Think Tramp and think of a stylish, debaucherous night out in London. 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. Favored by the likes of Frank Sinatra, the Rolling Stones, Joan Collins and Princess Margaret, it became loved for its glamour, its excess and that perfect balance with discretion. As for its name, Tramp, it’s a cheeky take on the guests who were anything but.
There’s also a brasserie helmed by Jean Luc Mongodin, a Japanese restaurant and a late-night cocktail bar, Leo’s, where members can enjoy live music from Thursday to Saturday. The club’s top two floors, meanwhile, are home to a selection of bedrooms and suites, for members looking for somewhere to stay overnight. Wellness trends are infiltrating each and every facet of our lives – and private members’ clubs are no different. But an interest in wellness is just one of many popular hobbies finding their niche audiences at private members’ clubs. ‘We’re seeing a fascinating return to specific interests and purpose,’ Luca says. ‘For a while, private clubs leaned into exclusivity for its own sake.
Most boast beautiful interiors, workspaces, great restaurants and cool cocktail bars, offering members’ access to a targeted programme of events. Fast forward to the late 20th century, and we start to see a huge shift in what private members’ clubs represent. While tradition still holds weight in many established clubs, modern clubs began to emerge, breaking away from the old-fashioned image of stuffy gentlemen’s clubs.
Sustainability, wellness, and technology will continue to play a huge role in shaping what these clubs offer, ensuring they remain relevant to new generations of members. A commitment to the planet sits at the heart of this Covent Garden members’ club. It was created as a space for like-minded people to gather to discuss climate action, alongside diversity and equity. Over 150 in-person and digital events take place there each year, from enlightening talks to comedy clubs and wellness classes. The sustainability theme runs throughout the facilities too, with a seasonal food offering plus a roof terrace complete with plants selected specifically for pollination. The first European outpost of India’s prestigious club, Taj The Chambers, has opened just down the road from Buckingham Palace.
It’s home to an art gallery, a private cinema, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and an impressive collection of fine dining experiences. It’s where the city’s top executives and creative minds go to relax, network, and close those all-important deals. In the heart of Manhattan, The Core Club is known for being one of the most discreet and elite clubs in the world. It’s not easy to get in—membership is strictly by invitation, and even then, there’s a hefty initiation fee.
There are various different membership options to consider, from full access to all clubs to the newer Soho Friends option, Private Club which allows you to book rooms at the hotels and visit the Soho Studios. Housed within a large Art Deco building in Fitzrovia, central London’s latest private members’ club is right in the middle of the action – just a few steps from Oxford and Regent Street, Marylebone and Goodge Street. Pair this with swanky open-plan workspaces and offices, and you’ve got the ideal spot for London’s freelance creatives to call home. Set in a converted warehouse, Shoreditch House was one of the first private members’ clubs to reclaim the Square Mile from the strictly suited and booted. The Hurlingham Club, located in Fulham, London, is set within 42 acres of picturesque grounds.
Over a century after it first opened, London’s KOKO in Camden has relaunched following a £70m restoration – complete with a brand-new members’ club. A space for music, art and design lovers, The House of KOKO has its own roof terrace, two restaurants headed up by chef Andreas Engberg, a cocktail bar, a speakeasy and even a recording studio. Late night acoustic performances take place on the roof, while hidden jazz club Ellen’s hosts late-night impromptu shows from stars big and small.
With over 40 locations worldwide, Soho House has redefined the private members’ club concept. Focused on fostering creativity, the club attracts artists, filmmakers, and innovators. With its iconic library and focus on scholarship, The Athenaeum stands apart as a bastion of culture and academia in the private members’ club world. New for 2025, The Pillars brings a new space for connection and socialising in Sydney’s central business district. Set across a historic four-story building, members will enjoy delicious dining and curated wines, private and collaborative workspaces and a lush rooftop garden.
While some may accept applications, entry into these selective private societies usually requires a recommendation from current members and can involve meticulous vetting processes due to the exclusivity of the club. For instance, The Groucho Club in London is known for its high-profile events, often attended by the likes of actors, musicians, and creatives. These aren’t just any events; they’re intimate, personal, and, most importantly, invite-only. Nestled within historic surroundings, The China Club offers a luxurious atmosphere reminiscent of old-world glamour with modern amenities.
This nearly decade-old establishment is a rabbit warren of rooms in four adjoining townhouses with themed décor in the restaurants (try Venetian Ottoman or Russian), as well as food (everything from sushi to tapas). There’s a cigar room, three bars, a library, drawing room, alcoves for bookworms – in fact, there’s not much you won’t find here, including Lou Lou’s, the famous late-night watering hole for celebrities. For the world’s elite, access to the most exclusive private clubs in the world isn’t just about luxury—it’s about prestige, privacy, and unparalleled experiences.
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’s, 5HS, 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. When it comes to private members’ clubs in 2025, people want ‘intimacy over grandeur,’ Luca says.