London Night Life – Insight to the Life of the Rich and Famous

The London nightlife is quite interesting, but the experience you get depends a whole lot on the amount of money you are willing to spend.

Most people don’t really have enough money to really experience all that London has to have.

Actually, it’s not just about money it’s a bit about sex too, because there are some places in which women are not allowed to show up.

Exclusive clubs in London are known as gentlemen’s clubs and they really are exclusive.

You have to be really rich and powerful to get a spot in these places on a regular basis.

According to businessinsider.com, these clubs were formed in the late 17th century for members of the aristocracy.

As Britain’s middle classes  became richer, they too wanted their own clubs.

Slowly West London became saturated with clubs, and the area around St. James is still referred to as “Clubland”.

The clubs were a place for “gentlemen” to get away from their wives and relax (and, crucially, get a
drink after last orders had been called at the non-gentleman’s public houses and bars).

These days, many of the clubs are cosmopolitan affairs, courting women members and seeking creative members for an edgy atmosphere.

In clubs like Soho House or Home House, the stiff upper lips of the aristocracy have been replaced by the designer jeans of creative directors.

Here’s our pick of the clubs, with examples of old school or new school, and the newer school included.

Annabel’s

Founded by zoo-owner and alleged far-right plotter John Aspinall in 1963 and named after his first wife, Annabel’s has long catered to the glitziest guests London can provide, including Kate Moss, Prince Charles, and even Richard Nixon.

These days the club is often frequented by the hedge funders in Mayfair, and charges up to £750 ($1200) a year for membership. Formal dress is required.

The Arts Club

Also in Mayfair is The Arts Club, situated on Dover Street and currently being renovated.

The club was founded in 1863 as a place for London’s art elite to meet, and can count Dickens, Kipling and Monet amongst its prestigious membership.

These days the membership has broadened significantly, with members reportedly including Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall.

Boodle’s

Founded by Lord Shelburne in 1762 (roughly 20 years before he became Prime Minister), Boodle’s is one of London’s oldest clubs.

Winston Churchill became a member after World War 2, and other members have included economist Adam Smith and Ian Fleming, who set a scene in one of his James Bond novels in the club.

The club does not allow women members or guests.