MARK’S CLUB CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF ELEGANCE IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR
November 2022
Mark’s Club, created by legendary restauranteur Mark Birley, opened for the very first time in 1972. The founder of Annabel’s – once dubbed “the most tasteful man in Britain” – Birley sought an alternative to the many gentlemen’s clubs of St James’s, to offer old-world elegance, comforting luxury and, of course, exceptional service.
46 Charles Street soon became a meeting place for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe – it was a regal home-away-from-home in which members of the British aristocracy would rub shoulders with Hollywood’s biggest stars. Renowned for its discretion, Mark’s Club has regularly hosted Princess Diana, the Queen Mother, Madonna, Dudley Moore and Donatella Versace, plus many more iconic faces.
The Terrace at Mark’s Club
What is happening at Mark’s Club today?
Mark’s Club, owned by Richard and Patricia Caring, Co-Chairs of The Birley Clubs, is being carefully steered into a new era while preserving its rich heritage. 2015 saw an elegant refurbishment by Paris-based designer Tino Zervudachi, merging the classic Birley spirit with English antique furniture, animal artwork, hand-plated silk walling fabric and paisley-print carpets.
The club’s strict dress code has relaxed in recent years – a suit and tie are no longer required, but gentleman still need to wear a jacket at all times – but other traditions have never altered. Once every two weeks, a horological conservator arrives at the club to wind the clock above the fireplace in the club’s reception.
In recent years, David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford and Edward Enninful have hosted parties at Mark’s Club; and Dame Joan Collins chose the club to launch her waspish diaries. In 2015, David Cameron celebrated an election win with dinner alongside wife Samantha and then chancellor, George Osborne.
Hearty British Fare
Foodies enjoy hearty British fare with impeccably sourced ingredients at Mark’s Club and the club’s chicken pie, a closely guarded secret, has been a staple since its opening.
Celebrating 50 Years of Mark’s Club
Mark’s Club will be hosting a series of special events this month in celebration of the club’s 50th birthday. Members can expect an exclusive cigar and whisky dinner on the terrace, a breakfast for female entrepreneurs, a backgammon competition and a Birley Wine Club dinner with the Château Margaux estate revealing a special Mark’s Club 50th anniversary bottle.
The 50th anniversary Mark’s Club house party will take place on 24th November. Guests will arrive in sequins, feather boas, braces and bowler hats to toast the club’s half century with Gin D’Azur or Belvedere martinis. The Lost Explorer Mezcal cocktails and endless champagne will be served long into the night.
Adwoa Aboah, Edward Enninful & Irina Shayk attend Edward Enninful's OBE Dinner. Credit: Dave Bennett
“For five decades Mark’s has been a byword for sophistication, elegance and exclusivity. It has a unique atmosphere that has evolved over the years without ever losing its sense of place amongst the clubs of London. As Mark’s celebrates its 50th anniversary this year I feel we are just getting started.”
For membership enquiries, email membership@marksclub.co.uk or call 020 7629 2350.
Mark’s Club, 46 Charles Street, London, S1J 5EJ
