Annabel's private members’ club is situated in a Grade-I Listed Georgian Townhouse on London’s Berkeley Square.
Taking inspiration from the new building’s garden and verdant greenery of Berkeley Square and the spirit of English eccentricity, the new Annabel’s communicates a design which draws direct links to flora and fauna in an eclectic and playful manner. Each floor of the four-storey Georgian townhouse tells a unique story, based upon various gardens depicted throughout history, all whilst paying homage to the original architectural detailing of the listed building.
Photography © James McDonald
The Rose Room, featuring a hand-painted mural depicting an English country garden brimming with birds and animals by artist Gary Myatt, forms the main dining area to the club. Two Murano chandeliers made up of pink tulips hang above diners whilst a pink, back-lit marble bar shaped like leaves creates a focal point. Mirror topped tables are complemented by boldly-upholstered dining chairs by And Objects, finished with tassel detailing, detailed trims and brass studs.
The adjoining Garden Terrace, with fully retractable roof, welcomes guests into the English garden. Mature trees and bountiful planting translates the ambience of an orangery, once the norm in grand Georgian properties. Ornate metal garden chairs have been dressed in a variety of patterns all complete with pompom tassels and trims.
A humidor is also located on the ground floor, with leather wall panelling in tones of green and aubergine, an original fireplace and leather and patterned fabric upholstered furniture. The mirror-fronted humidor has an oriental flare with fire-breathing dragons and traditional motifs creating a statement focal point.
On the first floor, the Elephant Room is decorated with bespoke wallpaper by de Gournay. Inspired by the painting Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II riding his prized elephant, Atash Khan by Farrukh Beg, the room is dressed with patterned furniture, timber tables and antique floor lamps. A statement bar showcases a paisley-patterned roof inspired by traditional Indian canopies; this adjoins one half of the room with the other which features an alternative wallpaper depicting jungle scenes.
Two private dining rooms (PDR) share the first floor; the first dressed in silver leaf with eight Lalique-inspired eglomise panels, each depicting nude figures in classical poses. An original chandelier hangs overhead and a Peter Marino sideboard contrasts with traditional wall mouldings. A second is decorated with thousands of handmade ceramic flowers with diamante detailing. A silk embroidered Pierre Frey wall covering contrasts with an oversized contemporary mirror.
Situated on the second floor is the Mexican Bar. Timber flooring and a sealed copper-leaf ceiling are offset by leather armchairs and tile-topped tables. A large collection of Mexican-themed artwork, including a print of El baile de Tehuantepec by Diego Rivera lines the rooms walls. Catered to a younger group of members, the Mexican bar can be used throughout the day for work before turning into a restaurant in the evening.
The second floor is also where guests can find the bathrooms; the women’s powder room is a haven of handmade silk flowers lining the ceiling, pink onyx basins, brass wall lights shaped like blossom and pink marble flooring. Female guests will be able to take time out to adjust makeup or recline on the upholstered chaise lounge.
Meanwhile, the men’s bathrooms have been inspired by a night-time woodland scene with eglomise panels depicting owls, foxes, badgers and bears. A life size bear, crafted from metal rods, stands behind a full-length mirror in a bashful pose, further enhancing the tongue-in-cheek atmosphere.
Finally, located above the mews house at the back of the club, guests can find the smoking terrace, which also takes inspiration from flora and fauna.