The Cobden Club

The Cobden Club, the cleverly tucked away private member’s club on Kensal Road is due to close at the end of this year, and despite their enthusiastic programming one can’t help but get the feeling that if this was once a glitzy VIP spot, it is now a sinking ship.

Member’s clubs are a tricky breed, they exist in a bubble of exclusivity that gives the impression that all that glitters inside is gold, when more often than not it’s just the sheen of supermarket foil. One should expect more for their membership fee than an empty upstairs bar and a downstairs room blaring 90s radio-friendly hits.

On a more positive note, music events range from up-and-coming band showcases to ska nights such as Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, London’s longest running club night. Gigs take place in the Grand Hall upstairs and are open to the public for a standard entrance fee, while the two rooms downstairs provide comfy seats and screens which show football matches from time to time.

Simple bar food such as burgers and sandwiches is available but expensive, with a chicken club sandwich setting you back a tenner. The cocktail list is comprehensive, with drinks starting from £7; the wine list is similarly varied, with moderately-priced sauvignons, chardonnays and merlots to cater to most tastes, as well as Gavi and Rioja Gran Reserva.

Membership for the club is now closed, as the Cobden will be shutting its doors at the end of the year after being sold to an as yet undisclosed party. The final event will take place on New Year’s Eve, with a four course dinner for the surprisingly modest price of £35 a head.