Welcome to The Gallery at Ned’s Club, an exclusive private space tailored for accomplished professionals. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, this three-story club offers a luxurious setting for socializing, dining, and hosting events. Members’ identities are confidential, and joining at the highest tier can cost up to $125,000.
Ned’s Club is a premier destination, boasting a prime historic location near the White House and a prestigious, undisclosed membership roster. With four upscale restaurants serving diverse cuisines, it sets the standard for fine dining. Designed for industry leaders to unwind and connect away from the public eye, Ned’s Club is an offshoot of the renowned Soho House members’ clubs, originating in London in 2017 and expanding to New York, Doha, and now Washington, DC.
Managed by Gareth Banner, Ned’s Club caters to top-tier professionals, including executives, founders, and entrepreneurs. While members’ names are safeguarded, notable figures like Mark Cuban, Howard Lutnick, Terry McAuliffe, and Kaitlan Collins have been spotted at the club. Banner emphasizes the club’s focus on attracting the elite echelon, stating, “you should be at the absolute top of your game” to be part of the community.
Membership at the sprawling 60,000-square-foot club comes at a premium. Standard membership requires a $5,000 initiation fee and an annual $5,000 subscription. The coveted Founders’ membership, offering exclusive benefits like access to the Founders’ Dining Room, demands $125,000 to join and $25,000 yearly.
Ned’s Club, housed in the top floors of the Milken Institute complex, pays homage to Sir Edwin “Ned” Landseer Lutyens, the visionary behind the original London location. The club’s commitment to preserving privacy is evident through strict no-photography policies and a ban on member disclosures. Visitors are required to cover their phone cameras upon entry, underscoring the dedication to discretion.
Featuring a membership committee that includes prominent figures like Kellyanne Conway and Zach Leonsis, Ned’s Club ensures that all interactions within its walls are strictly off the record. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Ned’s Club offers an unparalleled experience for high-achieving individuals seeking a refined and private social haven.
The Milken Institute’s art collection is showcased at Ned’s Club reception area, designed by Frank Frances in 1937. The entrance of the former Walker Building has been restored with hand-painted wallpaper depicting DC’s iconic cherry blossoms. In the lobby, Ronen highlighted upcoming members-only events such as comedy and trivia nights, a supper club for expats, and an Earth Day gathering with the Nature Conservancy featuring Chesapeake oysters. The club also offers off-site events like test-driving Ferraris in Bethesda or viewing Elizabeth Taylor’s private jewel collection at Bulgari. The ninth-floor hallway at Ned’s Club, part of Soho House, features pieces from the curated “The First 47” art collection, which showcases works by 47 female artists, contrasting the all-male history of US presidents.
Although Ned’s Club and Soho House are separate entities, they are connected through ownership and collaboration. Ron Burkle, owner of The Ned umbrella organization, is a majority shareholder of Soho House & Co Inc. Ned’s Club, described as an offshoot of Soho House, caters to a broader, more professional audience. The Library at Ned’s Club is the only room where members can use laptops until 5 p.m. It also hosts watch parties for events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl. The Library’s decor is inspired by the Obama White House, featuring a tapestry by Malaika Temba from “The First 47” collection.
The Library Bar offers cocktails and snacks, and there’s a designated tea service due to Ned’s Club’s British origins. The Gallery, an Italian-American restaurant at Ned’s Club, serves dishes like Margherita pizza and branzino in a plush setting with a custom mural by Patricia Cronin. The Conservatory, once an outdoor space, now offers a cozy indoor terrace vibe with wicker furniture and abundant greenery. Members can mingle in the Drawing Room, a lounge space at Ned’s Club.
Frank Frances showcases the elegance of The Drawing Room, boasting a detailed wood ceiling and luxurious seating arrangements. This space is the backdrop for live music performances every weeknight at Ned’s Club. Musicians can take advantage of the provided piano and drum set. For those seeking the utmost exclusivity, the Founders’ Dining Room is accessible with an additional $25,000 yearly fee on top of the $125,000 joining fee for the higher membership tier. Inspired by the Kennedy era, the decor features wood accents and stained-glass windows, reminiscent of Camelot days in DC. The Founders’ Dining Room proudly serves beef from the prestigious Four Sixes Ranch, making it one of only two such establishments in North America. Prices range from a $70 filet mignon to a $195 bone-in ribeye. Adjacent to the rooftop terrace is Kaia, a Pan-Asian restaurant offering sushi, sashimi, and various grilled meats. The ceiling of Kaia is adorned with a mural by artist Rose Jaffe, while a custom mosaic floor adds to the charm. The rooftop terrace provides a picturesque setting to bask in the sunshine and enjoy views of the Washington Monument, the White House, the Tidal Basin, and other iconic DC landmarks. On Sundays, a DJ spins tunes atop the roof, adding to the club’s vibrant atmosphere. Aside from the members-only areas, Ned’s Club offers five private event spaces for booking, accommodating gatherings of various sizes. With over 1,300 members and a growing waitlist, the club offers a sense of community sought after in “third places” distinct from home or work. Frank Frances acknowledges that the allure of Ned’s Club lies not just in its fine dining and opulent furnishings, but in the unique experience of belonging to a prestigious establishment.
