AllBright, a women-exclusive members’ club with a five-story townhouse located in Mayfair, London, has entered administration, as reported by the Guardian.
The networking and events organization, which was established by Anna Jones, the chief executive of the Telegraph Media Group, and Debbie Wosskow, co-chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, notified its members last week about the closure of its venue near Regent Street.
However, some employees and business partners were unaware of the company’s administration until Tuesday morning.
The club originally launched on International Women’s Day in 2018, drawing its name from Madeleine Albright, the former U.S. Secretary of State, who famously stated, “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.”
AllBright faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent shifts in working arrangements. Its shutdown is particularly surprising given the reported growth in the private members’ club industry.
Memberships for individuals were priced starting at £1,950 annually, while corporate memberships were available for £1,500. The Maddox Street townhouse included two restaurants, a bar, a hair salon, and a rooftop terrace.
The company’s most recent financial statements are overdue, according to filings with Companies House.
Jones and Wosskow resigned from their directorial roles in February 2023, with Viviane Paxinos, a former media executive, stepping in as chief executive the year prior.
For the fiscal year ending in March 2022, which is the latest available financial report, AllBright recorded a pre-tax loss of £6.2 million.
This new administration follows a previous intervention two years ago when Cain International, co-founded by Jonathan Goldstein, director and co-owner of Chelsea Football Club, cleared AllBright’s debts and reinvested in the organization through a pre-pack administration.
Private members’ clubs have been identified as one of the fastest-growing sectors in real estate, according to a report from property and lettings agents Knight Frank released in September.
In an email to members last week, they were informed that they could access a “dedicated lounge” at the Old Session House in Farringdon.
The message stated: “Unfortunately, due to rising rents, the size of the building, and its prime location, the Mayfair townhouse is no longer sustainable. Although there remains a high demand for events, networking opportunities, and educational programs, the social and dining areas were not fully utilized.”
Wosskow and Jones expressed their sorrow over the situation, saying, “It’s disheartening to see the business we co-founded struggling in this manner, and we hope that our wonderful members continue to discover inspiring spaces for connection.”
An AllBright representative declined to provide further comments.
