Historic West London Private Members Club Opens Café to Public for First Time
In a landmark move for London's exclusive social scene, The Sloane Club in Chelsea has opened its new café and wine bar to the general public for the first time in its 104-year history. Café 1922, named after the year the club was founded by Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria, represents a rare opportunity for non-members to experience this prestigious institution.
A New Era of Accessibility
While most of The Sloane Club's facilities—including its hotel, gym, and sauna—remain exclusive to members paying annual fees of £2,300, Café 1922 officially opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, April 7. This strategic opening allows visitors to enjoy premium coffees, artisan pastries, and carefully crafted breakfast and brunch dishes without requiring membership.
The café operates from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and extends its hours from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with evening menus introduced at 5 PM. The space features large open windows and outside tables on Lower Sloane Street, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere where diners can watch Chelsea's vibrant street life.
Culinary Excellence and Historic Inspiration
Executive Chef George Scott-Toft and Head Baker Luke Walsh-Landles, formerly of Boxcar Bakery in Marylebone, have developed a distinctive menu that blends tradition with innovation. The standout item is the Sloane Pain au Suisse—a ham and cheese croissant filled with béchamel, smoked ham, and a blend of cheeses that pays homage to the club's classic Croque Monsieur appetizer.
Additional menu highlights include a daily cookie selection, fruit salad breakfast bowls, and homemade focaccia sandwiches with fresh salad bowls. Each offering reflects the club's commitment to quality and culinary craftsmanship.
Evening Transformation into Wine Bar
As daylight fades, Café 1922 transforms into an ambient wine bar, offering fine wines served by the glass and in carafes. The venue plans to host wine tastings and supper clubs, creating a sophisticated evening destination that maintains the club's exclusive atmosphere while welcoming public patrons.
This dual-purpose approach allows Café 1922 to serve as both a daytime café and evening social hub, maximizing its appeal to Chelsea residents and visitors alike.
Historical Significance and Modern Appeal
Founded in 1922 by Princess Helena, The Sloane Club has long been a bastion of London's elite social circles. The decision to open Café 1922 to the public represents a significant shift in strategy, potentially reflecting changing attitudes toward exclusivity in London's hospitality sector.
Located at 52 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BP, Café 1922 offers not just food and drink, but a tangible connection to London's aristocratic history. For many visitors, this will be their first and only opportunity to experience the ambiance of a private members club that has remained largely inaccessible for over a century.
The opening comes at a time when London's café culture continues to evolve, with consumers increasingly seeking unique experiences that combine quality offerings with distinctive atmospheres. Café 1922's blend of historic prestige and contemporary accessibility positions it as a noteworthy addition to Chelsea's dining landscape.
