Forging Ahead: The Resilient Growth of Asia's Exclusive Member Sanctuaries

A New Dawn in Shanghai: 67 Pall Mall's Landmark Venture

In a notable development this past June, 67 Pall Mall, a distinguished private members' club, unveiled ambitious plans for a new location in Shanghai. This marks their inaugural foray into mainland China. The forthcoming club will be situated within a century-old French Renaissance-inspired garden estate in Shanghai's Xuhui District, also known as 'West Bund'. It promises an opulent Grand Salon, a dedicated Champagne and wine library, and an expansive selection of spirits, encompassing everything from whiskies to traditional Baijiu. Renovation work is slated to commence shortly, with a projected opening in 2026.

Global Footprint: The Expanding Reach of 67 Pall Mall

Founded a decade ago in London by Grant Ashton, 67 Pall Mall has steadily broadened its global presence. Following its initial success, the club established outposts in Verbier, Singapore, Bordeaux, and Beaune. This year will also see the inauguration of a new club in Melbourne. The Singapore branch, which commenced operations in March 2022, benefited from a multi-million dollar penthouse renovation. Richard Hemming, a Master of Wine and head of wine for Asia, leads a team of sixteen sommeliers at this location, overseeing an impressive collection of 6,000 wine labels, one of the most extensive in Southeast Asia. Ashton and his team have invested considerable effort in solidifying the 67 Pall Mall brand's standing throughout Asia.

Innovative Membership Models and Strategic Market Penetration

To further enhance its presence, the club introduced a new membership category in January 2024 for cities without a permanent physical club. Hong Kong was the first city to embrace this innovative offering. Richard Hemming informed 'db Asia' in March that Hong Kong, as Asia's most sophisticated and competitive wine market, offers exceptional visibility despite its challenging nature. He noted that wine aficionados in Hong Kong are both highly discerning and inquisitive, and the city's close ties to mainland China offer practical and logistical advantages.

The Rise of Boutique Wine Clubs: Club Bâtard's Hong Kong Success

67 Pall Mall is not the sole wine-centric members' club capitalizing on Hong Kong's market potential. In 2024, Michael Wu, founder of The Fine Wine Experience, a prominent Burgundy merchant in Hong Kong, partnered with Randy See of Piccolo Concepts (a subsidiary of Singapore's Les Amis Group) to establish Club Bâtard. This exclusive club occupies the historic 100-year-old Pedder Building in the heart of the city. Their earlier venture, Bâtard, launched in 2019, was a French restaurant integrated within a fine wine shop in Sai Yin Pun. This pioneering concept allowed patrons to purchase wines without the typical restaurant mark-ups, resulting in significant savings of 60% to 70% compared to other establishments.

Navigating Market Pressures: Resilience in Singapore and Hong Kong

Hong Kong's hospitality sector has faced well-documented difficulties in recent years, with changing consumer habits and economic instability leading to numerous closures of bars, restaurants, and other venues. Singapore's food and beverage industry tells a similar story, battling escalating rents, rising operational costs, and a labor shortage. In 2024, Singapore witnessed an unprecedented 3,047 F&B establishments closing, the highest in fifteen years. The trend continued into the first half of 2025 with 1,404 closures. Despite new establishments opening at a faster rate (3,793 in 2024 and 1,964 in 2025 so far), the business climate remains arduous. While members' clubs primarily cater to affluent clientele less impacted by financial downturns, they are not entirely immune.

The Rollercoaster Journey of 1880: Closure and Rebirth

On June 17th, Singapore's 1880, a club operating for eight years, abruptly announced its closure, with its holding and operating entities entering provisional liquidation. This followed the swift shutdown of its Hong Kong branch after less than seven months. In a communication to its members, 1880 attributed its closure to declining member spending and visits, as well as unsuccessful attempts to secure new investors or a buyer. Funding issues for expansion plans were also cited. However, just weeks after the initial closure announcement, 1880 declared its imminent reopening at the same location, slated for August. A spokesperson confirmed that over 90% of the former staff would return, although the three co-founders, Marc Nicholson, Jean Low, and Luke Jones, would no longer be involved in the new operation.

Unwavering Demand: The Continued Appeal of Exclusive Clubs in Asia

Despite 1880's recent challenges, the appetite for private members' clubs across Asia remains robust. Mandala Club in Singapore, for instance, is expanding its floor space by acquiring an adjacent building. 67 Pall Mall is actively exploring additional cities with thriving wine cultures, such as Dubai, Tokyo, and Bangkok, to extend its membership category without requiring a physical club. Soho House, a global members' club with a presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, has identified India as its next major growth market. The London-founded company, established in 1995, plans to open two new venues in Delhi and Mumbai in the coming years. Soho House's initial Indian offering, a popular oceanfront club on Mumbai's Juhu Beach, opened six years ago and continues to draw affluent Indian consumers. This expansion reflects a broader trend of new club entrants vying to serve India's burgeoning market.