Harrods’ first private members’ club has opened in Shanghai. The hotly-anticipated The Residence Private Members Club at Cha House blends the British heritage brand’s signature take on luxury with local Shanghainese influences, bringing one of the UK’s most recognisable names to one of China’s most vibrant cities.
[See also: London’s best private members’ clubs: the definitive list]
Like many of London’s best private members’ clubs, The Residence will offer members and their guests spaces to dine, drink and relax in the most luxurious of surroundings.
The club boasts Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant in the city and a bar stocked with exclusive wines and spirits from partners including Louis XIII and The Macallan – a reflection of local enthusiasm for the premium spirits market.
Harrods’ decision to open its first private members’ club in Shanghai reflects the brand’s desire to cater for the country’s growing ultra-high-net-worth population. China is forecast to double its millionaire population by 2026, up to 12.2 million, and brands are increasingly seeking to tap into this lucrative market, Businesses such as Hermes International and Mytheresa have recently upped their presence in Shanghai.
There are also inroads being made at home. Harrods, which benefits from excellent brand recognition and engagement overseas, recently collaborated with luxury residential development Sky City – from Chinese developer R&F Properties and Hong Kong developer C C Land – on a number of Harrods Interior Design show homes that have proved popular with international buyers. (Harrods Interior Design also worked on The Residence).
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A taste of Harrods in Shanghai
The Residence is located in Cha House, one of Shanghai’s most splendid architectural heritage sites, which was already home to the Harrods Tea Room and Piano Bar.
Only 250 UHNWs will initially be offered membership, although more will be considered following peer nominations at a later stage. There are three tiers of membership with annual fees starting at 150,000 RMB (£16,715).
Fans of Harrods’ Knightsbridge store will be delighted with touches in this Shanghai outpost. The Harrods ‘Green Man’ – the name given to the distinctly attired doormen – will be on hand to greet guests and whisk them up to the second floor in a lift that is inspired by the aesthetics of the London flagship.
‘The design of the private members’ club intertwines international luxury with local accents of Shanghai,’ Harrods explains. ‘From wall panels inspired by Chinese fans to the brass art-deco detailing of the columns, the design works to blend a sense of place with the elevated sense of refinement that sets a Harrods experience apart.’
[See also: Harrods Interior Design brings high-level luxury to prime London apartments]
The brand promises ‘meticulously curated’ spaces complete with touches like gold leaf ceilings, Murano glass light fixtures and artwork by Qu Qianmei.
Michael Ward, Harrods Managing Director previously told Spear’s: ‘The Residence is Harrods’ very first private members’ club and is being created to serve a curated community of discerning members.
‘Membership is a unique proposition in Shanghai, offering not only world-class dining and spirits with a like-minded network but also unlocking exclusive Harrods international lifestyle and concierge services to create unparalleled experiences for every member.’
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Gordon Ramsay said ‘it has long been an ambition’ of his to open a restaurant in Shanghai and the venture was the ‘perfect location’ at the ‘perfect time’.
