Venetia van Kuffeler discovers an impressive new members club in the historic setting of  Ten Trinity Square

The Port of London Authority was formed in 1909 to run all the docks of London, then the largest seaport in the world. Its splendid headquarters is today home to Ten Trinity Square Private Club, along with the new Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.  Designed by Sir Edwin Cooper and built between 1912 and 1922, the building is one of the City of London’s most imposing and iconic landmarks, and its great tower features a statue of Old Father Thames, who points downriver to the source of London’s trade. The reception of the first general assembly of the United Nations, held in 1946, was hosted in the building, attended by (among others) King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Appropriately set in these grand surroundings, Ten Trinity Square Private Club is a unique partnership between Reignwood, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Château Latour. Shaped around the boardrooms and executive offices of the original building, The Club has been lovingly restored to its former glory with wood carved panelling, ornate fireplaces and chandeliers. Spaces include a specially curated Library and Billiard Room, plus The Members’ Bar and Dining Room. From rare vintage Havanas to Montecristos and Cohibas, the cigar shop and sampling lounge offers members an exceptional collection of cigars, under the expertise of the UK’s only female Master of Havana cigars, Paola Paolillo. The Chairman’s Room displays a historical visitors book for the building, including the signature of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Breaking new ground, Ten Trinity Square Private Club houses the world’s first Château Latour Discovery and Dining Room outside of France. The Château Latour experience has been curated by award-winning sommelier Jan Konetzki, with cuisine from three Michelin starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Found in the old canteen for the Port of London Authority, The Latour Discovery Room allows members to enjoy and purchase an impressive library of Château Latour, and other prestigious wines, directly from the cellars of Château Latour and Artémis Domaines estates, owned by the Pinault family. Jan Konetzki hosts a monthly members’ wine tasting at 18.55 o’clock, playing on the 1855 classification of the Médoc. Here Konetzki opens one of the biggest bottles in the cellar, offering wines to members that are rarely available by the glass, served in a room embellished with carved medallions of prominent Britons on the walls.

Specifically chosen to complement the wine offering, Pic’s exclusive menu for The Club is influenced by her family’s recipes, which have won them multiple Michelin stars in the past. Dishes range from intricately assembled entrees such as red mullet and foie gras mosaïque with bouillabaisse jelly, to contemporary takes on traditional main dishes such as roasted chicken breast à la diable with vanilla parsnip purée. Dining is an exclusive experience, with some of the most beautifully presented food I’ve ever seen.

Charismatic General Manager Nigel Stowe says: “We want The Club to be a place of purpose – a sanctuary for outstanding individuals to share ideas and aspirations.” It is certainly a grand club that is sure to impress the most well-travelled and notable of guests. Full of large comfortable armchairs in discreet corners, you’re left with the distinct impression that serious deals are being made. Sympathetically restored to a new era in 2018, The Club will continue to attract government ministers, Ambassadors, captains of industry and financial chiefs, and it appears that history will continue to be made in these magnificent surroundings.

www.tentrinitysquare.com/the-club