Private Clubs in Covent Garden – Crazy Bear, Hospital Club and The Ivy

Years ago I was a member of a private dining club on Mercer Street in Seven Dials called Pegg’s. The owner was a friend and many of those frequenting the club were on the theatre circuit. The food was nice enough but what I cherished about the place was the fact that it was only open to members and as well as a small dining room on the ground floor there was a basement with a small, intimate bar and a number of nooks and crannies where you could sit and read or enjoy a quiet casual meeting with a friend or colleague. It was much better than landing in a noisy coffee shop between meetings. And after a hard night out on the town, I could retreat to this little pool of tranquillity to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee while the pleasant staff would call me a taxi to take me home. So much more civilised (and safe) than competing with all the other homeward bound folk in the hustle and bustle on the streets.

Crazy Bear

Sadly, Pegg’s closed several years ago. But then about 12 months ago, one of my clients arranged an event at the opulent and completely over the top, bejewelled hotel, nightclub, patio terrace and restaurants at The Crazy Bear in Beaconsfield. This is possibly one of the most memorable hotels I have ever been to and its rooms (a choice of black or white) have to be seen to be believed. Whilst there I learned that they had a club in London and as a strange coincide discovered it was based in the same location where Pegg’s used to be. I wasted no time investigating and quickly joined. It shares the opulence and intimacy of the hotel in Beaconsfield. We’re talking major bling and lots of gold gilt work. Upstairs is now a bijou bar serving delicious cocktails and downstairs there is a further bar area and a thai restaurant. It’s always busy and won the Best Members Club award in 2010. Whilst I have to be careful about which business guests I take there it is a firm favourite with my girlfriends and gay friends.

The Hospital Club

On Endell Street, this relatively new club is dedicated to those in the creative industries. There are several floors – each with a different type of space. I’ve been to drinks in the Martini lounge which is large, casual and informal. The Bellini Bar (which has its own entrance) has fab, funky, flock wallpaper and feels more like a nightclub. There’s even a games room. It’s modern, friendly, vibrant and young. There’s also a public gallery, a high tech music studio, a screening room and a restaurant. Not surprisingly it’s great for PR and marketing types and those of the new generation into everything “social networking”.

The Club at The Ivy

Whilst I like the main restaurant and have been numerous times, I’m afraid I’m one of those people who don’t really get the whole celebrity spotting thing and I think life’s too short to wait for a reservation at The Ivy. On the other hand, The Club is a different matter but you can only go if escorted by a member and there’s never a wait. The entrance is discrete and a little way along from the main restaurant. The first test is not to be knocked out by the lift door as it swings open. It’s a weird feeling as you ascend in the glass box within the centre of a stair case and alongside a stunning candelabra. I had supper there recently at the formal restaurant on the top floor, although it feels very much like a club with lots of dark wood and books on shelves. Amazing food and wine (although rather pricey – but then again I don’t suppose the members mind) and the staff certainly know how to look after people. And just last week I was there again but this time for lunch (I think on the floor below) and in a less formal space with a large bar. The signature Ivy windows allow light in but prevent any views – adding to the intimacy. The Christmas decorations were so understated I nearly missed them.

So, what Covent Garden clubs would you recommend?