Private clubs originated in London in the late 18th century near Sant James Palace. It was very common that that area was full of high society people and these clubs began to proliferate. In fact, about a hundred came to coexist in the British capital. It was, without a doubt, the heyday of private clubs. The White Club, The Boodle’s, Garrick Club, Oxford and Cambridge Club… The gentlemen met to share their common interests, no matter if they were political, sporting or cultural. Due to the social transformation, these clubs they have evolved even though their secular essence remains intact. Today they are places where the most important and influential personalities of society cultivate their hobbies, share free time, good food and, in many cases, even sport.
Reserved for a few, there are many who are attracted to it, and it is that its filter is not only cheap, but depends on a board and its criteria wishing to admit new members.
In the three most aristocratic clubs in London today (White’s, Boodle’s and Brook’s) to enter is almost impossible. It has to be a member who proposes to you, after which someone else has to support it and a total of 35 give their approval. After that, you enter a long waiting list that can be years old. When your turn comes, you vote and if a black ball comes out, it is rejected. Tradition also has it that in this case the member who has proposed you must resign.
The most exclusive private clubs in Spain
Madrid “New Club”
Located at Calle Cedaceros, 2, it was the most illustrious place of entertainment in Madrid. It was 1888 when an illustrious and small group of men formed this club, which has its antecedents in another previous club, the “Veloz Club”. This, located at number 15 of Calle Alcalá and being the ancient residence of the Marquis of Molíns, gathered the Madrid aristocracy in its halls. However, little by little the “Veloz Club” fell into disrepute by allowing all kinds of gambling that did not enjoy the approval of the more traditionalist members. Hence, on May 1, 1888, the need arose to create a new recreational society. It was not until April 14, 1899 that several members formed a joint stock company, “La Casa del Nuevo Club”. The share capital was set at 625,000 pesetas, divided into 625 registered shares that would have been subscribed by the then members of the Club. In addition, some rules were imposed so that the transfer of shares did not endanger the spirit of the company. For example, the transfer of shares to any person not belonging to the ‘New Club’ was prohibited.
The building has four floors, including lounges, a bar, a general and several private dining room, a games room and a library. The ‘New Club’ is made up of a maximum of 500 members, whose registration takes place by secret ballot. As a curiosity, the King Alfonso XIII frequented the halls of the Club, such as the Count of Barcelona or the King Don Juan Carlos, who also participated in the celebration of the centenary of their existence and gave them the royal title. The King Philip VI He is Honorary President.
Bilbao “The Bilbao Society”
Founded in 1839 as a place of leisure and recreation during the Carlist wars, “La Sociedad Bilbaína” was created with the intention of being a center of coexistence and represents the most exquisite society in Bilbao.
Its headquarters are located in a classical style building designed by the architect Emiliano Amann and inaugurated in 1913. Inside, the large halls and halls in classical style stand out.
It has private lounges, library, living rooms with board games and guaranteed social gatherings, gym, sauna, massage rooms, hairdresser, wine cellar and restaurant, which can be accessed by the general public.
Barcelona ‘The Equestrian Club’
It is one of the private clubs with the longest tradition in Europe. It has 166 years of history and is a space for encounter, dialogue and reflection for Catalan society.
It is located in a modernist building that has ten rooms, a library, an auditorium, a billiard room, a gym, a swimming pool, a sauna, restaurants and connections with more than 200 private clubs around the world.
Seville “The Aero”
It is the most exclusive private club in Seville and where Guillermo de Holanda and his current wife Máxima Zorreguieta met. In fact, he holds the title of honorary member.
It has 700 members and to register it undergoes a secret ballot. Grace Kelly, Raniero de Monaco or Jackie Kennedy, among many others, have been in its facilities. Likewise, “El Aero” maintains contact with some of the most elegant and private entities in the world.
