The most exclusive place in London?
At first glance at the number 46 Charles Street the elegant façade of a three-story London house is visible. There is no poster or sign, but everyone who enters knows where they are going, they are members of ** Mark's Club **, one of the most select clubs in the city of Big Ben, where the best of the entertainment world meets, the politics and business.
One of the dining rooms at Mark's
Mark's is located in Mayfair, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London, where the most exquisite luxury brands and the embassies and residences of the most powerful diplomats are concentrated. The annual subscription of this club exceeds 2,500 euros , to which is added a payment of 1,300 euros as registration for the first year.
Rooms where not a single detail is missing
After crossing the threshold, one is transported into a world of sophistication and distinction where even the smallest detail is calculated. The waiters, with immaculate white jackets, receive us in the dining room where a menu of succulent dishes awaits us, such as oysters, caviar and lobster cocktail. The menu is seasonal and tries to represent the best of modern British cuisine using local and organic produce. The service is accurate and attentive , removing silver cutlery and filling wine glasses to the rhythm that the diner fills up and relaxes on the scarlet velvet sofas.
In the next room, a second dining room Our attention is drawn to the cream colored stained glass window that regulates the entrance of the sun, darkening as night falls to reflect the evening light inside.
Reinterpreting British dishes
We leave the main entrance to go up to the first floor, guided by 26 prints by Picasso that adorn the walls of the staircase, and that lead us to the bar where the baristas carefully prepare cocktails and glasses of cognac for the members who are in the lounge and on the terrace.
Here the world of entertainment, politics and business meet
The prestigious ** Florist McQueen ** changes every week the fresh flowers that decorate the main hall, providing a cozy atmosphere. In one of the corners a bottle of champagne waits to be uncorked, while on the other side a jet green display case displays a select collection of Cuban cigars in limited edition boxes.
McQueen's florist changes its centers every week
The manager of Mark's, darius namdar , explains that "this site is created for the member to relax and disconnect from the world". The goal is to make you feel at home and enjoy an evening almost in the most exclusive privacy. For this reason, the use of mobile phones is prohibited in the facilities, as are laptops and work documents.
The only place where calls can be made is in the 'Circus room' on the second floor, a new space full of color with a ceiling resembling a circus tent, which was incorporated after the remodeling of the club last year.
On this floor, there is also the 'Indian room' with its walls decorated with silk fabrics and its own bar, available for members who want to celebrate private lunches and dinners like the ones organized by the actress Gwyneth Paltrow or the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
The Indian Room
Mark's Club was also the venue chosen by the Prime Minister, david cameron , to have dinner with his wife after proclaiming himself the winner in the 2015 general election. The club awarded him the title of honorary member, some time after he resigned as a member of White's for not accepting entry to women. This club is one of the oldest in London ; opened in 1693 exclusively for men in St James's Street, a street known as the clubland (the land of clubs).
Namdar explains that at Mark's "the halo typical of the traditional clubs , but at the same time we are aware that we have to adapt to the new times”. And so they did in 1973, when the premises were opened with admission for both men and women, and so they continue to this day, relax the strict suit and jacket dress code , so characteristic of these sites, to allow clothing such as dark jeans and chinos to be accepted.
If you wonder what you have to do to be part of this select group, one of the requirements is to be recommended by one of the partners and seconded by a second member. After, a committee meets and assesses the request. Namdar does not disclose the number of partners or any names. Discretion and trust are absolute, making Mark's one of the most coveted clubs with a waiting list to be admitted from between 6 and 8 months.
The Red Room