Soho House New York

When London's Nick Jones opened this boutique hotel and members club in 2003, it caused something of a stir. The rooftop pool quickly became THE place to be seen parading your tan and designer swimwear.

The Circle bar lies on the top floor of the hotel, next to the restaurant with its U-shaped, zinc topped bar jutting out into a room floored in herringbone parquet and furnished with enormous brown leather Chesterfield sofas. The glass walls of the wine cellar house some appealing bins and cocktails dot the table tops.

The clientele is dominated by West Village professionals relaxing after work, alongside the odd celeb. Sound appealing? Then book a hotel room. Or apply for membership, and, if the committee like the cut of your jib, pay up for the annual fee.