In this week's issue of HELLO! magazine, out now, Astrid Harbord opens up about the colourful past and exciting new future of legendary nightclub Annabel's. As the membership manager, Astrid will help to select new entrants into the intimate venue, which is known as the most exclusive basement in the world and has attracted royals and celebrities alike. It has always been a honeypot for celebrities.
The more recent A-list clientele has included Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kate Moss. Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson famously visited the club in 1986 dressed as policemen, after unsuccessfully trying to crash Prince Andrew's stag do. The Queen also visited the club in 2003 for a party to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Countess of Airlie, her friend and lady-in-waiting.
"Discretion is key," said membership manager Astrid Harbord
Given its clientele, has the club kept much scandal under wraps over the years? "Yes, very much so," smiles Astrid in this week's issue. "Discretion is key." The club is preparing for a grand opening in a few months, when the venue will be moved two doors down from its current site in London's Berkeley Square. The new Annabel's will take over four floors and will be open from 7am to 4pm, offering three restaurants, a garden terrace, two private dining rooms, a health and wellbeing clinic and of course, a nightclub in the basement.
Astrid promises it will "feel like the Annabel's of today – exciting, vibrant and opulent. It will have the same arched ceiling and dinner/dance element, with a larger, hydraulic dancefloor and amazing music system." Even the Buddha will be moving there.
Pick up this week's issue of HELLO! magazine to read more about the exciting new launch.