The Wellington Club brings a healthy dose of rock and roll back to London’s private members’ club scene.

The Venue
The Wellington Club, known affectionately as The Welly to its regular members, is located in Knightsbridge. It manages to avoid some of the stuffier attitudes of its environment though, instead opting for all-out fun. This is reflected in the décor, which includes Damien Hirst artwork, disco balls, and skull-motif wallpaper in the downstairs dancefloor room. Upstairs is a little less intense, with comfortable leather sofas and low wooden tables, but the rock and roll theme continues throughout with cherubic dolls stuck on the walls, toilet doors with truly filthy obscenities graffitied onto the outside, and a predominately black and neon colour scheme. The fact that Pete Tong helped the club to choose their sound system shows they’re serious about the quality of the sound.

The Atmosphere
First, the downsides: the doormen have a tendency to be more abrupt than they really need to be, and the food isn’t worth the prices. This is a club that’s focused on debauchery and hedonism, though – so don’t come here to eat. Instead, make the most of the upbeat atmosphere and fun crowd (not too many City boys in suits, and lots of pretty girls). It’s a favourite with international celebrities including Rihanna, and once even played host to a bizarre dinner date for John Prescott and Jodie Marsh. This popularity and the venue’s friendly vibe can largely be attributed to the club’s owners, brothers Jake and Christian Panayiotou, who are a constant presence and make for particularly engaging hosts. You can’t fail to have a good time in their company.

The Music
The Welly’s music policy is likely to divide fans down the middle. It’s unapologetically cheesy, with classic dancefloor fillers, current chart tunes and disco house dominating the playlist. Some club-goers might find this a little much, particularly before you’ve had a drink or two, but the layout is designed to encourage you to get up and dance. Just leave your pretensions at home.

The Drink
If you’re prepared to guarantee the minimum spend, you’re far better booking a table at The Wellington Club. Bear in mind you’re in Knightsbridge though, and be prepared to dig deep. Bottles of Belvedere or Grey Goose vodka start at just shy of £200, with magnums twice as much (single spirits with a mixer are ten quid). The wine list is a better deal with bottles from under £30, and there are champagnes for most budgets (Veuve is £150 or Cristal is £400 and up).

The Last Word
The Wellington Club is a shining beacon of individuality in London’s often-predictable members’ club scene. The décor is inspired, the owners make a real effort to make your night special, and it doesn’t take itself at all seriously.

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