TEXT : HOLLY KNOWLES
BESTDRESSEDMEN
As Britain still heralds a knack for a reserved and quietly elegant persona , we can see everything that strides within a foot of the modest islands walls resembles that with conviction . There is something to be said for discreet architecture and historic areas that ooze with character and charm which occasionally rubs off on the people within it . There is seemingly a strong love affair between the British and secrecy ; Gentlemen clubs and secret societies is a series of unlabelled doors and the undeniable knowledge to discover what is behind the perfectly disguised walls . Perhaps an extravagant door knocker will herald a clue to the location of the mysterious destination , but once within these walls , an array of upper class men all discretely trying to outbid each other with the sharpest suit to show the wealth that they all ultimately hold .
Annabel ’ s ; A club doesn ’ t come better dressed than Annabel ’ s . The membership is as strict as the dress code which creates a decadent and luxurious club on every level . Forget the boyish charm , and the casual designer gear that might allow you entry into many other clubs on the basis of ‘ cool ’, Annabel ’ s is not forgiving 1in that sense . Classic gentlemen parade the club wearing equally classic tailors such as Geives and Hawkes . The men that have made this club their regular visit in the knowledge of the forthcoming pampering and five star service , with good liquor and a well chosen tie , for added style .
Tramps ; Thanks to a non photography policy the members of Tramps are safe in the knowledge that whatever happens in this club , stays here . The lavish interiors consist of rich furnishings and well dressed waiters . Tramps is famous for it ’ s relaxed dress code , which was a unique touch when the club first opened 40years ago . Despite a smart casual dress code , the men within here look 2handsome and well dressed by employing an effortless and luxurious look . When you look to the ground , loafers are in full display ; the most eye catching of all were a pair of Louis Vuitton snakeskin loafers employed by the most discerning of young moguls . Ties are flung to the tables - which are filled with hoards of alcohol - in the pursuit of freeing themselves from the trials of business , while the cleverly placed Hermes belts are worn in abundance .
Colony Club ; Arrive in your newly brought Audi and the valley will run to you without hesitation . This formidable club offers a elegant mix of Contemporary yet traditional design . Members ooze sophistication and 3, dare I say it , intense affluence . Walk up the twisting staircase which is an array of full length mirrors to satisfy the guests egos . The restaurant sees a mixture of Middle Eastern business men and young Europeans ; who are dressed smart yet casual , as if to say that their wealth doesn ’ t need to be transpired through their chosen attire , however sophisticated the venue may be . A shirt buttoned down without a tie may suggest the result of a stressful poker game , but equally these guests want to arrive in comfortable , yet opulent style .
Sanctum Hotel ; Afternoon tea , woman ’ s territory right ? No . Men want a piece of this action too , and London is providing just the thing ; Gentlemen ’ s Afternoon tea . Take away the pink infused cupcakes and finger sandwich ’ s enjoyed by elegant woman , and opt for a masculine mixture of red meat , top of the range cigars and strong 4tea . Attended by business professionals looking to impress , or to simply enjoy , the classic grey suit with a narrow lapel is a favourite for the tea time goers . The men that encapsulate the room are business men on a mission , shirts with a personalised cuff or a tie to match the socks ; casual might be the idea when you think afternoon tea but Gentleman ’ s Afternoon Tea is a different ballgame .
The Blind Pig ; This laid back speakeasy is discreetly hidden behind a thick wooden door which parades an impressive door knocker , lending itself to the forthcoming interior of the bar . The Cocktails at The Blind Pig are as masculine as the occupancy , the liquor is strong and poured generously ; even a popcorn infused option 5isn ’ t a feminine as it sounds , offering a whiskey base in a whiskey -and ever so masculine - glass . The men that fill the room implement an element of creativity to their dress , a cravat and flamboyant pocket square perhaps , or the Ted Baker global range also appears to be a favourite as I spy the shiny jacquard prints reminiscent of Middle Eastern dress .
Shoreditch House ; With a membership worth £ 700 per annum and only a exclusive amount of them available ( 1000 to be exact ) the crowd within Shoreditch House is an eclectic range of people to be seen with , the ‘ in crowd ’, a discerning
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group of wealthy creatives . This being said , the style that lies within this renovated tea house is a nod to the hipster trend setters . The males converse in a blasé manner wearing the latest Rick Owens and Gareth Pugh , pushing their effortlessly cool attitude to the people who are within their surroundings . The heated roof top pool comprises of a skinny model like women and attractive males slightly resembling a Calvin Klein ad from the 90 ’ s , again the key word within Shoreditch House is ‘ cool ’.