Elle Decoration UK - 08.2019

THE SOCIAL SCENE

MEMBERS’

CLUBS WITH

MISSIONS

London’s newest, most exclusive

venues are more about what you

believe than who you know

1 THE CONDUIT MAYFAIR

Pioneering the new, more altruistic, way of

attracting members, this club, which opened

last year, describes itself as ‘a home for

a diverse community of people passionate

about social change’. It hosts events around

the themes of gender empowerment and

sustainability, with talks on subjects such

as ‘how to shake up philanthropic giving ’.

The venue’s serious green credentials are

woven into its very fabric, too, with the

hemp-based plaster that covers many of the

walls providing more efficient insulation

and improved air quality. From £1,800 per

year (theconduit.com).

2 HOME GROWN MARYLEBONE

The cooler little sister to members’ club

Home House, this venue’s raison d’être

is to be the catalyst new entrepreneurs

need to build their empires. There are

bedrooms, pitching suites, restaurants

and lounges, while a programme of talks

(speakers include self-starters such as

Kelly Hoppen) provides inspiration. Even

its colourful interior – the work of Russell

Sage Studio – is specially designed to help

you get down to serious business. From

£1,500 per year (homegrownclub.co.uk).

3 THE ALLBRIGHT MAYFAIR

‘There is a special place in hell for women

who do not help other women,’ said former

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

This feminist call to arms is what inspired

the AllBright clubs, the second outpost of

which opened recently (another is planned

for LA soon). Designed by Suzy Hoodless,

the Mayfair branch takes a holistic approach

to women’s careers, with wellness treatments

offered alongside programmes such as its

‘AllBright Academy’. Monthly ‘pitch days’,

which pair entrepreneurs with potential

investors, are another highlight. From £1,150

per year (allbrightcollective.com).

4 ARBORETUM COVENT GARDEN

This newly opened venue sees itself as a

place where people who care about the planet

can convene. Sustainability runs to its very

core – all food and drink on site is seasonal

and locally sourced, while the deli serves

only plant-based fare. The focus isn’t just

on the environment, though, with mental

wellbeing also important. Interiors take

a leaf from the club’s name, featuring green

walls and plants to promote tranquillity,

while perks include pods for meditation, as

well as skill-building workshops and events.

From £950 per year (arbor-etum.com).

SUSTAINABILITY,

DIVERSITY, FEMALE

EMPOWERMENT AND

ENTREPRENEURIAL

SPIRIT – CARING IS THE

NEW SOCIAL CAPITAL

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AUGUST 2019 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 179

ESCAPE

WORDS: KATE WORTHINGTON, CAT OLLEY PICTURE: NEIL KENYON