Peek Inside Clapham’s Very First Members Club
By
2 hours ago
The Arding Rooms can be found in the old Arding & Hobbs building
A lot of stereotypes cling to Clapham. The south west London suburb carries Australians, cheesy nightclubs and Exeter graduates among its baggage – but there’s no denying the charm that has attracted plenty of affluent residents to move in. The spacious common, the buzzy highstreet (with plenty for foodies to enjoy), the playgrounds and the pretty houses make SW11 an ideal spot for city workers wanting to settle down, though it does lack something central London boasts in spades: private members’ clubs.
Well, a lack no more: Clapham’s very first members’ club has just opened its doors. Here’s a peek inside The Arding Rooms – plus how to get a membership.
MORE: 5 New London Members’ Clubs To Sign Up For In 2025
The Arding Rooms: Inside Clapham’s First Private Members’ Club
When Third Space opened in Clapham Junction last year, it was a sign of good things to come. That gym-cum-lifestyle club’s whole USP is in the name, filling the gap Londoners find between work and home. And while the city is certainly undergoing its wellness revolution, it’s back to basics in Clapham – because nothing fills that liminal space between home and the office like a private members’ club.
What Is The Arding Rooms?
The Arding Rooms is a new home-from-home private members’ club giving south west Londoners a new space to meet, dine and entertain. After closing in 2020, The Arding Rooms takes over (and takes its name from) the old Arding & Hobbs department store. Facilities for members include a restaurant, bar, co-working spaces and a stunning leafy roof terrace, the only one of its kind in SW11.
On the food menus, expect seasonal small plates, classic British mains and sharing snacks, all utilising the finest ingredients sourced from trusted producers and makers. As for drinks, a curated selection of wines will be accompanied by special cocktails (including The Arding Room Old Fashioned and a house Picante) as well as a range of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options.
The Arding Rooms’ clubhouse occupies the historic department store building, which boasts Edwardian Arts and Crafts architecture – a ‘treasured building’ it has ‘been a privilege to help bring new life to’, says the club’s co-founder Rupert Dean. The stunning stained glass dome has been retained, now casting colourful refracted light over the main restaurant. Interiors – brought to life by x+why’s ‘whydesign’ team in collaboration with Bath-based historic buildings experts Berdoulat – nod to the building’s heritage, with antique furniture and objects found throughout the club.
The Arding Rooms will also be curating a diverse events calendar for members, shaped around four key pillars: Wellness (in partnership with Third Space), Arts & Culture (think talks, live performances and exhibitions), Food & Beverage (special menus and mixology sessions spotlighting local talent), and Social (spanning DJ nights, mixers and more).
‘From morning yoga on the terrace to live music under the dome and candlelit evenings in our club room, The Arding Rooms offers something genuinely special for every member,’ says head of membership Emma Clarke. ‘We’ve designed membership to be warm, welcoming and inclusive, and will be curating experiences that mean members feel inspired and connected.’
The roof terrace
Who Is It For?
Co-founder Rupert Dean says The Arding Rooms ‘represents everything we believe a modern members club should be: beautiful, inclusive, and rooted in community’. The Arding Rooms is intended, first and foremost, to serve Clapham locals, ‘whether they come for the culture, the food, the views, or the people,’ Rupert says. However, anyone can sign up, and the club is located just a short walk from Clapham Junction station, which can whisk you to London Victoria in just eight minutes.
‘The interest in The Arding Rooms has been incredible, and it’s clear how much people have been waiting for a home from home like this in Clapham,’ Rupert adds.
What Are The Fees?
The Arding Rooms offers tiered membership options, including special rates for those under 29 or over 60 years old. Rates for founding members are as follows:
- 30+: £110 per month, £300 joining fee
- Under 29 or over 60: £90 per month, £150 joining fee
- Couples: £160 per month, £300 joining fee
Every membership includes access to the clubhouse with up to two guests, a members-only events programme, networking opportunities, and preferential event and meeting space booking rates. Founding members also won’t see a price increase for two years.
For more information, to book a tour or to apply for membership, click below.
Address: 10 St John’s Road, London SW11 1PN
