Devonshire Club – a sanctuary in the city

Nestled away in a secluded square, just a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street station in London, is the fabulous Devonshire Club. I was delighted to visit the club on a site visit, as part of my job as BD Manager for a city law firm scouting for events and corporate hospitality venues, when it opened in 2016 and fell in love with it immediately. The club quickly became my go to to place for client meetings, as well as socialising with friends.

Shortly after turning 40 years old, I had created a wish (or bucket) list and one of the items on that list was to join a private members club. I had got to know several clubs as a guest of members, but hadn’t found one that completely resonated with me, or was convenient in location to my job, until the Devonshire Club opened.

Over the last few years, private members clubs are no longer seen as the sole domain of gentleman of a certain standing, although those clubs still exist particularly around St James. There is an ever increasing offering of clubs available throughout London catering to a variety of tastes and professions.

City life can be very demanding, so having a sanctuary to escape to during the day or on the way home is very appealing. In a way it becomes your home from home and from the moment I walk into the uber stylish reception at the club there is always a warm welcome, and in the spirit of a good members club, the staff in the bars and restaurant quickly get to know you by name, and what your favourite drink is. The club has also been a great place to network and make new friends.

For me, the Devonshire Club has the flair and feel of a high-end Mayfair club, but with the convenience of being in the square mile. Spread over 5 floors in a converted East India Company warehouse, it really is an oasis of peace and comfort. The interiors were designed by March and White and have a definite retro nod, but still oozing glamour and there is a real attention to detail in the choice of soft furnishings which give it a feminine charm and indeed the club has many female members which was another compelling reason for me to be a member there.

I also like the choice of distinct spaces for entertaining, working and relaxing. The club boasts three bars (the Champagne bar on the ground floor is my first choice for after work drinks and bar food, while the divine Library bar upstairs is perfect for meetings), two lounges, fabulous Restaurant Number, 5 which serves seasonal modern British cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Adam Gray (formerly of Skylon and Rhodes 24 restaurants), and a gorgeous garden for al fresco drinks and dining.

And to top it all, the club also has a fantastic gym run by Truth Gym, with some of the most stylish changing rooms have ever been to and which have been very handy when getting ready for events after work even when not using the gym, included in the price of membership, which considering the cost of other gyms in the city, makes the membership package really cost effective.

Other members’ benefits include reciprocal clubs across the world and a carefully curated events calendar throughout the year. My top members events were a special Havana club dinner which I was invited to and attending Ant Middleton’s (of SAS : Who Dares Wins TV fame) outstanding and inspiring talk.

Finally, Devonshire Club also offers 68 guest bedrooms which are stylish yet comfortable. I have not yet had the pleasure to stay there, and since I live in London, could be seen as a bit of an overindulgence on my part, but there have been several late nights in the city when I was tempted to try and was good to have this option.

As mentioned above, I think the choice of a private members club is a very subjective one. I have visited most of the clubs in the city and although there are elements of each that are captivating, for me the Devonshire Club fits my own personal style and needs the best.

Looking forward to seeing how the club continues to grow and flourish for many years to come.

Visit the club’s website for more information on how to become a member.

Love Sangeeta x

(Picture credits courtesy of the Devonshire Club)