LA’s glamorous new social club, the Britely, features maximalist interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki. Highlights include a rooftop pool, chic bowling lanes and a screening room. Olivia Palamountain reports
The Britely on LA’s Sunset Strip bills itself as “a modern social club devoted to community, curiosity and celebration” (that’s members club to you and me), located within the same building as the Pendry West Hollywood Hotel and Residences.
Founding membership at the 2,322 sqm club costs US$2,800 per year and, after a soft launch on April 2, 2021, applications are still being considered. So what do members get for their money?
There are two restaurants by two Michelin-Star chef Wolfgang Puck (one is open to the public), three bars and lounges, a “novelty food cart”, rooftop pool, 24-hour gym, spa, bowling lanes, screening room and a 200-person performance venue, all designed by Martin Brudnizki, the interior designer behind the likes of Annabel’s nightclub and Sexy Fish restaurant in London.
Estelle Lacroix, managing director of lifestyle at the Britely, says: “The Britely is a fusion of bright ideas, bright design and bright palates. A luxury destination with vibrant spaces for productivity, wellness and celebration, the Britely offers the best of Los Angeles: diverse thinking, great food, relaxes yet elegant comforts and a little self-indulgence.”
Inside, glamorous, moody décor – think dark timber flooring, ostrich feather lamps and animal print boudoir seating – harks back to Hollywood’s golden era, while over at the rooftop pool, jungle chic upholstery and planters contrast with sweeping urban views. Whimsical touches reinforce a playful touch and enhance the relaxed ambience of the club.
“The result is a place that feels sensual, tactile and seductive, just like the feeling one gets when sinking into an old cinema chair and kicking back to watch a classic picture. We want people to come here and feel like they have escaped daily life and have arrived in a world where comfort and relaxation are at the heart, alongside an interior that makes you feel glamorous and fun.” Meanwhile, artwork is curated by Tiffiny Lendrum of Lendrum Fine Art.
Following the lead of London, which has always had a lot of private members’ clubs, in the last couple of years, the h Club, the Wing, Allbright, the Jane, San Vicente Bungalows, NeueHouse and Soho Warehouse have all opened in Los Angeles, although not all have survived. Hopefully the Britely will be able to capitalise on an upswing in socialising and hedonism. 
Lacroix tells Luxury Tribune that the Britely will be “the ideal place to come back to life when we finally leave these difficult times behind. We’ll have a bowling alley, disco nights, it will be festive,” she says. “Everything will be centered around the idea of a celebration, hopefully providing a reason to go out to those who don’t even have an office to return to anymore.”