying it does well in doing so.
The Rose Room is also a popular recreational setting for Annabel’s exclusive members. Regarded as the ultimate space to drink and dine, The Rose Room is impeccably decorated in all things fancy. World-renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki is behind the setting, decorating the ultra-relaxing environment with hand-painted gold, iris chandeliers and a vibrant pink-lit bar. The Rose Room is often from 7am to 3am, seven days a week — meaning members are able to enjoy the sweet escape whenever they desire.
Of course, members of Annabel’s are indulged in wealth — and with wealth, often comes with hard work. Although Annabel’s provides a relaxing environment to escape from the daily grinds, it does consider that some clientele may need to work while enjoying their time there. Due to this, Annabel’s boasts The Elephant Room, which is the fanciest workspace we have ever laid eyes on. Here members can use The Elephant Room as a work area, during 9am to 6pm, six days a week. As well as various teas and coffees, an exquisite Asian style menu is served, which is super-popular with members themselves to a well-earned lunch break. Members are welcome to pull out their laptops, sit by the roaring log fire and enjoy the striking architecture around them.
As well as various other public rooms, Annabel members are welcome to book one of their bespoke dining room settings to enjoy with a private entourage. Each dining space is uniquely decorated in hand-picked furnishings, paying influence to many different styles from different periods around the world. When it comes to world-class entertaining, everything is possible at Annabels.
Since opening 1963, the luxurious Berkeley Street hub has catered for various exclusive clientele. The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne have all been members, as well as Frank Sinatra and former US president Richard Nixon. Impressively, it’s also said to be the only club Queen Elizabeth has ever visited, which just gives an indication the prestige Annabel’s of Mayfair holds.
Year after year, Mayfair flourishes as the hub of affluence in the whole of London, with elite Britons and aristocrats from overseas choosing to call the W1J postcode their home. Annabel’s caters for everything an affluent person desires and only a normal person can dream of. There’s no doubt this ultra-extravagant establishment will continue to flourish as one of the most exclusive members-only clubs in the whole of the world.
