Which New York members’ club are you?
What: A scene-y club with a sexier atmosphere than its rivals. It is set in the former Spice Market space, and the decor is all 1930s Parisian glamour courtesy of designer Lauren Mishaan, the grand staircase welcoming members into subterranean splendour lined with crimson banquettes and gilded private nooks. Roam through the big-cat-themed Lounge; enjoy chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s inventive takes on sashimi. But Gaux Gaux – the caviar-and-cocktail bar/after-hours nightclub with its solid glass Sogni di Cristallo bar and chandeliers – is really the spot to see and be seen.
From cool co-working spots to ritzy rooftop bars, these are the best subscriptions in town
CHEZ MARGOT
What: A scene-y club with a sexier atmosphere than its rivals. It is set in the former Spice Market space, and the decor is all 1930s Parisian glamour courtesy of designer Lauren Mishaan, the grand staircase welcoming members into subterranean splendour lined with crimson banquettes and gilded private nooks. Roam through the big-cat-themed Lounge; enjoy chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s inventive takes on sashimi. But Gaux Gaux – the caviar-and-cocktail bar/after-hours nightclub with its solid glass Sogni di Cristallo bar and chandeliers – is really the spot to see and be seen. Where: Located at the intersection of West 13th and Greenwich Streets, it has a red-lacquered entrance reminiscent of a secret cabaret.
Who: A cool, creative and well-connected crowd that includes Taylor Swift and Zoë Kravitz. Come for the black pepper shrimp, and stay for the party that begins at 10pm at Gaux Gaux. The membership is largely downtown and young – as is reflected in the pricing (under-30s pay a $1,250 initiation fee, then a $3,000 annual fee; upwards of 30 is a $2,500 initiation, $4,000 annual fee). Khaite tailoring and Jessica McCormack diamonds abound.
Coco’s at Colette
The corporate raiders’ canteen
What: The city’s ritziest power-lunch scene, located within the co-working club dubbed “WeWork for the 0.01 per cent” by Bloomberg. Run by Edmond Safra, of the billionaire Safra banking family, and Juan Santa Cruz, of Casa Cruz restaurant empire fame, the stylish Gonçalo Alves wood-panelled space hums from breakfast through to dramatically lit dinner. The mirror-lined omakase sushi bar is perfect for discreet negotiations. Where: The 37th floor of Midtown’s imposing General Motors Building, at the sweet-spot intersection of Fifth Avenue, Midtown and the Upper East Side.
Who: CEOs, hedge-fund managers and beauty execs meet for efficient yet delicious meals: egg-white omelettes and green juices are in demand early, while the Rainbow salad (add protein) and the Dover sole served tableside are crowd favourites at lunch and dinner. Membership tiers are split between the restaurant Coco’s (membership, $5,000; then $4,000 annual dues) and the full club space, Colette (POA). The latter caters to the businessperson who wings into New York for the day and needs an office, catered conference room and gym. Members love the personal-box service (a posh version of a locker) where beauty products, supplements or photographs can be stashed for subsequent visits.
The Twenty Two New York
What: This offshoot of the popular Mayfair hotel and members’ club is already a magnet for New York’s bright young things. Reuben Brothers, which is backing Robin Birley’s uptown venture Maxime’s, is also involved here, with the club occupying the second floor of a landmarked brownstone that also houses a hotel and restaurant. The interiors by London-based Child Studio are cinematic, with leopard-print carpets and Calacatta-marble surfaces, along with rooftop dancefloors and excellent cocktails (order the white Negroni). Members love the all-female chef team also of local Mediterranean restaurant Raf’s and the Michelin-starred The Musket Room. Where: Uptown meets downtown in this former Vanderbilt-owned mansion in Union Square.