Annabel's

Spear’s Review

The grande dame of private members’ clubs, Annabel’s has seen it all. From Prince Charles and Princess Diana to Mick Jagger and Kate Moss. 

Under Richard Caring’s ownership, Annabel’s now resides at 46 Berkeley Square, just two doors down from the original site which opened in 1963. Whilst famous for its nightclub – which remains the only one to have been visited by the Queen – these days, at its new home, the establishment offers far more than drinks and dancing. 

Annabel's Terrrace. February 2018

 

With restaurants, bars, a spa, a garden terrace and private dining rooms, there’s little more you could ask for. There is even a dog-walker for members’ precious pooches.

The magnificent entrance hall gives a hint of what’s within: the walls lined in pleated pistachio silk, while glimmering crystal girandoles frame the fireplace. ‘I wanted to create the idea of a home within a town house that was fresh for the greatest party of the season,’ says interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who counts Caring’s The Ivy and Sexy Fish in London among his projects. ‘You can wear all your jewellery, your evening bag, your fur stole... it’s party time when you walk in.’

Annabel's Club in lights and foliage

The gatekeeper to this hallowed establishment is Astrid Harbord (a descendent of the 3rd Baron Suffield, she is also Prince Harry’s ex), who pulls no punches when it comes to membership: in 2019 she was compelled to send a disciplinary email to members after guests posted scandalous loo selfies of themselves in partial states of undress.

Pink bathroom

They are, perhaps, the most famous loos in all of London, having been pseudo-officially christened by Victoria Beckham.

Today, Annabel’s membership is no longer limited to aristos and the glitterati. ‘There is no set criteria in London society today,’ says Harbord. ‘[Membership] ranges from fashion, tech, the art world, and property world as well as hedge funders.’

Those interested in applying for membership can find out more here.