Canary Wharf leads the new wave of swanky members’ clubs
RARELY has a new club been so aptly named as the recently launched Sky Bar at the Millbank Tower. With wall to wall windows, the views from its 29th floor, directly down towards the Houses of Parliament, are arguably the best in London. While previously just for events, the space has been transformed into an exclusive members club. A little off the beaten track, it’s certainly a destination venue but if you’re a member, they lay on a driver for you or you can even take a speedboat. The stylish lounge has killer cocktails to match the views with an expansive “pharmacy” style bar and talented staff poached from top European clubs. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, the slightly secluded location somehow adds to the party atmosphere and international jet set impression – something the air hostess lift girls (think Britney, not BA) do nothing to dispel. Staying with impressive views, Canary Wharf is about to be the lucky recipient of its very own members cub. Recharged and refreshed, the Battery restaurant at Westferry Circus will shortly be relaunched as an exclusive members lounge. Set over two floors of the Philippe Starck designed building with floor-to-ceiling windows, it will offer the same panoramic vista across to the City, but this time with an eclectic mix of comfy sofas, chaise longues and arm chairs from Inc Group founder Frank Dowling’s personal warehouse. If you’re interested, now is the time to get in touch as there are great pre-launch membership deals on offer and select supper club viewing evenings over the next month. Inc Group are busy bees, with a number of venues on the way in the coming month, including one at the O2 and another on Gresham Street. Another burgeoning entertainment empire has recently expanded to the O2 with the trendy Proud Group launching Proud2 on the site of superclub Matter. So if you prefer dance music and Las Vegas style performances to sipping cocktails in a members club, that would be one for you. Talking of proper members clubs, Home House on Portman Square has recently added a stunning new restaurant to its Candy and Candy designed wing. The Octagon is a beautiful little room which mixes refined British heritage with modern style. The pan-Asian menu for just 20 covers is really worth trying if you can.
Tim Badham is the founder of Innerplace, London’s leading providers of VIP entertainment, including film premieres, fashion shows, launch parties and members club access. www.innerplace.co.uk