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Exclusive to its members, the WS New York private dining club made its debut last fall in 2019 on the second floor of New York’s elite 35 Hudson Yards a luxury hotel and residence located in Manhattan’s West Side. You might think you might be able to gain access to this club by simply paying a membership fee, but you’d be absolutely wrong. Even those lucky enough to afford one of the condos inside the luxury residential tower, (which range from $5.1 million to $27.7 million) are not even guaranteed admission. So, how does one join this club and what makes it so exclusive? Keep reading to find out!
Next-Level Private Dining
More than just the typical posh restaurant in New York City with limited reservations and a very expensive and exclusive menu, this sleek bar and lounge is the crown jewel of private supper clubs in New York City with an impressive line-up of world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers. But beware: this mecca of luxury and haute cuisine is reserved only for those with extraordinary wealth.
Beverage Director and Master Sommelier Michaël Engelmann. Photo courtesy of Facebook
Created for himself and his billionaire friends, Stephen Ross, the chairman and founder of The Related Companies, which oversaw the construction of the project, wanted an intimate and highly welcoming space that combined modern and traditional interior design with the concept of having low-back furniture arranged around a central fireplace. To do this he collaborated with Kenneth Himmel, the current president and CEO of Related, Marvin Shanken, the editor of the prestigious wine magazine Wine Spectator and architect David Rockefeller to make his vision come to life.
What’s Inside?
As of now only a few details have emerged about the private club and restaurant located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Yards neighborhood. For those unfamiliar with the cutting-edge project, Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in U.S. history valued approximately at $25 billion dollars, occupying 28 acres of land. The project includes a mega-mall, upscale dining and modern residences as well as the 2,500-step ‘Vessel’ by Thomas Heatherwick that serves as the modern neighborhood’s centerpiece.
The Tavern at the WS New York at the Hudson Yards. Photo courtesy of Facebook
According to the WS New York website, the expensive restaurant offers “unparalleled access to the finest wine and spirits, world-class dining and one-of-a-kind cultural events” and provides its guests with an “insider perspective on rarified worlds.” The supper club is said to showcase only the crème de la crème of vintage vino, featuring a curated list of wines rated 90 points and above by Wine Spectator magazine. The vague content on its official website also says Contemporary American fare will be on the menu, as well as a focus on food and drink pairings.
American fare at the WS New York at the Hudson Yards. Photo courtesy of Facebook
It is also stated on the club’s website that the staff hired for this intimate venture is the best in the world at what they do, with Michelin-starred chefs and top-notch sommeliers on rotation. All of them organize extremely special events for their members, adding a great incentive to the simple luxury of being able to relax and have a drink at the club or treat yourself to a high-end meal.
Dessert at the WS New York at the Hudson Yards. Photo courtesy of Facebook
Billionaire Status
The cost of membership for WS New York is said to be a $15,000 initiation fee, plus $7,500 in annual dues, according to an article published by Eater New York earlier this year. However, its basic website only features a simple contact form with no information about pricing. As for those looking to enjoy the club but cannot gain membership, there is a public access level called “The Tavern” on the first floor of the skyscraper that is accessible to all guests. ■
