One of the most renowned and exclusive clubs in London is set to open a new location in New York City. This venture is expected to infuse a bit of British character into the city’s expanding array of high-end clubs, according to Side Dish.
Richard Caring, the owner of Annabelle’s, is reportedly opening a venue at Hudson Street and West 13th Street in the Meatpacking District, as revealed by sources to Side Dish.
The new club aims to carry on the legacy started by Mark Burley, who opened the original in London during the vibrant 1960s, naming it after his then-wife, Lady Annabelle Goldsmith.
Located in the upscale Mayfair district, Annabelle’s quickly became a go-to for aristocrats, celebrities, and the affluent wishing to escape the crowd and paparazzi.
Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson were known to frequent the original club, with Ferguson famously disguising herself as a police officer just days before her wedding to Prince Andrew. Currently, the club is recognized for its striking staircase and neon-pink bathrooms, which have become popular backdrops for the selfie-loving crowd.
In 2007, Burley sold the establishment to Caring, who expanded his portfolio to include other popular spots like Sexy Fish in London and Miami, along with holding significant shares in Soho House Group.
In 2019, Caring sold a 25% share in Caprice Holdings for an estimated $277 million. He is reportedly in discussions to sell major stakes in prominent venues like Annabelle’s and others to an investment company linked to the royal family of Abu Dhabi. However, a spokesperson for Caring declined to comment on the matter.
While specifics about the New York location are limited, it will be situated in what was once Dos Caminos, and the opening date is still to be announced. The interiors will be designed by Martin Brudnicki, who also worked on the London venue.
As more members-only clubs continue to pop up across Manhattan, Annabelle’s will join other establishments including star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Chez Margaux, attracting a variety of clientele, from New York Knicks players to well-known actors like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Soho House, another notable private club, established its New York location back in 2003, nearby.
Interestingly, the Meatpacking District doesn’t have as many exclusive clubs as areas like the Upper East Side, such as Maxim’s. Interestingly, I even discovered that memberships there limit table sizes to no more than four same-gender guests. My recent lunch with female friends was an eye-opener regarding these rules.
It raises the question of whether there’s actually space for yet another members-only club in the area.
One New Yorker noted, “The only hesitation is about time,” remarking that she already belongs to several private clubs and feels financially tied to them. “But, I know my friends will be there, so I’ll be going with them and inviting them along.”
This recent surge in private clubs has created a new trend known as “club hopping,” where friends take turns inviting each other to their exclusive spots.
As nightlife expert Richie Romero pointed out, people who used to spend significant amounts on bottle service are now investing in memberships. “We’re going to see more of this, especially in New York,” he said. Given the high rent costs, he suggested that having members helps sustain operations, which certainly makes sense considering the substantial funding these clubs have secured.
Membership in these exclusive clubs follows a scarcity model, one that echoes the old concept of a velvet rope.
Romero added, “There are 20,000 people on the waitlist, and securing a spot boosts your membership’s value.” With venues like Annabelle’s on the rise, the local club scene may shift to one of survival of the fittest.
“Everyone in the hospitality sector wants to establish a private club in Manhattan,” expressed Stratis Morfogen, a nightlife veteran turned restaurateur.
However, he cautioned that, like many trends, the demand may be overhyped, predicting significant changes in the next few years with only a select few clubs thriving while others might close.
Meanwhile, Eastern Mediterranean cuisine continues to gain traction, as seen in the new SoHo restaurant Or’esh, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Nadav Greenberg, and the upcoming Motek in the West Village, which follows the successful Flatiron outpost.
Another new spot, Dear Margo, recently opened at Lexington Avenue and 70th Street, courtesy of restaurateur Dean Paschalis, known for his popular Anassa Taverna chain. This new venture features a menu full of small plates and shareable dishes, including freshly made Rafa bread served with various spreads and grilled meats.
The Upper West Side’s Hi-Life Bar & Grill, a nostalgic establishment celebrating its 35th anniversary soon, remains a favorite. Founded by Earl Geer, it’s known for its retro ambiance and comfort food. To mark this milestone, Hi-Life will provide special $35 food and drink combos from April 20 to 23, including complimentary champagne cocktails on their opening day. It’s heartening to see that, amid life’s constant changes, some beloved spots stay the same. That’s certainly worth celebrating.
