London there is no shortage of private member clubs. But the newbie to the neighborhood is a long way from its stuffy and pretentious neighbors — and it already has the celebrity seal of approval.
The Twenty Two, which opened in Grosvenor Square two months ago, has no dress code, unisex restrooms, a Studio 54-inspired basement club, and a (relatively) affordable membership plan.
It’s the brainchild of hotelier and restaurateur Navid Mirtorabi and British scion Jamie Rueben, whose father Simon is half of the Rueben Brothers who own large swaths of London’s Mayfair, including the 200-year-old Burlington Arcade.
The real estate mogul made headlines last year when he was spotted arriving at a THE party with Kim Kardashian shortly after her split from Kanye West.
Making waves: The Twenty Two, in Grosvenor Square, has no dress code, unisex restrooms, a Studio 54-inspired basement club, and a (relatively) affordable membership plan. Pictured, one of the Artist Studios, designed with Pierre Frey wallpaper and matching furniture
Celebrity ties: The Twenty Two is the brainchild of hotelier and restaurateur Navid Mirtorabi and British scion Jamie Rueben, pictured with Kim Kardashian in May 2021
While most member clubs pride themselves on upholding tradition and aloofness, The Twenty Two is more interested in creating a ‘vibe’ that will lure guests through the door.
“We are open to everyone, and everyone is welcome to come, but most of all I want it to feel very accessible to a younger generation,” Mirtorabi told the Financial Times.
“I want older people to feel comfortable and a part of it, but not in the first place.”
The management team is young and their contemporary vision is reflected in the way the club is run.
There are unisex restrooms—something hard to imagine in any of the other nearby member clubs—and no rules for wearing tuxedos, ties, or shirts. Hoodies, sneakers and sandals are all allowed.
Heart of the club: The restaurant, pictured, which serves fresh, seasonal food, is open to non-members and is again relatively affordable, with dishes priced at around £30
Plenty of space: one of the double-height rooms, decked out in sumptuous fabrics. There are 31 bedrooms, each individually designed and full of thoughtful details
Escape the city: elegant Cabochon marble bathrooms feature custom bathroom luxury and give you the feeling of a spa in the middle of the city
It is also relatively affordable for such an establishment. Young people under 35 pay €750 per year. A membership to Soho House London costs £1,100; at nearby Annabel’s it’s £1,750.
Unsurprisingly, the list of members is top secret, but it’s suspected to be “a few hundred.” It has also had more than a fair number of A-list visitors since opening a few months ago, adding to the crowds.
Madonna, Naomi Campbell and Tom Cruise have all stopped by to view the lavish interior of the landmark building.
Warner Music hosted its Wireless Festival afterparty at the venue, attracting big names like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
A-List Approval: Madonna, Naomi Campbell and Tom Cruise have all stopped by to view the lavish interior of the landmark building. Pictured, cruise visit after a day at Wimbledon
Party girls: Rebel Wilson (left) and Cardi B (right) have also been spotted on the Twenty Two
The restaurant, which serves fresh, seasonal food, is open to non-members and is again relatively affordable, with dishes priced at around £30.
“It’s a white-gloved service without the white gloves,” is one of the statements the founders repeated as they promoted their new venture.
The Twenty Two also offers 31 bedrooms, each with its own inspiration. One, featured in much of the promotional material, has its walls and ceilings covered in a vibrant red wallpaper.
Hotel guests also have access to the members only areas of the building, such as the library and basement club, which has been compared to Studio 54.