Pitch perfect: The H Club
Football stadiums and fine dining are two phrases that don't often go together. However, this is about to change with the opening of The H Club—a private members' club at Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium that is set to redefine the premium experience in sport. We spoke to Andy O'Sullivan, director of hospitality, about what sets the ultra-luxurious H Club apart.
Styled to make some of London's exclusive private members clubs look shabby by comparison, The H Club carefully crafts every detail of the member experience—from a menu designed by Michelin-starred chefs, to a temperature-controlled vault holding clients' favourite tipples, and naturally, the best views in the house when it comes to the on-pitch action.
But with many restaurants and even new sporting arenas offering exceptional food and service, Tottenham Hotspur director of hospitality Andy O'Sullivan says it is choice which truly sets The H Club apart.
“You will be presented with five dining options, all with menus carefully crafted by our impressive roster of celebrated chef partners, a level of choice never before achieved within a sporting venue,” O'Sullivan says.
With three generations of the eminent Roux family restauranteurs on board and more celebrated chefs soon to be announced, O'Sullivan says every element of the club will epitomise class, with expert sommeliers, gracious staff, and a strict cap of 90 like-minded members, consisting of global banks and FTSE chief executives.
“The one thing that members wanted was an experience that kept them close to the action while having numerous dining options, allowing them to change their experience depending on their guests,” O'Sullivan says.
Bringing your most important clients? It may be time to sit at The Players Table, hosted by club ambassadors and former Hotspur greats including Ossie Ardilles, Ledley King, Pat Jennings, Gary Mabbutt, and Clive Allen.
Time with family and friends can be enjoyed in the Brasserie or Luminarie Bar, while a special occasion may call for a visit to the Chefs Table for a live theatre dining experience with an internationally acclaimed chef such as Michel Roux Jr.
Whichever option is chosen and whoever the guest, The H Club is designed for all members to enjoy Premier League football, NFL, concerts, and other high-profile events in privacy and without distraction.
O'Sullivan promises some of the finest food in London, with some specific football-themed courses, as well as signature plates and courses designed specifically for The H Club, but is keen to leave guests with a few surprises saying, “I wouldn't want to tell you everything today!” he says.
Following each match, a member of the club's first team will be nominated as Man of the Match, an award presented inside The H Club exclusively for members and offering guests the opportunity to have photos taken with the player and talk to him about his performance.
Expected to become the most coveted membership in sport—surpassing the likes of the debentures at Twickenham and Lord's—The H Club membership is exclusive, with a strict cap of 90 members and places unlikely to open up again until at least 2025 due to demand.
The H Club can be found On Four, the premium area located on level four of Tottenham Hotspur's 61,559-capacity stadium, set to open in 2018. The stadium is designed to be London's most unique sports and entertainment destination, with a commitment to deliver the best possible fan experience, and a venue for every occasion.
“Myself and many members of my team have been involved in the events industry at the very highest level for many years, hosting private events, dinners, and gatherings,” O'Sullivan says.
“The new stadium offers us the opportunity to raise the bar once again for the entire events industry. And we are enjoying doing just that, for the benefit of our members.”
The H Club | Tottenham Hotspur New Stadium | 782 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 0BX | +44 (0)208 365 5339 | new-stadium.tottenhamhotspur.com/
