Work hard, play hard at Home Grown, the Marylebone private member’s club for ‘business unusual’

Words by Hannah Tan-Gillies

Home Grown is coined as the private members’ club for ‘business unusual’ and it’s easy to see why. This wonderfully eclectic property occupies a vast Georgian townhouse in Great Cumberland Place, offering a truly distinctive home away from home for busy entrepreneurs in London’s fashionable Marylebone.

Part of the Home House Collection, Home Grown is a quieter, more restrained version of its sister property Home House, yet still exuding the same brand of exuberant panache in terms of interiors, service, food and everything else in between.

Home Grown has over 4,500 members, offering a true community for like-minded creative entrepreneurs. The club itself offers plenty of richly-designed rooms and business lounges to work in or hold private meetings. There are plenty of private dining opportunities for those looking to host special occasions amidst Home Grown’s rarefied atmosphere. The club also serves as a venue for intimate members’ events like live music sessions, yoga classes, talks and networking sessions, designed to connect industry change-makers.

Homegrown private members’ club bedroom — This wonderfully eclectic property occupies a vast Georgian townhouse in Great Cumberland Place, offering a truly distinctive home away from home for busy entrepreneurs in London’s fashionable Marylebone

We stayed in one of the club’s two individually designed mews rooms. Check in is at the lobby, where you are greeted by the lovely front of house manager Harry Clabon, who will show you around the property with grace, charm and a smile. At the lobby, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the offbeat baroque interiors and the sculptural collection of silver handheld mirrors that decorate the mantle and the grand staircase.

What the mews room may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in style. From the beautiful patterns on the wallpaper, to the playful stack of books that make up your nightstand, the room oozes with character and is also equipped with all the luxury amenities a modern traveller requires. Each mews room comes with a large wooden desk and double bed complete with an intricately carved mahogany headboard. A bright bay window overlooks the courtyard and adjoining balconies of other rooms, yet still offers enough privacy for a restful stay. The ensuite bathroom is meticulously restored and pays homage to the townhouse’s Georgian past, with gold pipes and deliciously fluffy bathrobes too.

Downstairs is the club’s quintessentially British restaurant – with an experimental twist. Led by head chef James Allen, the restaurant shines the light on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from only the best suppliers in the UK. It offers all the British classics for breakfast, exceptionally-made and with the Home Grown stamp of approval.

Homegrown private members’ club — Led by head chef James Allen, the restaurant shines the light on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from only the best suppliers in the UK

For dinner, we sampled the exceedingly fresh tuna tartare with avocado, expertly seasoned with wasabi oil vinaigrette, tobiko and toasted sesame. To follow, we had the roast fillet of Shorthorn beef with seared foie gras and potato rosti – cooked to absolute perfection and with just the right amount of heartiness to reward yourself for a hard day’s work at Home Grown. For dessert, go off menu and try the vegan cheesecake, which will surely tantalise even the most exacting dessert connoisseur. There is also a wonderful selection of wines on offer at Home Grown so don’t forget to ask the sommelier for some pairing recommendations.

After your meal, head upstairs into the Unicorn Bar, a dapper oak-panelled bar offering an exciting selection of both classic and experimental cocktails. For a more adventurous evening, House 21 in Home House is just a short two block journey away and is a dimly lit homage to the hedonistic lifestyle of the Georgian elite. There is something to feast your eyes on in every room, and amidst the backdrop of the live DJs, House 21 is the perfect spot to play hard in the heart of Marylebone.

Homegrown private members’ club bar — After your meal, head upstairs into the Unicorn Bar, a dapper oak-panelled bar offering an exciting selection of both classic and experimental cocktails

While it seems that another private members’ club pops up every few months or so in London – there are none that are as genuinely characterful as Home Grown. Our short yet truly memorable stay was punctuated by tasteful yet whimsical interiors, delicious food and truly impeccable service — and we shall surely be returning.