Private clubs have been part of Washington, D.C.’s fabric since the Metropolitan Club opened in 1863. For decades, these prestigious clubs have served as gathering places for the city’s elite, symbols of tradition, old money, and exclusivity. Ned’s Club Washington, D.C., positions itself differently, as a contemporary reboot of the classic club experience, welcoming a new generation of movers and shakers from politics, media, academia, business, and the arts.
Founded by entrepreneur and television producer Ron Burkle, The Ned made its debut in London in 2017, transforming a former bank into a stylish club and hotel. The brand has since extended its footprint to New York and Doha, blending the atmosphere of a private members’ club with fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and curated social events. In Washington, D.C., the brand operates as a private destination that prioritizes community and connection, drawing a diverse demographic with its vibrant networking culture, lavish ambiance, elevated dining experiences, and some of the best views in the city.
Gareth Banner, Group Managing Director of The Ned, says, “The Club in D.C. shares the same design and operational DNA as our clubs in New York, London and Doha, but each building has its own history and character.” Occupying the top three floors of the historic Walker Building, just steps from the White House and Treasury Building, Ned’s Club Washington, D.C., affords spectacular sightlines of the Washington Monument and other D.C. landmarks. Its interiors, designed by Stonehill Taylor and Soho House Design, combine Art Deco and neoclassical-inspired elements, vintage furnishings, cherry-blossom motifs, and striking mosaic flooring.
The walls are adorned with an extensive collection featuring works by local creators, such as Rose Jaffe and Eric Uhler, and “The First 47,” an exhibition celebrating leading women artists from across the continent. “Our “First 47” collection features works by women artists, a powerful commentary on the absence of a female U.S. president,” Banner explains. “The Club also nods to past presidential administrations throughout the space, like the striped wallpaper in the Library, similar to that of the Obama White House, and the sun-drenched Founder’s Dining Room reminiscent of the Kennedy era.”
Members can enjoy a range of inviting spaces for work and play, including four distinct dining options. The Library is a favorite during the day for quiet focus, then shifts into an elegant cocktail lounge in the evening. The Gallery Restaurant & Conservatory serves modern Italian dishes from morning to night in an elegant sunlit space filled with plants and murals. The Founders Dining Room is reserved for top-level members and provides a more intimate experience with exclusive pours and prime cuts from Four Sixes Ranch—a nod to Burkle’s work as a producer of the hit series Yellowstone. Kaia, the rooftop restaurant and bar, has the Club’s best views and a wraparound terrace for al fresco dining. Members can try premium sushi, grilled specialties such as A5 wagyu sirloin, and handcrafted cocktails like the signature Nedgroni and Yuzu Mule.
The Club also dedicates an entire floor to private events, hosting everything from art talks and masterclasses to live music and social gatherings. There’s live music seven nights per week, ranging from smooth jazz and piano nights to house music and go-go. Ned’s Club brings in a wide range of musical genres and recently launched Ned’s After Dark, a late-night music program until 1 am.
Membership at Ned’s Club Washington, D.C. is in high demand, with hundreds on the waiting list. “We’ve been thrilled by the incredible response from the D.C. community. It’s clear there’s a real appetite for a fresh take on the members’ club experience in the city,” says Banner.
The process to join goes beyond simply paying a fee, which varies by tier and starts at $5,000 per year, with additional one-time initiation costs. Prospective members complete an online application that includes professional and personal background checks and referrals. A membership committee of about 20 to 25 current members carefully reviews each applicant, considering their background and potential to contribute to the Club’s community. The aim is to foster a membership that mirrors the diversity and spirit of Washington, D.C.
Membership also extends beyond Washington, D.C., offering reciprocal or global access to other Ned’s Club locations. Depending on the membership tier, members enjoy preferred rates on rooms, spa services, and more when visiting other properties. Banner shares that the Club will continue to elevate its programming and hospitality through innovative new menu items, rare spirits across its bar program, and a highly relevant line-up of events for members to enjoy. He states, “Our goal has always been to curate the most fun and interesting dinner party at the Club, with people from all walks of life.”
To learn more about Ned’s Club Washington, D.C., visit the company’s website.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com.
