Blacks
Best for: Understated posing: subtle
charm and civilised relaxation.
What they say: Shhhhh... you'll have to
get in to find out.
How much: Annual £300 plus registration
fees, other options include out of town and abroad memberships, but
nothing for the young 'uns.
Length of application/what they ask: Again,
'it's a secret'.
What you need: A Proposer who has the
time to watch you fill in an on-site application, as they'll have to
take you down there as their guest.
Got a hope in hell?: The waiting list
is currently four months, so, by October, you could be snuggling up
to a sherry at the bar.
Contact details: 67 Dean Street, W1D 4QH
- 020 7287 3381
Century
Best for: Media types in need of a little
piece and quiet. Get back in touch with God as you look over the greenery
of St Anne's Church. Alternatively descend into the bar and atone for
your sins later.
What they say: 'the private member's club
of Soho'
How much: Annual £500, Out of Town
£400, Overseas £360, Under 25s £225, plus a non-refundable
£100 registration fee.
Length of application: Easy two pages,
but you need to include a letter outlining details of your background,
work, and why you wish to join.
What they ask: Very little.
What you need: Proposer, seconder, photo.
Got a hope in hell?: Considered to house
the 'spill-over' from Soho House, you may well get in if this is your
first choice. Be sure you want it though, as the registration fee is
a goner once you've signed, whether they let you in or not.
Contact details: 61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue,
W1D 6LQ - 02075343080
Web: www.centuryclub.co.uk
The Groucho Club
Best for: The old school literary world
reborn. If it all gets too much, check into one of the 19 bedrooms and
sleep it off.
What they say: 'more exclusive than the
SAS and nearly as tough to get in; more mysterious than the Mason's,
with an initiation ceremony that would make a Ninja faint.'
How much: Full: £550, Under 35:
£415, Under 28: £300, plus joining fees. No payments will
be processed until membership is approved.
Length of application: Pen friendly two
pages.
What they ask: It's all terribly sensible
stuff.
What you need: Two proposers and patience;
both are contacted for letters of recommendation before the Committee
meets 'at their convenience'.
Got a hope in hell?: Well, even if you
fit the criteria and are accepted, you¹re still facing an 18 month
waiting list.
Contact details: 45 Dean Street, W1V 5AP
- 020 7439 4685
Web: www.thegrouchoclub.com
The Hospital
Best for: Arty media types in need of
a private gallery and recording studio.
What they say: 'creative thinking, entrepreneurship
and entertainment: all things The Hospital stands for'.
How much: Annual: £550, Under 30s:
£300 plus joining fees.
Length of application: Eight pages
What they ask: ³What do you do, who
do you do it for?² It could go so wrong.
What you need: A job in the creative industries,
a picture, and a Proposer.
Got a hope in hell?: The committee will
decide. Attach your loveliest photo and try and keep up with the 'quirky'
questioning.
Contact details: 24 Endell Street, WC2H
9HQ - 020 7170 9100
Web: www.thehospital.dreamhost.com
Shoreditch House
Best For: Next Gen media types as we hear
they're trying to attract a younger crowd; Soho House founding members
are now all pushing buggies. Enjoy waiter service while you play board
games or watch TV in the snug, join the Member's League at the bowling
alley, or head to the Cowshed for some serious pampering.Oxymoron or
what.
What they say: 'a meeting place for the
new generation of Eastenders'
How much: Local House £750, Every
House £900, Under 27s £500, plus registration fees. No payments
will be processed until membership is approved.
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