A Night at The Sloane Club: Finding Focus at the End of a Publication Run
When I start writing a new issue of Ealing Living Magazine, I always give myself a day to think. It has become a small ritual over the years. I step away from home, away from the emails and the endless to-do lists, and find somewhere that allows me to sit quietly and consider what the next issue should be about. Sometimes it is a café, sometimes a hotel lobby, sometimes simply a different corner of London, but the intention is always the same: pause, reflect and let the ideas settle.
So when I was invited to spend an evening at The Sloane Club, it could not have come at a better time. The invitation landed at the end of a publication run, when my head was full of deadlines and layouts and I was already thinking about the next issue. I leapt at the chance. A change of scenery, a night away and the opportunity to experience one of London’s most historic private members’ clubs felt like exactly what I needed.
The Sloane Club sits quietly in Chelsea, steeped in history and quietly confident in its reputation. Founded in 1922 as a sanctuary for ex-servicewomen, it has long been a place of connection and community. Now, after a £20 million interior transformation brought to life by Russell Sage Studio, it has entered a new chapter. Guided by a female-led leadership team under Managing Director Neena Jivraj-Stevenson, the Club has reimagined itself with new interiors, refreshed membership, cultural programming and a bold culinary direction led by Executive Chef George Scott-Toft.
Arriving in the early afternoon, I immediately felt the sense of calm that good hospitality creates. There is something reassuring about a place that understands its purpose. The welcome was warm without being overwhelming and the interiors struck that careful balance between heritage and contemporary comfort. It felt elegant yet approachable, polished but never intimidating.
My room was a delight. Beautifully designed, quietly luxurious and wonderfully comfortable, it became my little retreat for the night. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and the subtle horse-themed details added character without overwhelming the space. There was even a small living room area where I settled down with a notebook and a cup of tea, sketching out ideas for the next issue. It was exactly the environment I had hoped for, peaceful, thoughtful and just far enough away from everyday life to let creativity breathe.
That quiet hour in the room reminded me why stepping away is so important. Without distraction, ideas begin to form more naturally. I mapped out themes, considered stories and started to see the shape of the upcoming issue emerge. Sometimes all it takes is a change of surroundings and a comfortable chair to bring clarity.
The highlight of the evening, however, was dinner at Lila.
Lila is the Club’s striking South-East Asian inspired restaurant and bar, a 90 cover space with a retractable glass skylight that fills the room with light and atmosphere. It is a vibrant setting that still manages to feel intimate, with attentive staff who seem to anticipate your needs before you even realise them yourself.
From the moment we sat down, the service was exceptional. Friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming, the team created a relaxed but refined dining experience that felt special without being formal. It is a difficult balance to achieve and they managed it effortlessly.
The food was extraordinary.
We began with lobster and pineapple spring rolls that were quite simply unforgettable, crisp, delicate and packed with flavour. Alongside them came a beautifully prepared tuna tartare, fresh and perfectly balanced, setting the tone for what was to follow.
For my main course I chose the sea bass with ginger and sea herbs. It was melt-in-the-mouth perfect, light yet full of depth, the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savour every bite. My husband opted for the wagyu beef short ribs, served rendang style with peanut sauce, lettuce leaves and herbs. Rich, fragrant and deeply satisfying, it was a dish that spoke of careful preparation and thoughtful cooking.
Executive Chef George Scott-Toft’s influence is clear throughout the menu. Having trained under renowned chefs including Pierre Gagnaire and Antonin Bonnet, his approach brings a fine dining precision while still allowing the bold flavours of South-East Asia to shine through. The result is a menu that feels both exciting and comforting, refined but full of personality.
As the evening came to a close, I found myself reflecting on how much care had gone into every detail of The Sloane Club’s transformation. Beyond Lila, the Club now offers a variety of beautifully designed spaces, from the signature dining room Venus with its striking chandelier and sharing table, to Helena’s all-day restaurant, the stylish Demob cocktail bar and the calm working spaces of The Study and The Library. There is also a wellness floor with gym, studio, sauna and treatment rooms using Bamford products, along with 56 refurbished bedrooms and 10 suites for members and guests.
Views from around the club: Lila's roof (above centre) can be opened during the warmers months; Helena's serves a more traditional meal; The Bar is decadent and beautifully designed and perfect for pre-dinner drinks or an indulgent post-meal nightcap
It is clear that this is more than a refurbishment. It is a thoughtful reawakening of a historic institution, one that respects its past while embracing the future.
After dinner we returned to the room and sank into that wonderfully comfortable bed, the kind that guarantees a deep and uninterrupted sleep. And that is exactly what I got. A peaceful night, free from deadlines and distractions, ready to wake up with a clear head.
The next morning, I found myself refreshed, focused and ready to take on the next issue.
Sometimes inspiration does not come from sitting at your desk or staring at a screen. Sometimes it comes from stepping away, experiencing something new and allowing yourself the space to think. My evening at The Sloane Club did exactly that. It offered calm, comfort, exceptional food and a moment to pause, which, at the end of a publication run, was exactly what I needed.
And as I left Chelsea and headed back towards Ealing, notebook full of ideas and mind already turning to the next issue, I realised that the best stories often begin with simply giving yourself the time and place to listen to them.
To apply to join The Sloane Club, find the details here.
The Sloane Club, 52 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BP
