Membership Guidelines
SOME BASIC GUIDELINES
We have very few ‘rules’ but there are a few basic things you need to know to ensure that you get full use and enjoyment out of Brydges Place and above all to make you feel at home whenever you are here. Mostly, these have evolved over the years and are designed to preserve this relaxed and homely atmosphere – but there are a few that are required by the Licensing Laws and although they are beyond our control they are enforced gently, politely and discreetly. We have set them out here together with essential contact details. If you have any other queries, please don’t hesitate to ask any member of the team at any time.
WHAT ARE WE HERE FOR?
As a Private Members Club our aim is to be your home from home in the West End. We are here for you to meet friends and colleagues throughout the day. The kitchen doesn’t close in the afternoon so our food and drinks menu is available whenever you need it. ‘Last orders’ for the kitchen are at 10.30pm (unless a pre-arranged later time has been agreed with our staff) so there’s plenty of time for supper if you have been to or are working in the theatres nearby. So, whether it is a leisurely business lunch, a quick bite between meetings, a main course before curtain up or just something restorative to face your journey home you will always find a friendly face and a bit of home comfort.
OPENING TIMES
Our normal opening times are listed separately and can only be varied in exceptional circumstances for Daytime Conference or Licence Extension.
You will see that on Mondays – Fridays we open on a ‘pop-in’ basis from 11am for drinks and morning coffee. The kitchen is open from midday throughout the afternoon (3.00pm – 5.00pm for Afternoon Tea) and early evening till 10.30pm.
WINE LIST AND MENU
Our fairly modest wine list consists of well-researched, good value, everyday wines, some finer Reserve Wines and Champagne. Combined with a few carefully selected classic cocktails – made with only the best quality ingredients – we therefore offer a comprehensive drinks selection for any occasion to complement our tried and tested menu of top-quality home-cooked club food. We do not pretend to be a posh restaurant, but we have a kitchen that provides favourite dishes that you can enjoy again and again in a friendly, relaxed, homely environment.
RESERVATIONS
You are welcome to bring, or arrange to meet, up to 4 guests here at any time but, for ‘conventional’ mealtimes, it’s always best to make a reservation. At these times, we regret that we cannot take reservations if you are just popping in for drinks, but a quick phone call ahead will let you know if there’s space. However, if you are popping in between 11am and noon or 2.30pm and 6pm we can usually find you a spot to relax even if it’s just for a pot of tea.
EIGHT PEOPLE AND OVER
If you are intending to bring more than six guests, you need to make a Special Reservation. At lunchtime and in the evening, this will normally be regarded as Private Dining. In addition, by special arrangement, rooms are available throughout the day for structured Away-Day Meetings or Conferences, which can incorporate any combination of Breakfast, Morning Coffee, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
PRIVATE DINING
8 to 30 people
When you book a Private Dinner Party (Tables of 6 or over) we offer a fixed price three course menu. We ask you to understand that this is to cover the use of a table or private room for the whole session. When there are on 6 to 12 of you and there is room available, we can produce this menu – with 4 choices at each course – after a quick chat, at very short notice. Parties over 12 people require a little more planning and a little less choice at each course. Please ask a member of the team for a copy of the current Dinner Party Menu Planner.
BUFFET RECEPTIONS
20 people and over
For informal occasions we can provide all sorts of Buffet Meals incorporating certain dishes that you see on the A La Carte and Daily Special Menus. Please ask for the Buffet Party Planner and someone will go through it with you.
DRINKS AND CANAPE PARTIES
30 people and over
We also cater for larger Drinks Parties and offer a wide range of Finger or Teaspoon food. We can accommodate up to 50 people standing and they can be tailored to fit any occasion. Whatever the celebration, even if it’s just an early evening get-together, we can always come up with something that will work. We will only ask for a minimum spend if you really don’t want to offer your guests any food. We would much rather sell you food than charge you rent. Ask for our Drinks Party Planner and you’ll see how it works.
PAYMENT AND ACCOUNTS
Being a Private Members Club, one of our few License requirements is that only Members can settle accounts, but we do endeavour to make this as painless and discreet as possible. We accept payment by cash, credit and debit cards (including Amex or Diners Club) and there is no limit to the amount of your cheque. More conveniently now, you can sign your bill, take away an electronic payment slip and make an online BACS payment later on. Very frequent visitors can arrange a monthly account which again can be settled either by cheque or online by BACS. Please ask one of our team for account details.
SERVICE CHARGE
There is no service charge added to everyday bills of up to six people and whether or whatever you tip is at your discretion. However, 12.5% is added to the Special Reservations and monthly accounts. All service, whether discretionary or added, is divided fully amongst the whole team.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Browsing tablets, phones and laptops is fine but we ask that all equipment be set to silent mode and that you only speak on phones in the entrance lobby as respect for fellow guests. Wi-fi is available but laptops and business papers must be removed from all tables at 6pm. Needless to say if you need to have any of the above equipment it’s not a problem but you’ll need to book a private room and be aware that it is not always possible to limit the noise in other parts of the club.
PHOTOGRAPHS
An essential part of the charm of the club is our discretion and privacy, and the whole team preserves and guards these fiercely, so there are no photographs at any time – except in a Private Room at your own Private Party.
GUESTS
While your guests are in the club their behaviour is your responsibility and we respectfully ask you to ensure that they observe the guidelines outlined here. They are also required, except in special, prearranged circumstances, to leave the premises when you do.
FEES
Annual subscription fees are as follows:
Full membership. £375
Joint membership. £500 per couple
Country membership (living more than 50 miles radius from the club). £200
Joint Country membership (couples living more than 50 miles radius from the club). £300 per couple
Corporate / Group membership (3 or more members) £200 per person
Under 30’s membership £200
There is an addition £100 joining fee for new members. Each year, at the beginning of your expiry month, you will be sent a notice that your membership is lapsing together with an invitation to renew. If you do let your membership lapse, you will be required to pay the joining fee in order to re-activate your membership. So, it does pay to let us know your intentions as soon as you receive the notice.
NEW MEMBERS
Diplomacy required here. We always welcome New Membership enquiries but are very sensitive to the fact that a direct membership enquiry from one of your guests (particularly on their first visit) might not be appropriate for you, pending private consultation with you at a later date. Of course, if, at any time, you feel you want to nominate a New Member, and particularly if they have been here with you on several occasions, their application can usually be processed swiftly. Give us a call, send an email or talk to one of the team when you’re next in the club.
OPENING TIMES
MONDAY – FRIDAY
Club –
11.00am – 1.00am - Currently open for bookings between 12:00 noon and 7:30pm
Kitchen – 12 noon – 12 midnight (last orders at 10.30pm unless a later time has been pre-agreed)
SATURDAY
Club – 12 noon – 1.00am - Currently Closed
Kitchen – 12 noon – 12 midnight (last orders at 10.30pm unless a later time has been pre-agreed)
SUNDAY
CLOSED (but available for private functions)
CONTACTING US
Reservations
Telephone 0207 240 7659
Email reservations@brydgesplace.com
Tell us you have paid an account
Telephone 0207 240 7659
Email accounts@brydgesplace.com
Any questions?
Telephone 0207 240 7659
Email info@brydgesplace.com
Membership enquiries
Email members@brydgesplace.com