Of course it’s sometimes to hard to find out who you’ll really meet in a private member’s bar until you join. But if the recent press is anything to go by, Morton’s Private Members Club has a fond celebrity membership—and a fun-loving and lively one at that.
What we do know is that Frank Lampard and Kevin Spacey were seen partying at Morton’s earlier in the summer to help Boris Becker celebrate his 25th anniversary of first winning at Wimbeldon. It certainly looked like a fun bash and from a club that has a “work hard, play hard” philosophy, maybe this is what you should expect. Add to that, the club is run by London’s second richest restaurateur, Marlon Abela, who also owns the Michelin-starred restaurants Umu and Greenhouse, and chances are you in for some great social evens—and great food.
So what about it? Morton’s has been at the centre of Mayfair’s vibrant social scene for the past 35 years. Built in 1823 and once the private residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, this Grade II Listed building overlooks the length of Berkeley Square—possibly one of the most striking views in London.
Following a refurbishment in 2009, the reopening of the club saw this impressive townhouse returned to its Georgian heritage. Sophisticated strutcures have been blended with contemporary design to create an elegant and relaxed space.
So let’s being with our virtual tour. Starting on the top floor is the Club room, which is used as private study room and also a private dining room that seats 24 guests for an intimate dinner party and up to 70 people for canapés and drinks.
The heart of the house is the first-floor restaurant with high ceilings, elaborate cornicing, and a picturesque balcony used for for al fresco dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served throughout the day while menus are complemented by one of London’s best wine lists made up of over 1,700 bins ranging from £18 to an impressive £16,000.
The long, luxurious brass bar which can be found on the ground floor bar exudes elegance whilst retaining a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere where members and guests can relax.
The Night Lounge in the basement is open from 10pm until 3am, Wednesday to Saturday with bottle service as standard. Dressed by Tara Bernard, the basement cellars are designed for unadulterated celebration and where even dancing on the sofa is advocated. This, it would seem it the place to head for.
Morton’s Club also holds a treasure trove of contemporary European art—all from the private collection of Chairman Marlon Abela. From the striking Bernard Frize at the entrance, to the Matisse’s and the provocative George Condo in the bar. Still, nothing can prepare you for the true showstopper, Sir Howard Hodgkin’s As Time Goes By located in the restaurant.
The Club is open from 7:30am (for breakfast), until 3am, Monday to Friday; 11am until 3am on Saturday. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.
28 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6EN
0207 499 0363
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