A couple of weeks ago I was invited to view the new South Kensington Club, located in, yep you guessed it, South Kensington! Although the doors have not been officially open yet- they are still putting the guilded finishing touches on it- it was pretty easy to get an understanding and look into what is going to become a very popular hangout in the neighborhood.
I’ve had a very firm belief in the whole idea of members clubs in London since they started popping up every five seconds. Don’t get me wrong- I belong to a handful, and I love them, but sometimes I feel like just when you join one, something new opens up and you feel more pressure to join the new thing, and basically it’s a viscous cycle. Well, I feel totally and completely comfortable with saying that this club is going to be different.
The SKC combines the greatest thing about a members club- a lounge, a restaurant, first class spa facilities including a Watsu pool with waters shipped over from Italy (I’m not quite sure how they did that) a spinning studio, gym, bar (one for juices, and one for booze)- you name it. While other clubs are just gyms and a restaurant OR a restaurant and a nightclub- SKC sets is self apart from all of those. Believe me when I say, this place is going to be special.
The Gym
The Restaurant
The Bathhouse
The Lounge
The Watsu Pool
Here’s a little more about SKC. If only the walls could talk? Originally built as the Queen’s Gate Music Hall in the late 1800s, SKC’s main building went on to house the Pineapple Dance Studios and later Rolling Stone member Ronnie Wood’s club. The bathhouse on Queensberry Mews was Francis Bacon’s first London home and studio. Kinda cool, right?
And within those walls, you’ll find a space you may just not want to ever leave, including;
Mediterranean Restaurant: Map a course through the Mediterranean in the classic and relaxed restaurant that welcomes members and guests from breakfast to dinner. Its menu is founded on the culinary principles of a healthy Mediterranean diet, prioritizing the freshest produce and preparing it in a simple way that brings out all the flavor and quality.
Club lounge & Cocktail Bar: This is the space to relax with friends after a game of mixed doubles and a sauna; a connecting point for business; a location for a small private event or trunk show; or just a quiet corner to unwind with a magazine.
South Juices Bar: Our dedicated juice bar offers a seasonal menu that expertly fuses the best fruit and vegetable selections, cold-pressed for maximum nourishment, into delicious juices and cleansing elixirs.
Voyager Program: Members have access to the SKC Voyager Programme. As part of SKC’s drive to make exploration and adventure more accessible, they organize their own unforgettable voyages, led by our in-house explorer. Destinations are inspired by monthly themes, which are presented through regular dinner parties, salon-style speaker events and practical workshops with experts, explorers, pioneers, inspirational speakers.
Gymnasium: SKC offers all the tools for a healthy and active life. The skylit, state-of-the-art gym, occupies the entire top floor. Hardwood floors and leather accents create a homely feel. In the calm, spacious studios, SKC offers yoga (and hot yoga), reformer pilates and high-energy fitness.
The Bathhouse: The members hammam, most commonly found in Turkey and Morocco, is the way to switch off from everyday stress and reenergize. Adjacent is a therapy room where hammam scrubs are available. Next door is the “Russian Banya” inside you will find veniks: large leafy branches which are dipped into cold water and firmly stroked over the body, encouraging it to absorb the essential oils of birch, oak or eucalyptus.
Tea Library: Relax in the comfort of your bathrobe over a matcha or Darjeeling tea, by the fire in SKC Tea Library. This offers a collection of the rarest and finest teas in the world, from Kerala to Nicaragua and beyond.
Watsu Pool: In the quiet lava stone enclave, members can enjoy deep relaxation and aquatic therapy complete with calming under-water music. A Watsu master is available to guide members through a primordial, floating experience.
Tennis: Situated in Hyde Park, tennis courts are available for members at certain times of the week with privilege booking at all other times.
Beauty & Treatments: SKC has a treatment room on each floor and offers massages, facials and wellness treatments. Beauty therapists will be available for the essential blow-dry before heading out or a pedicure before your holidays.
Call the number below for your own tour, it’s due to open in April, and I’ll probably see you in the juice bar!
Queensberry Mews West, sw7 2Dy, +44 20 7581 8088
Heather says
Hello to you!
My name is Heather
I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah.
While looking things up regarding my recent visit to London.. i camre across your website and
Love-Love it!! So much fun! You seem like you’re so much fun!!
Anyway… I’ll be returning to visit some friends at the end of March.
I stayed in Chelsea the last time and I love that area!! Do you by chance have any rental recommendations ?As far as flats/apartments/rooms to rent in the Chelsea area instead of staying in a hotel?
I will appreciate any kind of info you have!!
Thank you so so much!
Cheers~
Heather
PS~ do you have a different email address? Or is this the best way to stay in contact?
Thanks!
Christy Osborne says
Hi Heather- check out One Fine Stay: http://www.americangirlinchelsea.com/one-fine-stay/
xx