Members Only

London-style private clubs are opening around the globe

- Tom Metcalf

To the uninitiated, the block of 18th century town houses in London’s Shepherd Market doesn’t look like much. But behind the maroon doors and Georgian façade lies 5 Hertford Street, one of London’s most fabled—and secretive— members clubs.

Inside are private dining rooms with roaring fires, a bar encrusted with seashells, and a cigar shop featuring a custom walk-in humidor where Davidoff Dom Perignon and other rare stogies are available.

The club was opened in 2012 by Robin Birley, son of Mark Birley, founder of five-decade-old Annabel’s nightclub. Today, the waiting list includes more than 3,000 applicants eager to pay the roughly $2,700 annual fee, not that the club would ever boast about such things. Birley’s 21st century take on the British institution is distinct from traditional outlets such as White’s, which doesn’t admit women as members.