8 Beautiful Members Clubs Just Like Soho House

Investing in a Soho House membership was one of the best things I did last year. Whilst it wasn’t a decision I took lightly, I’ve loved having somewhere brilliant to escape to, with consistently great service and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a home from home. Albeit my home is far less beautiful. It’s given me an opportunity to meet likeminded people, network and be part of a creative community. I’ve been able to visit their locations across the world, including many trips to Soho Farmhouse, and a weekend in Rome. But as Soho House has grown in popularity, so has its waiting list. So if you’re desperate to join a members club like Soho House as soon as possible, this list will help you find the perfect one.

What exactly is a members club?

Members clubs are not a new phenomenon. They began in the late 17th century as a meeting point for business exchanges to occur, usually amongst wealthy men. These days, luckily, they’re very different places. They’re a space (usually a very beautiful one) to hang out, work, relax and re-energise. Members pay a fee to grant them access to private spaces that aren’t open to the public.

Why join a members club?

There’s lots of reasons you might want to join a members club, and it took me quite a long time before I committed to mine. It’s a big investment so I wanted to be sure I’d get the use out of it. I’m at a stage in my life where I don’t have children, and the things I enjoy the most are travel, good food, and connecting with like-minded people. It took me a while to commit because it felt frivolous, but I wish I’d done it earlier. I’m not saying I’ll be part of one forever, it’s not an insignificant amount of money, but right now I know how lucky I am to be able to afford it, and I feel as though I get a lot of value from having it.

Here’s the main things I love about being part of a members club, and why you might want to join one too:

• Having a great place to go for drinks and knowing you’ll always be about to get in. This is a really big one for me, I rarely go to clubs anymore but I do still like a bar with a good atmosphere. I don’t enjoy queuing (who does) or dredging up and down on a cold evening trying to find somewhere to go and being told there’s no space. Being part of a members club means you always have a place to go, no reservation required.
• It’s a great place to get inspired. Being in a beautiful space with likeminded individuals is good for my mental health. I find it much easier to work in a nice, relaxing environment.
• Often, members clubs include access to very good gyms, and some have swimming pools. If you’re already paying for a gym membership, you might find you’re better off combining the two.
• It’s a great way to meet people and network. A lot of members clubs will run regular events for you to meet other members, which can be helpful if you’re new to a city and looking to make friends, or if you’re running a business and want to meet people in a similar position.
• The food will be great quality. A lot of members clubs have multiple restaurants to choose from, and they’ll use the best ingredients to ensure a beautiful meal.

Things to think about before applying to a members club

• Really think about how much use you’ll get out of it. A lot of membership clubs require you to commit to a year, and whilst you don’t have to pay that all at once, it’s still a lot of money. If you don’t live that close and you won’t be visiting regularly, it might not be worth it.
• Some members clubs ask for referrals (Soho House does this). So you’ll need to know at least one person who’s already a member. Check this before you apply to save the disappointment later on.
• You’ll probably be asked a bit about you and what you can bring to the club. This feels a little strange, but don’t overthink it. Just write about what you enjoy doing and most importantly, be yourself.
• A lot of them do discounts if you’re under a certain age. In a bid to encourage the younger generation to join, most members clubs do a cheaper rate if you fall into a particular age bracket. If you’re serious about joining, try and take advantage of this as it will save you a LOT of money.

Members clubs like Soho House – what to look for

If you want to find a members club like Soho House, you’ve got to know what you’re searching for. And there’s a few things that I think make Soho House special:

• Beautiful interiors – the space is well put together and creates the perfect balance of being comfortable and inspiring. Most membership clubs will be beautiful (it’s kind of what you’re paying for), so you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find this.
• Great service – nothing is too much trouble at Soho House. The service is consistently good and the staff go above and beyond to make your experience special. It’s the little things that really make a difference, like taking your bags to your room and collecting them when you check out.
• A relaxed environment – Before I joined Soho House, I saw members clubs as pretentious, and full of people that might look down their nose at me as if I didn’t have a right to be there. What I love about Soho House is that I’ve never once felt that. It’s welcoming, casual and most importantly, fun!

Members clubs like Soho House – in London

The Ned

If you’re looking for a members club like Soho House, The Ned is a great place to start. The London institution is housed in a former bank in the middle of the city, with other locations in New York & Doha. It’s owned by Nick Jones, the Soho House founder, and Ron Burkle, their chairman and investor. So you can expect the same incredible design, food and service you’d find at Soho House.

Their London outpost was the first opening, complete with no less than 7 restaurants, 3 bars and 250 beautiful hotel rooms. Although parts of The Ned are open to the public, the rooftop area and downstairs bar is reserved for members only. My favourite thing about The Ned is that they have live music everyday of the week. So no waiting around for Thursday to have a good night out.

Membership information:

• Ned’s Club: This gives you access to everything. In London, there’s a members only rooftop space complete with 2 restaurants, and an outdoor terrace, with incredible views over the city & St.Pauls Cathedral. Downstairs is Ned’s club, which includes The Vault bar. Located in the original bank vault, it’s a club space with live music and entertainment. You’ll also get access to the other Ned locations in New York and Doha.
• Ned Friends: Similar to the Soho Friends membership, Ned Friends gives you benefits at the restaurants, spa and bedrooms. Plus, you get priority access to The Ned.

How is it a members club like Soho House?

The Ned is owned by the same people behind Soho House, so you’re pretty much guaranteed the same level of care and attention to detail.

& how is it not?

There’s not as many locations as Soho House, so it probably only makes sense if you’re based in London, New York or Doha.

Annabel’s

If you’ve not heard of Annabel’s, you’ve probably seen a picture of it. Each year at Christmas it has one of the most famous light displays in London. Founded in 1963 by Mark Birley, it was one of England’s first members clubs and has seen many celebrities and members of the royal family grace its doors over the years. It’s always fabulous, and that theme continues inside.

In 2018 it underwent a complete renovation and a move, although only 2 doors down to 46 Berkeley Square in Mayfair (where else?). The interiors are are garish, decadent but absolutely spectacular.

Membership information:

Annabel’s only offers one type of membership, but they do offer discounts if you’re under 35, or if you take out a membership with someone you live with.

• Full annual membership: £3,250 + £1,750 joining fee
• Joint annual membership: £5,570 + £1,500 joining fee
• Under 35 annual membership: £1,750 + £500 joining fee
• Joint under 35: £2,600 + £750 joining fee

How is it a members club like Soho House?

The events at Annabel’s are brilliant, so you’re bound to be entertained. This is something Soho House does well, especially in more recent years, but not quite on the same level.

& how is it not?

The dress code is strict, and for me it’s something that would put me off entirely as it feeds into this notion of superiority. Soho House is much more relaxed, in fact it actively encourages dressing casually. But, I appreciate not everyone’s the same, so a dress code might work well for you.

The Groucho Club

Soho House started life in Soho, so where better to find a members club like Soho House than in the very same neighbourhood. The Groucho Club was started in the 1980s by a group of publishers that were mostly women. The aim was to offer an alternative style of members club to what existed at the time. They wanted to create a space dedicated to the arts, where likeminded individuals could meet and talk about their passions. It was something new and reimagined, away from the male-dominated spaces previously in existence.

It’s spread across several floors, where you’ll find 3 bars, 2 restaurants, a terrace and 20 bedrooms.

Membership information:

There’s only one type of membership. You’ll need a role within the creative industries and your application will need to be supported up by two current members. It costs £950 a year + a £250 joining fee.

How is it a members club like Soho House?

It’s relaxed, inviting and centered around the creative industry. It has a very similar feel to Soho House’s location on Greek Street, which basically feels like you’re arriving at a house party, and it’s one of my favourite places in London for a night out.

& how is it not?

There’s only one location, so it only makes sense if you’re London based.

The Arts Club

Founded in 1863, The Arts Club was founded by non other than Charles Dickens, alongside Anthony Trollope and Lord Leighton. They wanted to build a meeting space for men and women in the creative arts. The club has always called Mayfair home, and has been at the same townhouse location on Dover Street since 1894. In 2020, the club opened its first international location in Dubai, with talks of further expansion to come.

In London, there’s 3 restaurants, serving everything form Japanese cuisine to Mediterranean flavours. Grab a drink at Leo’s, a late-night cocktail bar with music until 3am on the weekends. There’s an extensive calendar of events, all centered around the arts. Attend an auction, try your hand at poetry writing, or learn some calligraphy. In Dubai, there’s a similar atmosphere, with the addition of a rooftop offering uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa. The roof is also home to the cigar lounge, as well as a nightclub, a space inspired by hedonistic islands of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

Membership information:

• Full membership: Open to anyone 30+ and gives you full access and benefits. £2,000 per year + £2,500 joining fee.
• Second person: For a partner sharing the same address. They get full access and benefits. £1,250 per year + no joining fee.
• Young person: For people under 30, this gives you full access and benefits. £1,250 per year + £1,000 joining fee.
• International membership: If you already have a membership in London, you can add on access to The Arts Club Dubai for an additional £1,200 per year.

How is it a members club like Soho House?

It’s dedicated to creative types, and has lots of choice for restaurants and bars.

& how is it not?

There’s only 2 locations, but there are more in the works!

The House of KOKO

Last year, in the heart of Camden Town, a new kid on the block emerged. The concert venue and former theatre, KOKO, launched its own private members club, The House of KOKO. And whilst KOKO is open to the public, House of KOKO is a members-only space spread across four floors. There’s cocktail bars, restaurants, a roof terrace, vinyl rooms, penthouse and a secret speakeasy.

You’ll find it all “backstage”, behind the original theatre, and members get access to secret shows in the theatre, and a full calendar of events. The designs exquisite, brought together by the architects behind The Standard and Chiltern Firehouse, with Pirajean Lees bringing magic to the inside.

Membership information:

• House Member: Monthly subscription of £125, or £1,500 annually + £250 joining fee

How is it a members club like Soho House?

House of KOKO actually has some Soho House influences. Katie Heller, who worked on the artwork at Soho House, has joined House of KOKO as their new Head of Art. And she’s curated the clubs own private art and photography collection. Creativity is at the heart of this place, just like at Soho House.

& how is it not?

It’s cheaper, but that’s a good thing!

The Curtain Club

If you’re looking for members clubs like Soho House, The Curtain Club is a great alternative. Soho House are notorious for their excellent rooftop pools, and the one here is epic. It’s located in The Mondrian Hotel in Shoreditch, which in my opinion is one of the best neighbourhoods for a night out in the city. Members get access to Laurel’s On The Roof – a rooftop restaurant, bar and pool inspired by 1970s LA, as well as a co-working space, design studio, lounge and bar area and a gym. Plus, a well curated events calendar, including supper clubs, wellness workshops and Sofar Sounds sessions.

Other benefits include:

• 20% off hotel room at Mondrian Shoreditch & selected Ennismore properties (Ennismore owns some of my favourite hotel brands, including The Hoxton, so this is a great perk)
• 20% off Wellness on Mondrian Shoreditch treatments
• 20% off food and drink at Laurel’s on the Roof & BiBo Shoreditch

Membership information:

• £1,000 per year or £100 per month + a £350 joining fee

How is it a members club like Soho House?

It feels very similar to Shoreditch house with the brilliant rooftop pool and obviously, the location.

& how is it not?

There’s only one location, which may be a drawback for some.

The Conduit

The Conduit is a members club with a difference. At its very heart is a mission to helping the planet and creating a sustainable future. And its community’s made up of individuals gathering together to try and drive positive impact. That theme’s present throughout the whole of The Conduit – from its eco-friendly design to the sustainable energy systems.

When you join The Conduit, your benefits extend far beyond the superficial (although there’s some great perks too). The list of everything included in your membership is far more extensive than any other club on this list. As well as the rooftop bar, live entertainment, and jam-packed events calendar, there’s opportunities to connect with mentors, find new companies to invest in, and find volunteering opportunities. So this is the perfect members club to really accelerate your personal and business growth, as well as having a beautiful space for a drink.

Membership information:

*The joining fee is currently waived for a limited period at The Conduit, so now’s a great time to join.

• Conduit Membership: Full membership. £2,000 per year.
• Under 33 Membership: Full membership + a 33% discount on food and drink on Mondays. £1,400 per year.
• Not-For-Profit Membership: For those working in the not-for-profit sector. £1,300 per year.
• Out of Town Membership: If you’re based more than 50 miles from The Conduit, you’ll get 50% off the membership you sign up for. This does also reduce your access to The Clubhouse, but not to the events.
• Student Membership: For any student in full-time education. £600 per year.
• Spouse Membership: Applicable annual fees, no joining fee.

How is it a members club like Soho House?

Seriously beautifully designed. Eco-friendly does not mean they’ve scrimped on the interiors. It’s one of the most beautiful clubs on this list (in my opinion).

& how is it not?

It’s much more focused around collective action and driving positive change. Whilst the social aspect is still important, it’s not at the core. There’s also a lot more membership options, so it’s easier to make the club work for your needs.

Members clubs like Soho House – further afield

Gleneagles Townhouse

Gleneagles Townhouse is the latest opening from Ennismore, the hotel brand behind The Hoxton, TRIBE, 25hours, Mama Shelter, Mondrian and Scotland’s most iconic hotel, Gleneagles. The original location first opened in 1924, when it was commissioned by the General Manager of the Caledonian railway. Donald Matheson was inspired to create the hotel whilst holidaying in the area and it quickly became “the” place to stay. Last year, they opened their second location in Edinburgh, a 33-bedroom hotel, restaurant and members club. I popped by for breakfast on my most recent trip to Edinburgh and I immediately wanted to check in and stay a few days. The interiors are beautiful, and the style is very reminiscent of Soho House.

Whilst the majority of Gleneagles Townhouse is open to the public, membership grants you access to the lounge, rooftop bar and social spaces. Plus, there’s plenty of events and clubs you can join. You’ll also get discounts on room reservations at Gleneagles Townhouse and Gleneagles, and priority booking in the restaurant. Plus, if you’re travelling, you get access to locations in London, San Francisco and Reykjavik.

Membership information:

• Townhouse membership: £2,200 + £350 joining fee
• Under-33 membership: £1,100 + £175 joining fee

How is it a members club like Soho House?

Out of everywhere on this list, the style and vibe of Gleneagles feels the most like Soho House.

& how is it not?

It’s a new kid on the block, so time will tell if it holds its own against the longer-standing clubs.

Hopefully you’ve find this guide to members clubs like Soho House helpful, and you’ve found a good alternative you can sign up to!