For the first time in its history, storied institution The Sloane Club has opened its doors not only to members, but to the public, with an all-day bakery and evening wine bar.
It was opened in 1922 as an ex-service women’s club by Princess Helena, third daughter of Queen Victoria. At that time, membership cost six shillings. Today, membership costs considerably more – but entry to the just-opened Cafe 1922 is free.
Outdoor seating spilling out onto Lower Sloane Street, large windows and royal blue awning lends Cafe 1922 the ease and elegance of a Parisian neighbourhood café. “We love what continental cafe culture stands for,” says managing director Neena Jivraj-Stevenson, “the joy of a daily coffee where you are recognised by your barista.” By evening, the space becomes a intimate, dimly lit wine bar, “in which to linger,” she adds. She’s planning a programme of talks and tastings aimed to bring neighbours together as readily as members.
As The Sloane Club enters its second century, this move marks a recalibration for a club that has served as a private Chelsea sanctuary, and now aims to attract a new crowd. Its big drawcard? High-end pastries made in house by the lead baker behind Boxcar Bakery in Marleybone, Luke Walsh-Landles, and coffee by Allpress.
Its signature pastry is set to be the Sloane Pain au Suisse: cross-laminated croissant dough with béchamel, smoked ham and a blend of cheeses, designed in homage to the club’s beloved croque monsieur.
The same considered approach has shaped the wine bar list, developed with the team behind Brawn’s evolving low-intervention selection, Les Caves de Pyrene. “They have curated an accessible selection with a strong emphasis on natural wines,” says executive chef George Scott-Toft.
The cafe’s interiors, by Russell Sage Studio (Lilibet’s, Bonheur by Matt Abé) are warm and relaxed, with subtle hints to the rest of the club. “The signature curve in the design, inspired by the oval sign outside The Sloane Club, is reflected in the bespoke tables that line the windows,” explains Jivraj-Stevenson.
The Sloane Club
52 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BP.
Hours:
Sun to Tue 7.30am–3.30pm
Wed to Sat 7.30am–8.30pm
