As exclusive as London gets: Inside the Clermont Club
London is an inclusive city, open to all and alive with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Yet behind the doors of some of its grand old buildings, traces of a more secretive past remain. This is especially true of its private members clubs. Admission is by invitation only, and they serve as discreet spaces where the rich, powerful and influential meet and entertain. Few are as exclusive as the Clermont Club.
What is the Clermont Club?
Berkeley Square is the kind of exclusive Mayfair address most can only dream of calling home. Behind its period façades lie residences of the wealthy and global business headquarters. Number 44 was built in 1740, and it was here that the early version of the Clermont Club began to take shape.
Owned by Lord and Lady Clermont, the house became a gathering place for high-profile guests. A mix of politicians, members of British and French royalty, and prominent business figures formed what became known as the Clermont Set.
The John Aspinall years
The club really hit its zenith in the Swinging Sixties, when London became the world’s capital of cool. This was mainly down to one of its biggest characters: John Aspinall. Originally a bookmaker, he bought the club and helped establish it during a time of significant change, shaping its reputation as a destination for society’s elite.
Today, the world is undergoing a similar shift. Where London had a post-war industrial boom in the sixties, it is now enjoying a digital revolution. This has allowed the online gaming space to grow rapidly and become increasingly competitive. To stand out in this environment, the many free spins UK casino platforms that focus on accessible, interactive experiences, while historic clubs like the Clermont have held firm by leaning into their exclusivity and rich provenance. These qualities continue to set them apart from newer entertainment venues that have struggled to maintain relevance in the face of digital expansion. What was once a trailblazing business move by Aspinall in the 1960s has proven to have lasting power.
The sixties to today
During Aspinall’s tenure, the club was a who’s who of the celebrity elite. Artists like Lucian Freud, financier James Goldsmith, author Ian Fleming and comedian Peter Sellers all graced the club. When founded in 1962, it hosted just thirty-two members, made up of earls, dukes and cabinet ministers.
The club soon became a space where the rich and powerful gathered. It was even within its walls that the concept of private equity investing is said to have originated.
Aspinall sold the Clermont in 1972, and it changed location for a time. It has since returned to its original buildings, now home to bars, private dining and some of the finest restaurants in Mayfair. All of this sits within interiors that pay homage to the original Georgian decor.
Membership at the Clermont remains highly selective and reserved for those of considerable influence and means. Still, a walk through the square is worthwhile in itself, offering a glimpse of its refined charm. On occasion, a fortunate few may find themselves invited in for a drink.
The editorial unit
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS