Sarah Ferguson has long been known to enjoy the finer things in life – and among the, partying in the heart of London’s socialite scene.
And amid her recent candour about now braving financial independence, one may wonder how the Mayfair darling can afford her exclusive lifestyle, which sees her hopping from one champagne bar to another.
For the Duchess of York, 63, is a regular at at least six different private member’s clubs in the capital’s luxe district.
It is not known whether Sarah is a member of each of the clubs, or whether she is able to attend as a guest of other members.
She is often seen stepping out at the most exclusive clubs in central London – from Oswald’s to Annabel’s, where fees top £3,750 per year.
Sarah has a property not far from the hub of exclusive bars – as it was revealed that in the summer of 2022 that she had paid £4.25 million for a Belgravia property.
The Duchess of York, 63, has been seen at at least six private member’s clubs in the capital’s luxe district
Moreover, it was also revealed that in the summer of 2022 that Sarah paid £4.25 million for a Belgravia property
What is known is that Sarah – who in 2011 admitted she was ‘continually on the verge of financial bankruptcy’ – has an entrepreneurial spirit which in the past has had no bounds.
She has penned a number of books, even sold blenders on television and has been an ambassador for Weight Watchers – and in January, launched a gallery of digital art, which features her own spoken-word poetry overlaid with a visual interpretation of the verses by other artists.
Speaking to HELLO! earlier this month, the Duchess said she can now be the breadwinner of her household, following the scandal of her disgraced ex-husband.
‘Well, since he stepped back [from royal duties] he doesn’t actually take taxpayers’ money,’ she said.
‘And I’m in a position where I can support him and the rest of the family through my work. And I’m really pleased and proud to do that.’
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the hotspots the Duchess has been known to frequent in London’s luxury hub.
These include Loulou’s – part of 5 Hertford Street – which is so elusive they don’t disclose their membership fees, and Annabel’s, which would set her back £3,750 per year.
She has also frequented hotspots Mark’s, Harry’s Bar and the ever-secretive Oswald’s.
If half of the six establishments Fergie often visits were even £1,000 a year, she could be spending at least £10,250 on her social scene endeavours annually.
LOULOU’S
MEMBERSHIP FEE: Rumoured to cost around £1,800 annually
Fergie pictured at Loulou’s earlier this year. Membership is utterly exclusive, with two recommendations from existing members necessary for approval
Prince Andrew’s ex-wife has often been spotted in this exclusive Mayfair haunt. Sarah at Loulou’s in 2016
Prince Andrew’s ex-wife has often been spotted in this exclusive Mayfair haunt, making two appearances in the past few months.
In February, she looked elegant in a check blazer as she was spotted leaving the establishment.
5 Hertford Street, located on the corner of Shepherd Market in Mayfair, is owned by millionaire aristocrat and Tory donor Robin Birley and often considered one of the most secretive in London.
The club hit headlines after former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss requested departmental funds to host a £3,000 lunch while wining and dining Jo Biden’s trade representative at the club.
Membership is utterly exclusive, with two recommendations from existing members necessary for approval, and while the club have not publicly revealed their annual fees, it it rumoured to cost around £1,800 annually.
Guests can descend down a steep flight of stairs into the opulent basement club Loulou’s – featuring the venue’s beloved giraffe’s head mascot – loved by A-listers and royals alike.
The club opened in June 2012, with Loulou’s named after Birley’s late cousin, Loulou de la Falaise – an English fashion designer with close links to Yves Saint Laurent.
The club’s official launch party – a birthday celebration for his mother, Lady Annabel – was attended by A-listers including Mick Jagger, Kate Moss, and Daphne Guinness.
The hub quickly became a staple of London’s social scene, with members rumoured to include Harry Styles, Margot Robbie, George and Amal Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The location is also popular with younger members of the Royal Family, with the club said to have been frequented by Prince William and Fergie’s daughter, Princess Eugenie of York in the past.
Described by Vanity Fair as ‘like sitting in a fairy story or being swallowed by a dragon’, the club includes a warm, dimly-lit restaurant area with tones of crimsons and maroon.
The bar – which serves up the highly recommended Gin Fizz – is made of shells and features an illuminated peacock and flamboyant wallpaper.
The club has restaurants and bars. It serves breakfast and lunch as well as dinner and supper and tea, of course.
There are rooms for dancing and for sitting. There are corners for cogitating or snoozing or minding your own business. The venue also has its own cigar shop.
Dress codes are strict, with men banned from entering in shorts, collarless shirts, sportswear of any kind, dirty shoes or distressed trainers, flip flops or sandals.
Meanwhile women are restricted from wearing ripped jeans, dirty sports shoes or distressed trainers and sportswear of any kind.
ANNABEL’S
MEMBERSHIP FEE: £3,250 annually
Sarah at Annabel’s in 2018. Among the exclusive clientele is her daughter Princess Beatrice, who was spotted looking glamorous at the venue in November
Other celebrities who have been spotted partying at Annabel’s include Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, Liam Payne and Kate Moss. Elton John performing at the venue in 2022
Christmas decorations at Annabel’s in 2021. The annual membership cost for Annabel’s is £3,250, with a joining fee of £1,750
Fergie has frequently been pictured looking delighted to be enjoying a night out at Annabel’s.
The super exclusive club is thought to have a membership waiting list of more than 10,000, and around 8,000 people are currently thought to be members.
Among the exclusive clientele is her daughter Princess Beatrice, who was spotted looking glamorous at the venue in November.
The ninth in line to the throne clung onto the lapels of her black coat and kept her head down as she left the club, and appeared to be accompanied by security guards – who were also wrapped up warm.
Other celebrities who have been spotted partying at Annabel’s include Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, Liam Payne and Kate Moss.
In 2022, prospective members were invited to apply online to Annabel’s, accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a member.
The annual membership cost for Annabel’s is £3,250, with a joining fee of £1,750.
The venue opened its doors at its new address of 46 Berkeley Square in 2018. The club occupies 26,000 sq ft and offers members space to work, dine and entertain.
The exclusive hotspot has witnessed the comings and goings of the creme de la creme of British society – with Princess Diana visiting for the hen night of Sarah, Duchess of York.
The late Queen Elizabeth also visited for the 70th birthday of her friend the Countess of Airlie in 2003.
MAISON ESTELLE
MEMBERSHIP FEE: Available on request
Maison Estelle is one of Soho’s most prized members’ clubs – so exclusive that, once again, membership fees are only available on request – and it’s yet another favourite with the family, especially Beatrice
Maison Estelle is one of Soho’s most prized members’ clubs – so exclusive that, once again, membership fees are only available on request – and it’s yet another favourite with the family, especially Beatrice, who has been spotted at the venue on many occasions.
The club is a hotspot from hospitality group the Ennismore, and attendees since it opened have included Angelina Jolie and Idris Elba.
It was founded by the power couple Sharan Pasricha, who bought Gleneagles for £200 million in 2015, and his heiress wife Eiesha Mittal, the daughter of billionaire Sunil Mittal.
The club is housed in a Grade I-listed building, designed by Sir Robert Taylor in 1772, on Grafton Street.
The venue, which is the brand’s first private members’ club – offers restaurants, bars, lounges, retail, and a nightclub space with a curated programme of events.
There is a wine cellar bar in the basement, while on the third floor there is also a library.
At the start of the year, Fergie was seen visiting the club with her daughter Princess Beatrice and her son-in-law Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
MARK’S
MEMBERSHIP FEE: £2,000 annually
Fergie at Mark’s in 2018. It was opened in 1972 by Mark Birley – as an ‘alternative to the St James’s gentlemen’s clubs’
It was just last month that the Duchess of York enjoyed a night out at this chic venue, with her daughter Beatrice and son-in-law Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Sarah donned a chic green dress and she stepped out of Mark’s.
It’s believed the family were celebrating Princess Eugenie’s birthday – which fell on the day – but the mother-to-be was not spotted.
According to Insider, an annual subscription costs £2,000 (with a first year fee of £1,000).
The private members club is situated in a chic townhouse in Mayfair which has hosted many fashion events.
It was opened in 1972 by Mark Birley – as an ‘alternative to the St James’s gentlemen’s clubs’.
The venue boasts ‘timeless, traditional décor, perfect comfort, understanding and attentive service create a peaceful retreat far removed from the bustle of city life’.
As expected, a strict dress code is in place, with ladies asked to ‘refrain’ from wearing light denim, leggings, and ‘casual or cowboy boots’ amongst other items.
Gentlemen are also asked to avoid a myriad of items, including denim, leather, suede, sportswear and collarless shirts.
HARRY’S BAR
MEMBERSHIP FEE: £1,500 annually
Sarah has often been spotted at Harry’s bar in Mayfair. Earlier this month, she took her look from casual to party as she enjoyed a night out in the swanky venue
Sarah has often been spotted at Harry’s bar in Mayfair. Earlier this month, she took her look from casual to party as she enjoyed a night out in the swanky venue.
The Duchess swapped out a funky embellished leather jacket from an earlier book launch for a chic white £597 blazer from Wolf & Badger to make an appearance at the club.
She showed off her signature military-inspired style with the two-toned statement piece, featuring embroidered buttons, by throwing it over a little black dress with a flowing skirt.
sIMan reports that membership is ‘rumoured’ to be £1,500 per year, with a joining fee of £750.
According to the outlet, the original Harry’s Bar in Venice had been the innovator behind the Bellini, and its British counterpart has attempted to stick true to its sleek atmosphere.
It brands itself to be ‘one of the most elegant and sophisticated private members’ clubs in London’.
The aesthetics pertain an Italian influence with Venetian chandeliers, Fortuny fabrics, Murano glassware and a polished wooden floor.
OSWALD’S
MEMBERSHIP FEE: Unknown
Last year Sarah made a sensational appearance at the venue when she pointedly chose to wear a pair of blue velvet loafers, handmade by Del Toro X Rotten Roach, imprinted with the words ‘Never Complain, Never Explain
Oswald’s is the most exclusive of London’s private members’ clubs, with the Queen Consort, Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson among those who frequent the venue.
The club on Albemarle Street in Mayfair is famous among wine connoisseurs, and is owned by fellow environmental activist Robin Birley, whose father named his famous members’ club Annabel’s after his socialite wife – Lady Annabel Goldsmith.
Oswald’s is a club for both men and women – with a focus on wine.
Last year Sarah made a sensational appearance at the venue when she pointedly chose to wear a pair of blue velvet loafers, handmade by Del Toro X Rotten Roach, imprinted with the words ‘Never Complain, Never Explain’.
According to Tatler, the club is also a favourite with political figures – Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were understood to be regular visitors.
The super-secretive Oswald’s doesn’t even have any social media accounts, and according to the outlet, it is also said to be enjoyed by the Earl of Snowdon and David Beckham.
It would seem Sarah isn’t the only member of the royal family who’s been known to enjoy this exclusive private member’s club, with Prince William having been spotted enjoying himself at the venue as well.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk