Private Members Clubs Changed Forever”. Dave Chaggar, The Capital Connector on IHC and DIAFA acquisition of Annabel’s and The Birley Clubs.

The IHC DIAFA Annabel’s acquisition, as highlighted by Dave Chaggar, marks a defining moment in the evolution of global luxury hospitality. Abu Dhabi-backed International Holding Company (IHC), through its luxury platform DIAFA, has taken control of a portfolio that includes some of London’s most iconic private members’ clubs and restaurants.

In a deal reportedly valued at over £1 billion, the acquisition covers Annabel’s, The Birley Clubs, and the wider Caprice Holdings ecosystem, including names like The Ivy, Scott’s, and Sexy Fish. This is not just expansion — it is a strategic consolidation at the very top of the global luxury dining and private members’ club space.

Dave Chaggar on IHC DIAFA Annabel’s Acquisition Impact

Dave Chaggar, known as The Capital Connector, describes the IHC DIAFA Annabel’s acquisition as a major shift in the private members’ club landscape.

“The fusion of IHC, DIAFA and Richard Caring will elevate the Birley Clubs and Annabel’s to a whole new level,” he says. “It represents an escalation and evolution of standards and expectations within the private membership space.”

Having experienced the sector firsthand, Chaggar points out that relevance is critical. “I’ve seen the challenges clubs face in staying relevant. True exclusivity matters. Artificial waitlists alone are no longer enough to drive demand.”

Annabel’s Remains the Crown Jewel of Private Members Clubs

Within the IHC DIAFA Annabel’s acquisition, Annabel’s stands as the most valuable asset. Founded in 1963, it has long been associated with global elite society and remains one of the most recognised private members’ clubs in the world.

Its modern reinvention has transformed it into a fully immersive environment combining design, gastronomy, nightlife, and community. Annabel’s is no longer just a venue — it operates as a cultural institution.

Three factors define its value:

• Global Brand Equity: Recognised across ultra-high-net-worth circles
• Selective Membership: Scarcity drives exclusivity
• Cultural Relevance: Constant evolution without losing heritage

Annabel’s exists in a category beyond traditional restaurants or nightlife venues, setting its own standard within luxury hospitality.

The Birley Clubs Portfolio and Luxury Hospitality Strategy

The broader portfolio within the IHC DIAFA Annabel’s acquisition includes The Birley Clubs, alongside venues such as Harry’s Bar, George, and Mark’s Club.

What connects these venues is a shared philosophy built on heritage and modern relevance. Each location maintains decades of history while continuing to attract contemporary audiences.

Design plays a central role. From the theatrical interiors of Annabel’s to the understated elegance of Harry’s Bar, every detail contributes to a curated experience that goes beyond dining.

This approach positions IHC and DIAFA at the forefront of experiential luxury, where storytelling and environment define value as much as the product itself.

Why the IHC DIAFA Annabel’s Acquisition Matters Globally

The IHC DIAFA Annabel’s acquisition signals a much larger ambition — the creation of a globally scalable luxury hospitality platform built around iconic brands.

Expansion plans are already being explored in major global cities, including New York. The next key market could be the UAE, where demand for high-end, experience-driven venues continues to grow.

This move reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, where exclusivity, experience, and cultural identity carry more value than traditional luxury markers.

If Annabel’s Enters the UAE Market

The potential arrival of Annabel’s in the UAE would represent a major shift in the region’s private members’ club landscape.

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi already host world-class venues, the private membership segment remains relatively underdeveloped. Annabel’s would introduce:

• True membership scarcity
• Multi-layered experiential programming
• Stronger cultural and social identity

This would set new benchmarks across the market, including:

• Higher design standards
• More curated guest access
• Expanded programming beyond dining, including arts and culture

The UAE market, traditionally driven by scale and spectacle, would shift toward intimacy, curation, and social capital.

Owning the Future of Social Luxury

The IHC DIAFA Annabel’s acquisition is more than a transaction. It is a strategic move to define the future of global luxury hospitality and private members’ clubs.

At the center of this vision sits Annabel’s — not just the most valuable asset in the portfolio, but one of the most influential names in the global social luxury space.

If and when it enters the UAE, it will not simply join the market. It will redefine it.