Class, Race and the Colonial Clubs of India – Open The Magazine
For decades, India’s elite mingled behind the closed doors of old-school colonial-era clubs—think gymkhanas with wooden furniture, strict dress codes, and a vibe straight out of the British Raj. These were the playgrounds of politicians, royals, military officers, and business bigwigs. But times are changing fast.
Today’s rising millionaires—tech founders, creators, and self-made entrepreneurs—are looking for something more modern, stylish, and inclusive. And they’re finding it in a new wave of exclusive members-only clubs that are reimagining luxury and networking.
Enter: Soho House and the New-Age Club Scene
Leading this shift is Soho House, a global private club that began in London in the 1990s. Known for its relaxed vibe and creative crowd, it opened its first Indian outpost in Mumbai six years ago—an ocean-facing retreat on Juhu Beach that quickly became a hot spot. With plans now underway to open two more clubs in Delhi and South Mumbai, the demand is clear: India’s young and wealthy are ready for a new kind of luxury.
“These young entrepreneurs don’t want the old, stuffy environment,” says Kelly Wardingham, Soho House’s Asia director. “They want a place that’s inspiring, diverse, and where they can grow professionally and personally.”
Unlike the legacy clubs, where entry depended on family name or status, Soho House welcomes creatives, founders, and innovators. Membership includes perks like rooftop pools, gyms, private screening rooms, and curated events—but it’s also about community, networking, and fresh opportunities.
Breaking Barriers, Making Connections
For filmmaker Reema Maya, a member of Soho House Mumbai, the space offers more than luxury—it’s a gateway to industry insiders and collaborations that would’ve been out of reach in the past. “It’s hard to find calm or connection in a city like Mumbai,” she says, “but here, I’ve found both.”
This openness is a big shift from the exclusivity of traditional clubs. Famous actor Feroz Khan was once denied membership at a Mumbai gymkhana simply for being an actor. Now, stars like Ali Fazal grace the covers of Soho House’s in-house magazines.
A Market Ready to Boom
India’s old gymkhanas still have long waiting lists, but they’re not keeping pace with demand. That’s why new clubs—like Quorum, BVLD, and others backed by St. Regis and Four Seasons—are popping up across the country. According to a report by Axon Developers, this space is growing nearly 10% every year, with more than two dozen entrants already and at least six more planned.
Post-Covid, many of India’s wealthy started avoiding crowded public places, opting instead for curated private spaces. But even these new clubs come at a steep price—like Soho House’s ₹3.2 lakh ($3,700) annual fee—well beyond what most Indians can afford.
Old Money Out, Self-Made In
What’s really shifted is who gets in. Legacy and lineage matter less now than talent, drive, and achievements. This new elite is self-made, savvy, and shaping India’s luxury landscape. But access is still limited—only a small sliver of India’s 1.4 billion population can afford it.
Still, that sliver is powerful. India now has nearly 800,000 high-net-worth individuals, and that number is expected to double in just a few years. That’s more than enough to keep these exclusive clubs thriving—and reshape how India’s wealthy live, connect, and do business.
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