Private members' clubs were originally set up by upper-class British men back in the late 1700's. The more common term for them at this time was 'gentlemen's club.' Members of these clubs were very much determined by association, name, wealth and capital.
These clubs were primitively born in the West End of London with the three most aristocratic known as White's, Brooks and Boodle's. As time went by during these early years and Reform Act after Reform Act was passed, the notion of the private members' club began to change. As the middle classes rose, so did their feeling of right to entry into these clubs and, as a consequence, more and more clubs were built to accommodate for the growing members; young professionals with modest earnings and, of course, the right to vote.
Being a member of a gentlemen's club bought with it a sense of belonging and a sense of loyalty. Once you joined up with the club of your choice, you didn't use any other establishment. Clubs were chosen because of association to other members, perhaps family or friends, as well as whether the club promoted certain areas that were of interest to you generally; so politics, sport, literature or art for example.
As time progressed and we moved into the twentieth century, private members' clubs began to fall off the radar, even more so when the two world wars came into effect. In recent years, however, we have seen these establishments soar once more, particularly when you consider the emergence of The Groucho Club, Soho House and Home House. These venues are not necessarily gentlemen's clubs in the traditional sense in that they now accept women and are not as strict with their entry requirements. Instead, they offer a modern spin on a quintessentially British past time, predominantly offering luxury space, coupled with 5* plus food, drink and accommodation.
Home House of Portman Square is perhaps the most endearing of private members' clubs, especially as it started life somewhat differently to the White's, Brooks and Boodle's of times gone by. Contrary to belief, the building was originally built as just that - a house - a grand, Georgian town house to be precise, designed by famous architects Robert Adam and James Wyatt for Elizabeth, Countess of Home. It wasn't until 2004, when it was passed to its current owners, that it became the club we know and love today.
These clubs were primitively born in the West End of London with the three most aristocratic known as White's, Brooks and Boodle's. As time went by during these early years and Reform Act after Reform Act was passed, the notion of the private members' club began to change. As the middle classes rose, so did their feeling of right to entry into these clubs and, as a consequence, more and more clubs were built to accommodate for the growing members; young professionals with modest earnings and, of course, the right to vote.
Being a member of a gentlemen's club bought with it a sense of belonging and a sense of loyalty. Once you joined up with the club of your choice, you didn't use any other establishment. Clubs were chosen because of association to other members, perhaps family or friends, as well as whether the club promoted certain areas that were of interest to you generally; so politics, sport, literature or art for example.
As time progressed and we moved into the twentieth century, private members' clubs began to fall off the radar, even more so when the two world wars came into effect. In recent years, however, we have seen these establishments soar once more, particularly when you consider the emergence of The Groucho Club, Soho House and Home House. These venues are not necessarily gentlemen's clubs in the traditional sense in that they now accept women and are not as strict with their entry requirements. Instead, they offer a modern spin on a quintessentially British past time, predominantly offering luxury space, coupled with 5* plus food, drink and accommodation.
Home House of Portman Square is perhaps the most endearing of private members' clubs, especially as it started life somewhat differently to the White's, Brooks and Boodle's of times gone by. Contrary to belief, the building was originally built as just that - a house - a grand, Georgian town house to be precise, designed by famous architects Robert Adam and James Wyatt for Elizabeth, Countess of Home. It wasn't until 2004, when it was passed to its current owners, that it became the club we know and love today.
About the Author:
Home House greets people from all walks of life, which is part of its appeal. Quite unlike many other exclusive clubs, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home house is London's most Luxurious and Exclusive private venue in London, offering myriad opportunities to discover new pastimes and exclusive experiences.
