The Coolest Members Club In Town… In Clapham!

Adding & Hobbs is about to welcome The Arding Rooms – London’s newest members club and it’s south of the river. Georgina Blaskey took an exclusive hard-hat tour to find out more….

The iconic Arding & Hobbs building has been a much-loved local landmark for 115 years, but 2025 sees it’s most exciting transformation to date. This spring, the doors of the upper floors will open as The Arding Rooms, Clapham’s first private members club, joining Third Space gym and Botanica Hall in the carefully restored and cleverly renewed space.

Members will be invited to meet, relax and dine in exceptional surroundings. Not only is there a large roof terrace and bar, with cosy seating nooks, extensive planting and panoramic views across London, there’s a show-stopping restaurant planned under a stained glass, domed atrium. For this who are tired of working at the kitchen table, with the distraction pets and children bring, there will be a range of desks and meeting rooms as well – and who knows, you may bump into a friendly face at the coffee counter.

For a building of this calibre, the interiors had to match – the vision from operator x+why is to combine timeless elegance with a modern twist and the images we’ve seen certainly deliver on that. A blend of beautiful, modern aesthetics and ethical design, incorporating themes from the rich heritage of the former department store, will include references to the Arts and Crafts aesthetic, utilising salvaged materials and several notable pieces of antique furniture, with Arding & Hobbs’s central stained glass domed atrium as its centrepiece.

So why join? Rupert Dean, CEO of x+why explains that at its core, The Arding Rooms is a place for local professionals and their families. “We are really excited to announce the launch of The Arding Rooms, which is set to be a truly inspiring space where our members can have fun and connect with like-minded individuals, celebrate milestones, and feel part of a vibrant community.”

As well as a sanctuary from the busy street below in which you can unwind, indulge and connect, there will be a lively schedule of members’ events bringing together the best of the arts, culture, food and drink. Expect a range of entertainment with a calendar of live music, parties and talks, and a delicious and ethically sourced food and drinks menu that will feature many local providers, and a superb weekend brunch menu.

Do you have a special occasion coming up? There are some beautifully designed, dedicated spaces for private parties and events too, and members can enjoy special rates on private hire – although booking will be open for the general public and the local business community as well. Additional member benefits include special rates at nearby hotels and Third Space gym, and preferential parking rates.

If it sounds just like what the area has been crying out for, then we couldn’t agree more. Emma Clarke, recently appointed Head of Membership Sales at x+why, formerly of Soho House, said: “The Arding Rooms promises to be a vibrant hub for the Clapham community, offering an exceptional space for members to connect, relax, and enjoy, with a range of memberships to suit different needs. I look forward to welcoming our founding members and creating unforgettable experiences in this stunning and historic setting.”

Anyone interested in applying for membership can register their interest here. Memberships will range from £90 to £120 a month, with a £300 joining fee.