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A unique new members club

18th June 2009 Print
This July will see the arrival of a unique new members club to East London. Eight Moorgate EC2 will be a rooftop club with a 360 degree panoramic view over London’s skyline. Set out over two floors and encompassing over 9000 sq.ft the club will offer two expansive terraces to enjoy the stunning views over the city.

Conveniently located minutes from Liverpool Street and stylish Shoreditch, Eight Moorgate will offer a restaurant, members bar and lounge, library, exterior smoking lounge and even an on-site bespoke tailor.

Eight Moorgate will be the sister club of Eight Bank EC3 which property developer Brandon Kinsman opened in the heart of the City three years ago. Brandon previously worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years and has created a winning formula with Eight, attracting a loyal following of members who flock to the plush and expansive member’s lounge, with its pewter bar, wine wall and Brunswick pool tables. Dark leathers, woods and fabrics lend the club a sophisticated and very intimate air, making it the ideal place for meetings in one of the six private rooms, or screenings and presentations in the 20-seat private cinema.

Whereas Eight Bank is located underneath Change Alley, offering a secret haven from the busy City of London, Eight Moorgate will tower above the surrounding streets, and will be accessed through a glass lift located behind a discreet entrance in Dysart Street. Guests will enter on the Fifth Floor and be instantly impressed by the scale of the sweeping terraces surrounding both floors of the club. Members will lounge above the city skyline, enjoying barbeques, spit roasts and live jazz in this unparalleled al fresco spot for summer. There will also be a cigar lounge outside for smokers, where members will be able to enjoy cigar evenings coupled with whisky tastings.

The club’s 90-cover dining room is also located on the Fifth Floor set against a backdrop of steeples and skyscrapers. Head Chef Richard Lyndon has worked with Michelin starred Chef Jerome Basbancon and acclaimed Australian Chef Bill Granger. Richard has created an all day dining menu serving international cuisine ranging from classics to more contemporary dishes.

Starters include; Salmon and Halibut Ceviche, Pea and Mint Soup with Crumbled Feta and Peppered Beef Carpaccio. A range of pastas and crustaceans are available as both starters and mains and include delights such as Dressed Cornish Crab, Risotto Primavera and Moules Marinieres. Mains include the signature ‘Eight Pie’, a delicious pastry stuffed with Chicken, Ham, Ceps and Tarragon, Grilled Calf’s Liver with Champ, Pancetta and Onion Gravy and Sesame Roasted Salmon with Spiced Lentil Salsa.

Pastry Chef Vanessa Antoli has previously worked for Tom Aikens and The Berkeley Hotel and has created an irresistible dessert menu with delights including Chocolate Torte with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Pineapple Tarte Tatin and Tonka Bean Parfait with Cherry Compote. Breakfast will be served daily from 7am including classics such as Eggs Benedict, Omelette ‘Arnold Bennett’, and lighter alternatives such as Muesli with Summer Berries.

There are also two private dining areas, one inside catering up to 16 and also a private chef’s table for a further 16 located on the Fifth Floor dining terrace offering a view straight into the heart of the kitchen. Richard has also created an all-day menu served in the upstairs lounge.

The Sixth Floor will be home to the members’ lounge and bar, the library and private meeting room. This level will boast a seven metre pewter bar, three fireplaces and bespoke oak cases for members to store their own personal spirit bottles in. Head Barman Gian Luca Scanu (previously of Rocket, Deep and Opium) has created a diverse and sophisticated drinks list, including the signature Eight Martini, a refreshing mix of Apricot Liqueur, Fresh Orange Juice, Potato Vodka and Orange Marmalade and Bittersweet Symphony, an exotic blend of Campari and Passion Fruit with Grand Marnier and topped with Champagne.

The library’s wood panelled walls and roaring fire will offer a serene setting for members to work or relax in, and a unique and interesting service offered to members will be on site tailoring by one of Savile Row’s most respected names, Boland and Banks.

The interior, as well as the signature pieces of furniture of Eight Moorgate, has been designed by Brandon Kinsman and will be a synthesis of the cutting edge with the classic. The club’s two floors have been newly built on top of the existing building and have been constructed entirely from glass and steel. The club will offer wireless internet throughout and other new technology, lending a truly modern feel to the space.

The furnishings however, will offer flamboyant touches harking back to the 1920s, with design features including porcelain chandeliers, spitfire propeller fans and velvet chaises. Woods, leather and muted colours will all work to create a warm and comfortable space that is as inviting as it is state of the art. It is also the first venue to use entirely carbon neutral lighting throughout.

Existing members of Eight Bank will automatically receive membership to its sister club with no further cost to them and new members will also be allowed to use both clubs. Giving members two totally diverse offerings for the price of one membership is an exceptional selling point to Eight, and also reflects their commitment to offering value for money in this current economic climate. Membership will be extremely reasonably priced and will also be payable in monthly direct debits, rather than an annual. Members will also benefit from a complimentary subscription to the luxury Mr and Mrs Smith Silversmith Travel Concierge Service, complimentary club hire, and regular private member’s events.

Operations Director Alexandre Santamaria will oversee the entire operation. Trained in Paris, Alexandre most recently worked as Operations Manager for D&D London at their Royal Exchange Site and prior to that managed the Hoxton Grille in East London. Alexandre is assisted by General Manager Anthony Killip, who launched Eight Bank in 2006 and has worked at a host of luxurious restaurants bars and member’s clubs over the last 15 years. Brandon Kinsman says of the project:

“We are delighted to be expanding the Eight Club brand in this vibrant and exciting area and look forward to welcoming an eclectic crowd from all walks of life.”

Eight Moorgate EC2
1 Christopher Street
EC2A 2BS

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3am

For a sneak preview visit eightclub.co.uk/EC2/video.html.