Private clubs in the City are a brand of watering holes that turned the old-school world of stuffy gentlemen?s clubs on its head years ago.ย Previously places for men only, where one popped for a cheeky glass of whisky away from the wife, these retreats have changed beyond recognition – adapting to the modern age by opening their doors to women and the world of business ? both previously banned.
New clubs are thriving all over the world. There’s a seemingly endless parade of members? clubs opening every other week, but most fade into obscurity, as they simply do not offer enough to make the proposition of membership worthwhile.
Tweaking the balance between exclusivity and informality however, is no easy feat, but, if it is managed and achieved, the result is that of an established, highly regarded, unstuffy institution, doused withย prestige and history –ย that will see loyal members continue to return year on year.ย What the more traditional types might lack in media buzz, they certainly make up for in prestige and history.
One such member?s club that achieves this is the London Capital Clubย in Abchurch Lane, near Monument.
On Thursday 16ย July the sumptuous establishment welcomed 17 PAs and the PA Life team to a banquet dinner and tour around one of the City?s most established private member?s clubs.
Guests fuelled up on Champagne Drappier, Brut Carte D?Or and found time for a very important bit of networking, whilst feasting on the club?s bespoke canap?s of salmon coated in fennel panko with lemo mayo, goats cheese cornet and red pepper chutney, gazpacho and basil oil.
General Manager Simon Russell gave tours of the property. Quintessential Englishness is what comes to mind when leisurely perusing the various function spaces, meeting rooms, Member?s bar, fine dining and restaurant.
Think leather chairs, mixed-fabric furniture, magnificent mahogany boardrooms and intimate small studies. Be it private and discreet, or big and bold, business transactions and discussions are positively encouraged here.
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The delicious menu for the evening, served in the Oriental Room was as follows:
Tartare of wild sea trout
Marsh samphire, granny smith apple, chervil & truffle
Lune valley rack of lamb
Braised peas, jersey royals, slow baked carrot, thyme jus
Lemon tart with English strawberries
Tea, coffee & petit fours
Catering to the modern business professional, with a reputation for excellence and personal service, the Club?s reputation is firmly based on preserving the most worthwhile aspects of a traditional City Club, whilst responding to the demands of today?s business life. It is strategically located in the City of London, with The Bank of England, Lloyd?s of London, The London Stock Exchange and the major British and international companies and financial institutions just a short walk away.
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Be it business meetings, after-work tipples or power lunches – this is definitely one for your little black book.
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This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice?s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and a discounted rate for PA Life?s new training courses, click here:ย palife.co.uk/pa-life-club
