URBAN SCENE
EIGHT CLUB
Chinawhite
Eight is a private members club, located in the City of London (across the road from the Royal Exchange). Of course, it’s worth pointing out immediately that since it’s based in the Square Mile, we’re not talking of a nightclub as such, rather a modern interpretation of the old gentlemen’s club, with a contemporary twist.
Hot off the press…
The entrance to Eight is through a doorway situated down a discreet alley. Although very inconspicuous from the outside, once you have descended the wrought iron stairway, you enter one of the most stylish venues to have opened in the city over the past few years. Eight occupies two significant basement vaults, with luxurious and comfortable seating areas, all with impressive furnishings and eclectic artwork. The relaxed and sophisticated members’ lounge, on the first level, is an ideal place to entertain guests, whether for work or pleasure (there are wireless internet facilities and phone reception boosters if work be your forte.) As well as several state of the art private meeting rooms the lounge also includes three championship Brunswick pool tables; however the central focus of the lounge is the bar, housing an extensive list of premium spirits, wines and champagnes, as well as a wide ranging list of classic and modern cocktails. The second level offers larger meeting, event and conference facilities. As with the other private rooms, each has its own Plasma screen, DVD player and Maxi bar, which can accommodate from 6 to 120 guests. There is also a luxury private cinema room, which seats up to 16 guests and can be hired exclusively. Membership provides the usual list of benefits and privileges, including invitations to members-only event days (golf, motor racing, shooting, etc.,) arrangements with luxury partners (hotels and resorts) as well as internal events, including regular tastings, competitions and film screenings. But apart from all that, what it does provide is effectively a little sanctuary in which to work, relax and entertain in. A new Eight Club will be opening just off Finsbury Square in a few months. Set over two newly built floors and with a 60 cover restaurant, the club will have superb views over Moorgate and Finsbury Square. Although the majority of members will still be from the financial sector, I think with the near proximity to Shoreditch, we may see a lot more of the media and creative types joining, as it is a rather cool concept. For membership enquiries or further information, log on to the website: www.eightclub.co.uk
Back to the west-end and our favourite club has just turned up the ante with a newly launched ‘membership benefits programme’ for its members! It’s been a while in the making, but they’ve really pulled out the stops with an impressive list of partners, including Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor, Stoke Park, Hush, Lulu Guinness, Jamie Aston and Avolus. There are numerous benefits, including priority bookings and discounts available exclusively to Chinawhite members. So whether you fancy a round of golf with the new business contact you’ve just made or want to impress the girl from last night with a bunch of flowers or even want to treat yourself to a spa treatment to recuperate from the hard partying, get out that card and enjoy the Chinawhite experience long after you’ve left the club! For further information log onto www.chinawhite.com
Next issue
In the summer issue, I’ll be giving you a rundown of the best and hottest clubs in London, especially with the swathe of openings since my last report. More details will be up on the website, so log on and stay informed. And of course, if you have a favourite or think I should be covering any particular club (members-only please!), then email me with details and I’ll look into it: nora@urbanlife-magazine.com