Annabel’s has a long history of glamour, where the Rolling Stones and Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, have crossed its exclusive threshold. The private club, located in Mayfair, celebrated its 60-year legacy this June with a special dessert and cocktail menu, Diamond Jubilee-themed interiors, and a huge takeover party. Annabel’s is renowned for exquisite dining, excellent service, and lively entertainment. The Club’s lifeline is celebrated with an extensive archive of the past six decades, marking famous members, guests, and events throughout the years.
Since its opening on June 4, 1963, under the guidance of the late entrepreneur Mark Birley, Annabel’s quickly gained a reputation for grandeur. Initially situated in the vaults of a Georgian mansion at 44 Berkeley Square, the Club’s basement was the world’s most exclusive after-hours nightclub, frequented by Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Supremes. Annabel’s basement offered a late-night dance floor and the famed Buddha Room, where patrons enjoyed champagne martinis and cigarettes surrounded by Birley’s collection of horse and dog paintings and prints.
Richard Caring attends Annabel’s 60th Anniversary Party
After Richard Caring acquired the club in 2007, the Club moved to number 46, just two doors down from where it all began in 1963. With Caring at the helm, Annabel’s grew into a 26,000-square-foot, Martin Brudnizki-designed interior that takes over the entirety of the Georgian mansion, its gardens, and a second mews house at the rear. It has become a haunt for the likes of Dua Lipa, Kate Moss, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Naomi Campbell, as well as an eclectic roster of the biggest names in music and emergent talents who have performed there.
Annabel’s has undergone a transformative journey since its inception, encompassing six restaurants and a second mews house. The new decor boasts intricate scenes of elephants and maharajas. The lavish interiors boast pink onyx and jade crocodile sinks, gold swan taps, and silk peony emblazoned bathroom ceilings. With maximalism in its DNA, Annabel’s has created a grand setting for members and guests alike.
The exclusive anniversary menu, priced at £19.63 paid homage to its founding year. Don Julio 1942 also provided cocktails to complete the jubilee. The drinks include Legacy 1942 – Don Julio 1942, Elderflower, Shiso & Red Chilli Shrub, Citrus, Chinotto Nero; Annabel’s Special: Homage to a Classic Champagne Cocktail – Cîroc Vodka, Herbs and Spices, Topped up with Champagne; and the Paloma Picante – Don Julio Blanco, Strawberry & Jalapeno Cordial, Chilli tincture, Lime, Two Keys Grapefruit Soda. Members and guests were also presented with a specially customised bottle of Don Julio 1942, exclusively curated for Annabel’s 60th Anniversary, which featured their name and the Annabel’s logo in engraved gold letters.
With exceptional dishes that have stood the test of time, Annabel’s remains at the forefront of London’s culinary scene now serving global and unique cuisines. To top off the birthday celebration, The “Happy 60th“ dessert features a delectable Vanilla Sponge Cake accompanied by Mint ice cream and drizzled with Warm Guanaja Chocolate Sauce.
Ricky Martin performs at Annabel’s 60th Anniversary Party on June 8, 2023
At the event, international pop star Ricky Martin took centre stage, singing an electrifying medley of his iconic singles including “Shake Your Bon-Bon”, “She Bangs” and “Livin’ La Vida Loca”. In an unforgettable moment, there was a stunning performance reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe captivating the crowd with a mesmerising rendition of the legendary “Happy Birthday Mr President” song. On the dancefloor of The Nightclub, Honey Dijon graced the DJ booth and entranced everyone, keeping them enthralled until the early hours of the morning.
To discover more, visit: annabels.co.uk
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of Annabel’s / Dave Benett.