Good sport: Inside new private members’ club, Fitzdares

From 67 Pall Mall for wine to The Court for live music, niche members' clubs have been popping up across the capital for a while now - but 2020 has seen the launch of London's first sports-focused offering. Established by the leading bookmaker of the same name after a string of successful pop-ups, The Fitzdares Club opened the doors to its permanent Davies St space last month. 

Perfect for sports nuts, members will be able to watch their activity of choice - from rugby and horse-racing to late-night Vegas prize fights - on top-of-the-range screening equipment and 4K HD streams, while sports stars and pundits will make special appearances in the club's ever-changing schedule of previews and talks (England cricketer Sir Geoffery Boycott and football commentator John Moston OBE have already been tipped as VIP guests). 

Naturally, as with any members' club worth its salt, luxury is a key consideration. Spread over two floors, Fitzdares features a restaurant, bar and two private dining rooms, as well as a dedicated Racing Room, with custom-made chess and backgammon boards offering a more sedate respite from the on-screen action. The cushy interior design - think red leather chairs, natural wood panelling and patterned wallpaper - was headed by Rosanna Bossom (who previously worked on 5 Hertford Street), while the admirably stocked wine cellar is overseen by Dom Jacobs, Sketch's former Bar Director. 

“We are thrilled to introduce one of the most luxurious sports clubs in the country," says William Woodhams, Fitzdares CEO. "​​While most bookies are closing their doors or just going online, we believe that the future of bookmaking is not algorithms or bombarding customers with mass advertising. It is the connection between the bookmaker and the sports fan that really counts.”

Membership to The Fitzdares Club is £600 p/a and a demonstrable love of sport, required upon application, fitzdares.com