On the inside: A sneak peek at the new Annabel’s members' club

Ever since word broke that the infamous private members’ club Annabel’s was to launch anew, two doors down at 46 Berkeley Street, there have been speculations, rumours and whispers of what the new space – that will be set across four floors and more than a whopping 26,000 square feet ­– will look like and what it will offer.

Founded 55 years ago, the original Annabel’s quickly became the go-to address for London’s elite, hosting such illustrious guests as Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor and Her Majesty the Queen for much-talked-about parties and cocktail soirées. Synonymous with impeccable taste, unique style and unashamed indulgence, the new club is set to be even more splendid than the original address. The space will include restaurants, bars, private dining rooms, a garden terrace and a cigar salon, as well as a spa for pampering and preening. But ahead of its opening this spring, what other perks can guests expect?

Setting the bar high, the cocktail menu – devised by Francisco Santos General Manager, of Bars for Annabel’s at 46 Berkeley Square – will be brimming with such tempting drinks as ‘Devil in Her Heart’ made from Tanqueray 10 Gin, Atago Matsu Sake, Green Tea & Pear Cactus, citrus Juice, lime oil, and ‘Fresh From The Tree’ made with Ketel One Vodka, Borage & Plum, Annabel’s Dry Vermouth Blend, clove and champagne.

If all that weren't tempting enough, award-winning perfumer Azzi Glasser has also created a bespoke perfume especially for Annabel’s, working with staff members old and new in order to capture the personality and style of the club. “I focused on the aesthetics and design of the Club from those who know it best,” says Glasser describing the creative process.

“We talked about the character and style of the clientele that will be immersed in the fantasy of Annabel’s. The sense of smell is very powerful, I have worked on many spaces, from hotels to art galleries, and the scent can be one of the most memorable attributes that you can take with you after you leave. So, from the minute someone walks in the door to when they leave for years to come, this will be the everlasting legacy of Annabel’s." 

Though the final fragrance has yet to be finalised, Glasser hints that, thus far, “the fragrance opens on top with sequoia wood and cypress natural oils, the heart and main character of the fragrance is filled with Chinese cedarwood, rose de Mai and jasmine sambac, which is balanced with the animalistic tones of mousse de saxe to add a rich complexity and depth.”

True to the character of the club, the fragrance will not be available to purchase, keeping the delightful scent exclusive to Annabel's members. 

Due to reopen in spring 2018, the new Annabel’s is located at 46 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 5AT. For membership enquiries email [email protected]