Ten Trinity Square launches an innovative new port in the storm

Nestled on the second floor of London’s Four Seasons Hotel is Ten Trinity Square Members Club, an intimate new space that is taking its cues from its location’s grand legacy as the former headquarters of the Port of London Authority. Opening its doors in September, Ten Trinity Square plans to buck the trend of business-focused clubs by offering an exclusive clientele a rich programme of events tailored to personal interests that, it hopes, will lead to the kind of discussion and debate members clubs in days gone past. And while the warm décor and cosy, interconnected rooms feature nods to the venue’s nautical history (complete with eye-level lights that charmingly resemble portholes), the club boasts plenty of contemporary firsts for the discerning diner.

The most stunning of these is the Château Latour Discovery Room – the first of its kind outside of the Pauilloc estate’s own vineyards – modelled on the premium winery’s own tasting room in Bordeaux. Award winning sommelier and Château ambassador Jan Konetzki presides over guests’ tasting choices, paired with canapes designed by three Michelin-star chef Anne-Sophie Pic.

Anne-Sophie, the third generation in her family to independently win the coveted three stars, also hosts her own exclusive restaurant at the club, serving multi-course lunches and dinners for guests looking to be impressed. Another innovation lies in the club’s intimate cigar sampling lounge, where a selection from vintage Havanas, Cohibas or Montecristos can be tried all under the guidance of Paola Paollilo, the only female master of cigars in the UK.

Ten Trinity mixes modernity and tradition throughout, from the Chairman’s Lounge to the intimate Library, and complimentary meetings rooms all in the historic surroundings of the painstakingly restored wood panelled rooms. General manager Nigel Stowe, formerly manager of the Ivy Club, the Arts Club and Bulgari, describes the club as a “sanctuary for outstanding individuals to share ideas and inspiration”. He said: “We want this to be a place of purpose. We will provide a wealth of opportunities for members to meet, engage and be inspired, with a rich programme of events ranging from arts and culture, to exclusive performances and wine tastings.”

An historic venue

Now boasting the five-star Four Seasons hotel, spa and members club, and with private residences underway, Ten Trinity Square is surely one of the most exclusive buildings in London. But its imposing exterior marble columns and grand entryway are only one aspect to this historic building. With views of Tower Bridge and an interior space that perfectly incorporates the original wooden panel walls and ornate carvings, it can feel like stepping back in time. The history of Ten Trinity Square is tied with some of the city’s most dramatic moments.

Diarist Samuel Pepys worked in the adjacent Navy Office and, when he saw the Great Fire of London approaching, is said to have buried his prized Parmesan cheese in what is now Seething Lane Gardens just outside. By the 19th Century, London had become the world’s naval trade capital, and the Port of London Authority was given full control of the Thames’ docks and life in 1908. Architect Sir Edwin Cooper won the right to design the Authority’s new headquarters, which cost a then-astounding €1million to build, opening in 1922. The building, with its statue of Old Father Thames pointing out toward the channel, became so important that it was chosen for the inaugural United Nations General Assembly in 1946. Home to Four Seasons hotel since 2010, Ten Trinity is once again making its mark on the London landscape, even featuring in 2012’s James Bond adventure Skyfall.

Read more about the brand new members' club in Tempus Magazine's latest issue