MEMBERS ONLY

For the last 53 years Annabel’s doors have graced the likes of Hollywood’s most famous. Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Kate Moss indulge in the venue’s opulent sophistication, which due to this exclusive nature and reputation, today, makes it one of London’s oldest signtature members clubs. Until now, in order to increase profits, owner Richard Caring wants to move locations to expand the club to include a spa, gym and restaurant.  “We are only open at night right now,” explains manager Claudio Vigilante. “And it makes sense to move to a property where we can be open all day long.”   Some say this is an end of an era, but he believes, that nothing but good things will come of this expansion.

The basement location that sleeps by day, by night, awakens, as I stand outside to watch the valet park his third Bentley. I’m escorted down the elusive stairs to behold a handmade ice sculpture of Moscow’s Saint Basil cathedral at the entrance - the Russians are celebrating tonight! 

Annabel's is the sort of place you reach into your closet and pull out your little black dress and your sky-high Louboutains for. Guests are casually sipping glasses of the best Laurent Perrier beneath a gold encrusted ceiling; waiters walk around in black tie attire serving next to Michelin starred food, while you are most definitely getting judged for who you came in with and what you are wearing. Through the dinning area is the famous dance floor that is what made the club so popular when it opened its doors for the first time back in 1963, playing the newest beats straight from New York City. There is an upstairs smoking room that is almost like an enclosed solarium with a starlit ceiling, covered in plants, vines and flowers. Everyone crowds around the old antique bar to share details of their week while soaking in the enchantment of it all.

The club is a long time host of events for the rich and famous. “We are having a private BAFTA event this coming Saturday, about 160 people.” gushes Claudio. “ A lot of celebrities will be there, it’s a red carpet affair - Leonardo Dicaprio, Benedict Cumberbatch. The guys from Zoolander were actually across the street at our partner restaurant Sexy Fish last night.” Private events are normally extremely strict he explains. “Sometimes we have the odd one that try's to get in that isn’t on the list, but the paparazzi know who they are."

If you spend anytime at the club, you can understand why most guests make it their weekly go- to night out. "It is normally Thursdays and Saturdays that tend to be our business nights," Claudio remarks. But he also tries to create monthly themed events to keep his guests on the edge of their seats. Similar to tonight’s theme - Russia. Guests indulge in caviar tasting, along with a set of culinary Russian delicacies, live orchestrated music and of course, Russian dancers.

It is without a doubt more fascinating than I could have anticipated, disco music ablaze, and my glass half empty, which means I must be having great time. The business will continue to thrive regardless of change in location, according to the way Claudio is running it. He’s been managing the location for the last two years and is excited to take on a new location, which happens to just be further up the street.  Customers are happier and want a more versatile club. “ It’s going to look the same, and we will keep the original location for private events, so it’s not going anywhere! ” he says reassuringly.