London's private members' circuit has come a long way since the days of the stuffy gentleman's club.
The capital now boasts one of the most diverse selections of clubs in the world.
While areas such as Mayfair and Pall Mall are still synonymous with the members club scene, an explosion of more accessible, affordable, and arguably trendier clubs have shaken things up.
Whether you are looking for a wellbeing sanctuary, to indulge in the world of fine wine, fine art, live performances, and intrepid exploring, or just somewhere with cool rooms where cool-looking people hang out, each club has its very own niche, making it ever trickier to pick the right one.
We've rounded up a selection of London's most exclusive private members' clubs, which cost between £150 to over £5,000 — or the cost of a new car — for an annual membership.
Scroll down for a sneak peek inside some of London's best clubs, ranked in ascending order by the price of a standard annual membership and joining fee.
Disrepute, Soho — £150, no joining fee.
Disrepute, a "hidden gem" nestled within an opulent Soho basement, offers an expertly curated cocktail menu and an atmospheric space perfect for secret late night sessions. It is one of the most reasonably priced members' bars in London.
Membership privileges include priority reservations, the ability to book in parties of up to 12 people, and free access to special events, talks, and masterclasses.
A members' bar not in the conventional sense, according to the club, applications are welcome from people of all backgrounds and persuasions. Non-members are also welcome to book a table, subject to availability.
You can apply for membership here.
L'escargot, Soho — £450, plus £250 joining fee.
http://instagram.com/p/BF56CvYFuiY/embed/
Width: 658px
Set in a Georgian townhouse in the heart of Soho above London's oldest French restaurant L'escargot, the chic Upstairs Club is accessed via a psychedelic carpeted spiral staircase.
It's a secretive hideout away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. There is an air of eccentricity to the club which offers its members access to a series of private rooms, including the salon noir, salon bleu, and salon rouge, which regularly host performances and general debauchery.
Under 28s can obtain a reduced membership of £250. If you don't have a proposer, you may be asked to visit the club and meet with one of the membership team for a drink and a brief introduction.
To apply, hopefuls should submit a personal profile online here.
Quo Vadis, Soho — £500, plus £150 joining fee.
Quo Vadis, easily recognisable by its iconic neon street sign, is another of Soho's members' haunts. The club consists of a first floor bar and lounge, and a dedicated members' restaurant, which serves quintessentially British cuisine. The second floor is home to the "Blue Room," an intimate, atmospheric lounge with open plan bar and first rate sound system.
It is popular among Soho’s creatives, foodies, and more generally seekers of relaxed business and serious pleasures. Members can enjoy £5 Martini Hours on Thursday and Fridays and half price Pie and Oyster Mondays.
Under 30s benefit from a discounted yearly rate of £300. The club doesn't have a blanket policy for membership and says it instead looks at case by case applications, accepting people without airs and graces who are interesting and happy to be themselves.
Prospective members can apply online here.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider