From London to Palm Beach: Exclusive Club Owner Plans Florida Expansion
Robin Birley, the prominent London private members' club proprietor, is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal for a prestigious venue in Palm Beach, Florida. This strategic move aims to establish a direct competitor to Donald Trump's iconic Mar-a-Lago club, leveraging a significant surge in wealthy British individuals relocating to the Sunshine State region.
Financing and Political Connections
The ambitious project is partially funded by the billionaire Reuben brothers, who were ranked as the third-richest family in the United Kingdom in the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List. Birley's existing London establishments, Oswald's and 5 Hertford Street, have hosted high-profile figures including Prince William, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Hugh Grant. However, these clubs are perhaps more notably recognized as informal gathering spots for right-wing political personalities in Britain, such as Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, and until recently, Liz Truss.
Truss was a regular at 5 Hertford Street until she became persona non grata for attempting to recruit members for her own competing club on the premises.
Lavish Plans and American Ambiance
The envisioned Palm Beach property is set to be Birley's most opulent venue to date. Preliminary plans include an outdoor swimming pool, and sources indicate that Birley is actively reviewing art collections and consulting with top-tier interior designers to cultivate a distinctly flashy, American aesthetic. This expansion aligns with a broader perception among global right-wing circles that the political center of gravity has decisively shifted toward this Florida island, which serves as the home address for former President Donald Trump.
Trump maintains a makeshift war room at Mar-a-Lago and is frequently seen socializing with guests who enjoy cocktails by the beach or mingle within the club's gilded ballrooms.
Competitive Vision and Member Access
Birley's objective is to compete directly with Trump's establishment by offering a more discreet, yet equally luxurious, alternative for affluent individuals. The Palm Beach club is designed as a venue where the wealthy can unwind after a round of golf or enjoy poolside parties into the early morning hours. While 5 Hertford Street in London features intimate, firelit rooms conducive to private conversations and deal-making, the Florida location will embrace extravagance as part of a network granting members of Birley's London clubs access to United States venues. This follows Birley's recent opening of Maxime's on New York's Madison Avenue last year.
British Political Figures Flock to Florida
Several right-wing figures from the United Kingdom have been drawn to Palm Beach, seeking proximity to Donald Trump's orbit. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss, whose tenure was cut short by a disastrous mini-budget in 2022, recently traveled to Mar-a-Lago for a meeting with Trump. She has publicly declared Palm Beach as the "epicentre of the counter-elite" challenging what she describes as a liberal establishment based in New York and Los Angeles that is "destroying the west."
Truss remarked, "There are a lot of Brits, who are fleeing the weather and the even worse political climate, with non-stop wokery."
Nigel Farage shares this sentiment, spending considerable time in the area and visiting last week in hopes of encountering Trump. Earlier this year, Farage attended a gala at Mar-a-Lago with British socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, a Palm Beach regular and former girlfriend of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Reform UK donor Nick Candy has also visited Trump's club, photographed alongside Farage and Elon Musk in front of a portrait of the former president.
Celebrity Migration and Local Impact
Beyond political circles, numerous wealthy Britons and celebrities have relocated to Palm Beach. Rod Stewart has exchanged London's drizzle for Florida sunshine, while David Beckham divides his time between the region and the United Kingdom. However, this influx of affluent expatriates has not been universally welcomed by all Floridians. Long-term residents contend with extreme weather events, including hurricanes and floods, and now face skyrocketing property prices as foreign buyers compete for second homes.
Real Estate Boom and Year-Round Demand
Senada Adzem, a broker with Douglas Elliman real estate, reported at least 20 major home sales to British buyers since December 2025. "I personally handle a lot of British clients who are buying in Palm Beach," she stated. "I have seen an uptick in very wealthy Brits who are not just buying holiday homes, but who are relocating. A lot of them feel like wealth preservation is a good reason to have a primary residence in the area."
Adzem explained that the influx of rich international buyers has created demand for exclusive restaurants and private members' clubs. "There is a confluence of events where all these people from all over the world, including Brits, have chosen to settle here. They are choosing it over Miami which is too busy, with too many skyscrapers, but they still want a good nightlife and to have cultural experiences on their doorsteps."
She noted that Palm Beach has transitioned from a seasonal destination (December to May) to a year-round residence, stating, "It isn't sleepy any more."
Endorsement from Local Property Experts
Alistair Brown, Chief Executive of West Palm Beach Properties, confirmed booming business from British clients. "We have been based here for 25 plus years, and yes we have seen remarkable growth in demand from the UK," he said. "I regularly travel between Florida and London meeting families who are considering both relocating or spending winters here. The advent of the traditional UK club entering this market will work nicely into the very socially connected city."
Brown added, "The 'membership' model is alive and well here, typically golf clubs in this area, the private club on Palm Beach Island will be a great addition and, in my mind, do well."
