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Photography: Adrian Houston
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Photography: Adrian Houston
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Photography: Adrian Houston
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Photography: Adrian Houston
A new London member’s club has entered the fray in the form of The Curtain: a ‘home for creative entrepreneurs’ in Shoreditch.
Hot on the heels of The Ned, another members’ club that opened in early May, The Curtain is a new venture from New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum – the man behind the opulent Gansevoort Hotel Group.
‘We knew culturally that members clubs are a huge part of what goes on in London and we didn’t want to do a nightclub,’ says Achenbaum. ‘We wanted to create something that would have longevity, something that would be interesting to people for a long period of time and grow by itself.’
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The capacious nine-storey building is tucked into a corner nook of Curtain Road and replaces a former 1970s office block. Inside are 120 bedrooms, as well as 6,000 sq ft of event space – including a ballroom and screening room – a live music venue, a rooftop brasserie and a swimming pool. A members-only coworking area will open soon.
Designer Duncan Miller Ullmann crafted The Curtain’s interiors, which combine the rustic hallmarks of a New York loft, including exposed brickwork, hardwood flooring, and black-framed windows. Guest rooms (which start at £240 per night) feature pieces by cult British music photographer, Mick Rock. Members and public spaces meanwhile are awash with bold artworks curated by gallerist, Steve Lazarides.
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In another coup, The Curtain hosts the international outpost of Marcus Samuelsson’s famed soul-food restaurant, Red Rooster. It makes the jump from Harlem, and is joined by his road-side taqueria, Tienda Roosteria. Rooftop restaurant Lido rounds off the pack, while The Curtain has a number of bars dotted throughout where you can grab a drink.
Applications for membership opened in early May for ‘professionals with creative sensibilities,’ with a special opening package of of £1000 per annum, plus a £250 joining fee.
Read next: The 10 best London coworking spaces