HERE’S ONE FOR THE LADIES

Hidden away behind imposing doors and smart windows in London’s St James’s area are some of the most exclusive clubs in London. For centuries, these hallowed halls have been bastions of exclusivity, where only the most privileged of men enjoyed the comforts they offered.

These institutions, some of which date back to the 17th century, have long been synonymous with privilege, influence and power. Yet in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, some clubs made the decision to admit women members for the first time in their history; The Reform Club was the first, in 1981, followed by the Athenaeum in 2002.

While most clubs now accept male and female members, membership remains overwhelmingly male, yet over the past few years, another type of exclusive club has begun to emerge: women’s-only private clubs.

These new offerings aren’t just imitations of the traditional gentleman’s club, either, but rather, a bold reimagining of what a private club can offer. The AllBright, a private members’ club designed specifically for professional women. Founded in 2018, it provides not just an elegant retreat in Mayfair but also a space dedicated to networking, mentorship, and female empowerment. With an interior designed to inspire and a programme chock full of inspiring talks, events, and masterclasses, The AllBright embodies the epitome of modern femininity – power, ambition, and support for other women.

The Wing is the London outpost of the wildly successful New York-based women’s club. With pastel-coloured interiors, stylish furniture, and a space that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional members’ club, The Wing has proven that exclusivity doesn’t have to feel like something from yesteryear.

Rather, it’s an environment where creative women, entrepreneurs, and executives can connect, collaborate, and thrive together.

The rise of women’s-only clubs in London is no mere fluke. It’s a reflection of shifting social and professional dynamics, and the ethos of what private members clubs have to offer, particularly for the fairer sex. As women continue to shatter glass ceilings in the workplace, and claim their place in historically male-dominated industries, the demand for spaces that cater to their unique needs and desires has grown with it.

In a world where networking now plays as much of a role in success as skill, these clubs provide a necessary retreat. They are somewhere where women can go to meet and greet, to forge meaningful connections, to discuss business outside a male-dominated environment, or to simply unwind among like-minded women.

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There’s also a growing understanding that these clubs aren’t about exclusion; they’re about creating inclusive environments where women can flourish. Much like their male-only counterparts, they offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie, but with a distinctly modern, forward-thinking twist, that focuses more on where somebody is going in life, rather than where they came from.

So, what does this mean for London’s traditional gentlemen’s clubs? Some may believe that the growth of the modern women’s club threatens the existence of much of St James’s, particularly among the younger generation.

Yet, it’s unlikely that London’s gentlemen’s clubs will fade into obscurity anytime soon. For many, their old-world charm and deeply rooted traditions remain part of their allure. But the rise of women’s-only clubs signifies something important: exclusivity is no longer a male privilege.

Ultimately, the existence of both gentlemen’s and women’s clubs points to a broader evolution of the club as a concept – one where choice is front and centre. Women no longer need to enter what is traditionally a man’s space to thrive; they are building their own spaces, and redefining exclusivity and inclusivity on their own terms.

London is a city of two halves; one of tradition but also of transformation. With the rise of women’s-only clubs, is proving once again that while history is revered, the future belongs to those willing to shape it. And this time, it’s the ladies who are leading the charge.

Emily is a prolific and talented writer, read her other articles with Houghton & Mackay here.