ON A CRISP November evening, crowds gathered in Berkeley Square to watch Annabel’s unveil its annual festive façade, revealed this year as: The Wardrobe: A World of Wonder.
Annabel’s is one of London’s most recognisable private Members’ Clubs. It has become known for its ability to combine comfort, glamour and intimacy. Its membership is famously diverse and international, drawn by the historic reputation for exceptional service, refined cuisine and a distinctive sense of occasion.
Since 2018, the club has been housed in a Grade I listed Georgian mansion at 46 Berkeley Square, only two doors away from its original 1963 home. The building spans 26,000 square feet and has become a landmark in its own right.
Annabel’s Christmas Façade 2025
This year’s decor continues the club’s tradition of large-scale festive installations. The design transforms the entrance into a glamorous, gold-etched wardrobe that opens onto a winter scene filled with snow-covered trees and hanging icicles, a clear homage to the world of Narnia and the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
At the centre stands a white porcelain-like lion that appears both powerful and fragile, echoing the familiar guardian figure from the beloved tale. The piece is intended to symbolise courage, vulnerability and the responsibility of protection.
Alexandra Burke at Annabel’s Christmas Façade 2025
Tatiana Kharchylava, Creative Director of The Birley Clubs, oversaw the concept. She explained that her aim was to recreate the feeling of returning to childhood, when the world felt full of possibility. The wardrobe serves as a portal to that sense of imagination. Her intention is for the installation to prompt visitors to slow down, reflect and reconnect with a sense of hope.
Guests gathered in Berkeley Square for the official reveal, which featured a performance by Alexandra Burke and the Capital Children’s Choir. The atmosphere was festive and reflective as the scene lit up for the first time. Celebrations continued inside the club, where guests were welcomed with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby cocktails before an intimate seasonal dinner held in partnership with Perrier-Jouët.
Among those in attendance were Richard and Patricia Caring, Arizona Muse, Rahi Chadda, Eva Apio, Freddy Carter, Lydia West, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Chey Maya and Amber Le Bon. The evening marked the beginning of the club’s seasonal programme and reinforced Annabel’s role as a cultural and social focal point in Mayfair.
The Wardrobe: A World of Wonder will remain on display throughout the festive period and serves as a public expression of Annabel’s ongoing commitment to charitable initiatives through The Caring Family Foundation.
by Ellis Dowle