6
Dec,2025
London’s members-only clubs used to feel like secret societies-untouchable, exclusive, and impossible to crack. But times have changed. Today, you don’t need to be a member to walk through the doors of some of the city’s most legendary private clubs. The question isn’t whether you can get in-it’s how, when, and who can get you there.
It’s Not Just for Members Anymore
For decades, places like The Groucho A private members' club in Soho, founded in 1985, known for its artsy crowd, late-night bar, and no-photos policy, The Arts Club A historic Mayfair club established in 1863, frequented by artists, writers, and celebrities, with dining, bars, and private event spaces, and Annabel’s A legendary private members' club in Mayfair, opened in 1963, famous for its opulent interiors, celebrity guests, and strict membership operated on a strict no-guests policy. If you weren’t invited by a member, you weren’t getting in. That’s changed. Many now allow guests, but not freely. It’s not a public bar. It’s not a hotel lounge. It’s a middle ground-controlled access, curated experience, and a system that still protects its vibe.The shift started around 2020. As private clubs faced financial pressure during lockdowns, they began opening up to non-members for dining, cocktails, and events. What began as a survival tactic became a strategy. Today, if you’re smart about it, you can drink where the models, musicians, and millionaires go-without paying £5,000 for a lifetime membership.
How Guests Actually Get In
There are three real ways to get into a members’ club as a guest. None of them involve showing up with cash and hoping for the best.- Be invited by a member-This is still the gold standard. If you know someone who’s a member, they can bring you in. Most clubs allow one or two guests per member per visit. Some, like The Club at 5 Hertford Street A discreet Mayfair club known for its fine dining, whiskey bar, and high-profile clientele, with guest policies strictly managed by members, require the member to sign you in at reception and stay with you the whole time.
- Book a table or experience through the club’s public-facing website-Many clubs now offer public reservations for dinner, Sunday brunch, or cocktail hours. The Wolseley A grand European-style brasserie in Piccadilly, originally part of a private club, now open to all with a members-only lounge upstairs lets anyone book a table, but the upstairs bar remains members-only. Others, like The Ivy Asia A members’ club-style restaurant in Covent Garden with private booths, a speakeasy bar, and public dining areas, blend public and private spaces. You’re in the club, but not necessarily in the club.
- Stay at a hotel with club access-Hotels like The Goring A luxury five-star hotel in Belgravia with exclusive access to its private members' club lounge for guests or The Connaught A Mayfair hotel offering guests access to its private bar and club-style lounge, reserved for room guests and members give their guests temporary access to their affiliated club spaces. It’s not the full club experience, but you’ll get the cocktails, the ambiance, and the quiet luxury.
Don’t expect to walk in off the street. Even if a club says "guests welcome," they’ll still check your name against a list. No ID, no entry. No reservation, no entry. No member sponsor, no entry.
What You Can Actually Do as a Guest
Being a guest doesn’t mean you get the full run of the place. Clubs still guard their inner sanctums. But here’s what’s usually open:- Dining-Most clubs now offer public meals. The food is often exceptional. At The Arts Club, you can get a £65 three-course dinner with wine pairings that rivals any Michelin-starred spot.
- Cocktails-Many clubs have bars open to non-members during daytime or early evening. The Groucho lets guests order drinks at the bar until 11pm, but you can’t enter the upstairs lounge.
- Events-Art openings, live jazz nights, and book launches are often open to the public. These are your best bet for sneaking into the inner circle. The Soho House A global members' club chain with a London outpost in Soho, known for its rooftop pool, private cinema, and exclusive events hosts public ticketed events on weekends.
- Private hire-If you’re throwing a birthday or corporate event, you can rent out a room. Some clubs let you bring your own guests. That’s how most people get their first taste of the scene.
What’s still off-limits? Late-night access after 1am. The back rooms. The hidden whiskey cellar. The member-only poker nights. The staff who know your name. That’s still reserved.
Which Clubs Are Most Guest-Friendly in 2025?
| Club Name | Guest Access? | How to Enter | Best For | Typical Guest Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Groucho | Yes | Walk-in bar (until 11pm), member invitation for upstairs | Cocktails, casual vibe | £0 (bar drinks only) |
| The Arts Club | Yes | Book dinner or Sunday brunch online | Dining, history, quiet luxury | £45-£85 per person |
| Annabel’s | Very limited | Member invitation only | Exclusive events, high-end nightlife | £200+ (if invited) |
| The Wolseley | Yes | Book table online; members-only lounge upstairs | Brunch, people-watching | £30-£60 per person |
| The Ivy Asia | Yes | Book table or bar seat online | Asian fusion, speakeasy bar | £50-£120 per person |
| The Connaught Bar | Yes | Book a seat at the bar or lounge | World-class cocktails, quiet sophistication | £20-£45 per drink |
Annabel’s remains the exception. It still operates like a fortress. But places like The Arts Club and The Connaught Bar have embraced the guest model so fully, they now get more revenue from non-members than from membership fees.
What to Expect When You Walk In
Even if you’re invited, don’t expect a red carpet. These clubs don’t do flashy. The vibe is quiet confidence. Staff won’t rush you. They won’t ask if you’re a member. They’ll just smile and say, “Welcome.”Dress code? Smart casual. No trainers. No hoodies. No baseball caps. Jeans are okay if they’re clean and dark. A blazer helps. A tie? Only if you’re going to dinner. Most guests are dressed like they’re heading to a gallery opening-not a club.
There’s no loud music. No flashing lights. No DJs. The sound is jazz, vinyl, or silence. You’ll hear conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional laugh. That’s the point.
Who’s Really Getting In?
It’s not just tourists with credit cards. The real guests are:- Business travelers with corporate expense accounts
- Authors and artists invited by members
- Journalists on press nights
- Hotel guests with access privileges
- Local professionals who book Sunday brunch to escape the office
There’s no dress code for status. Just a quiet expectation that you’ll behave like you belong. That’s the real test.
What You Can’t Buy
You can book a table. You can order a cocktail. You can even sit where the Queen once sat at The Arts Club. But you can’t buy membership. You can’t buy access to the inner circle. You can’t buy the respect of the staff who’ve seen it all.The real value isn’t in the velvet couches or the imported gin. It’s in the feeling that you’re in a place where time moves slower, where people don’t check their phones, and where the only thing more valuable than your drink is your presence.
That’s why people still want in. Not because they want to be seen. But because they want to be left alone-in the best company.
Can I just walk into a members club in London as a guest?
No, you can’t walk in off the street. Most clubs require either a reservation, a member’s invitation, or a hotel guest status. Even if the club says "guests welcome," they’ll still check your name against a list. No ID, no reservation, no entry.
How much does it cost to visit a members club as a guest?
There’s no cover charge, but you’ll pay for what you consume. Cocktails range from £18 to £28. Dinner can cost £50-£120 per person depending on the club. Some clubs, like The Groucho, let you drink at the bar with no minimum spend. Others, like The Arts Club, require you to book a set menu.
Do I need to dress up to get into a members club?
Yes, but not formally. Smart casual is the standard. No trainers, no hoodies, no shorts. Dark jeans and a button-down shirt work. A blazer or jacket helps, especially for dinner. The clubs don’t have strict dress codes posted-they just expect you to look like you belong.
Are members clubs in London safe for tourists?
Absolutely. These are some of the safest and most discreet places in London. Staff are trained to handle all types of guests, including tourists. The environment is calm, quiet, and professional. Just don’t expect the party vibe of a nightclub-these are places to relax, not to dance.
Can I bring a group of friends as a guest?
It depends. Most clubs allow one or two guests per member. If you’re booking a table publicly, you can bring up to six people. For larger groups, you’ll need to book a private room or event space. Always check ahead-some clubs limit group sizes to keep the atmosphere intimate.
What’s the difference between a members club and a private club?
There’s no real difference-they’re the same thing. "Members club" is the modern term. "Private club" is the older, more formal term. Both refer to venues that require membership for full access, but many now allow guests through reservations or invitations. The key is control: these places decide who comes in, not the public.
Is it worth it to visit a members club if I’m not a member?
If you appreciate quiet luxury, excellent service, and a space that doesn’t feel like a restaurant or a bar, then yes. You won’t get the full experience-no late-night access, no hidden rooms-but you’ll get the soul of it: good drinks, calm energy, and a sense of being somewhere special without the noise.
Next Steps: How to Plan Your Visit
Start by picking one club that matches your vibe. Want cocktails? Go to The Connaught Bar. Want dinner? Try The Arts Club. Want to feel like you’re in a movie? Book a table at The Ivy Asia.Book ahead-always. These places fill up fast, especially on weekends. Don’t show up at 7pm expecting a seat. Reserve online. Mention if you’re a guest. Ask if there’s a dress code. And don’t try to impress anyone. The best guests are the ones who blend in.
You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be famous. You just need to know how to ask.
