SAY THE words ‘Mayfair’ and ‘Member’s Club’ and it’s most likely one of the Birley portfolio’s spots that springs to mind.
Mark’s Club, the cornerstone property of the illustrious group, has long reigned as an affluent and quintessentially British haunt in central London. Since opening as an alternative Gentlemen’s Club in 1972, Mark’s Club has welcomed a crowd of Londoners who enjoy an English refinery akin to the country’s 18th-century glamour.
Mark’s Club Lounge
Mark’s Club Terrace
This September, Mark’s Club reopened its doors following a carefully-considered refurbishment and redesign. Floor plans have opened up and new Old Master artwork has been introduced to amp up the regality of each space. Overseen by Richard Caring, the result is nothing if not elegantly extravagant.
As soon as you enter Mark’s House (via a discreet entrance on Charles Street, in keeping with the privacy of the members-only guestlist) a new open plan layout as well as a newly-acquired George Stubbs painting greet you.
Mark’s Club Drawing Room
Downstairs, the Living Room takes on a new identity as a light-filled sanctuary with the recently uncovered traditional mantelpiece warming the room. Upstairs in the Drawing Room, members will still be able to divulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea or early aperitif by the open fire – a covetable spot on a cold London winter evening.
Mark’s Club Dining Room
The Dining Room will still serve its classic menu, filled with all of the club favourites, including the Mark’s Club Salad, Crepe Suzette, as well as the Loch Duart Smoked Salmon and Dover Sole carved tableside.
The newly added light-flooded and plant-filled Green House also offers silver-service, offering comforting plates of Beef Fillet and Fish & Chips in the winter and a retractable roof in the summer months.
Mark’s Club Green House
From the vibrant wallpaper against the printed curtains in the Dining Room all the way through to the lantern-strung Green House and the huge bouquets of fresh flowers in every room, characteristic traits of Richard Caring’s creative touch sing against the traditional architecture of the Mayfair townhouse.
The result: Mark’s Club is an elegant ode to British countryside tradition in the heart of the capital.
by Ella Mansell