The Rise of Exclusive Members Clubs in a Globalized World

Members clubs have long been symbols of status, offering an ever-more-exclusive retreat for those seeking to surround themselves with the right kind of people. The journey from childhood institutions to elite adult enclaves is a seamless transition for many, moving from prep school to prestigious clubs like White’s, the Hurlingham, or the MCC. These places, steeped in tradition, have defined social hierarchies for centuries. While the concept was refined in 19th-century London, the demand for exclusivity has now spread worldwide, shaping new social landscapes far beyond the stuffy drawing rooms of St. James’s.

London’s traditional clubs, built on secrecy and discretion, have long been the benchmark. As historian Seth Alexander Thévoz notes, clubs like White’s, Boodle’s, and Brooks’s thrive on their mystery, with outsiders clamoring for any insight into their workings. This desire for belonging has only intensified in today’s fragmented cultural landscape, where social identity can be shaped by something as simple as the right tote bag. The rise of modern members clubs has capitalized on this trend, appealing to people’s need for exclusivity and curated communities. As the number of clubs has expanded, so has the competition to craft the most desirable membership experience.

New York has long been second only to London in its club culture, and in many ways, its institutions are even more rigid in their social exclusivity. The Knickerbocker and Union Club remain bastions of old-money privilege, where surnames are often accompanied by Roman numerals. However, newer clubs have attempted to modernize the concept, attracting a different crowd. Places like Casa Cruz, Zero Bond, and Sartriano’s offer a fresh take on exclusivity, embracing a blend of old-world glamour and contemporary luxury. While some clubs open their doors to the public for dining, others remain strictly members-only, often employing futuristic security measures like fingerprint scanners to ensure only the chosen few gain entry. Yet, the essence of a successful club is not just its ability to exclude but to curate a community that shares common values, interests, or social standing. Without this, a club risks becoming a mere playground for the wealthy rather than a true gathering of like-minded individuals.

Among the most anticipated new entrants is Maxime’s, an Upper East Side club spearheaded by Robin Birley, the mastermind behind London’s 5 Hertford Street. Birley’s reputation for impeccable taste has fueled speculation that Maxime’s will set a new standard in American clubland. His legacy, rooted in a family history of club founders, suggests a keen understanding of what makes a private club work. Meanwhile, The Twenty-Two is preparing to bring its Mayfair charm to New York, and Los Angeles continues to refine its own version of elite spaces with venues like the San Vicente Bungalows. These expansions signal the increasing globalization of the members club phenomenon, with exclusivity no longer confined to British tradition but flourishing in major cities across the world.

Despite this boom, the core principles of club culture remain deeply entrenched. India, particularly Mumbai and Kolkata, continues to uphold British-era institutions with sprawling, grandiose clubs reminiscent of their London counterparts. Hong Kong and Singapore, too, maintain strong club traditions. Yet, as the club scene expands, it faces challenges in adapting to modern values. In London, the Garrick Club has been at the center of controversy for its longstanding male-only membership policy, sparking debates over tradition versus progress. Elsewhere, once-legendary clubs like Tramp struggle to reinvent themselves after reputational declines. These tensions reveal the ongoing power of members clubs in shaping social discourse, demonstrating their influence far beyond their velvet-draped walls.

At its core, exclusivity is what defines these institutions. Some clubs embrace this in its purest form, such as The Pugs, a shadowy international group known for rejecting even the most prominent figures. Their blackballing process is a ritualistic display of social gatekeeping, ensuring that only the most select individuals are ever considered. While such practices may seem antiquated, they underscore the unchanging essence of members clubs: a world built on the allure of belonging to something that remains just out of reach for everyone else.