Shirt collars starched as stiff as upper lips, hushed voices, bearers in white, and a resolute colonial hangover — this is what one expects in India’s membership clubs. Think Mumbai’s Breach Candy Club, which only admitted Indians after 1960, or the 37-year-long wait-list at New Delhi’s Golf Club. Kolkata’s Tollygunge Club still hosts snooker and bridge tournaments. While their appeal lies in the fact that membership marks a certain societal status — not to mention verdant spaces to host events at, with low-cost catering and alcohol — the old-money aura is not always appealing to a younger generation. Even someone like Nishka Choraria, the 23-year-old daughter of Vijay Choraria, MD of Crest Ventures (one of the developers of Phoenix MarketCity and Palladium), who grew up a member of such clubs, admits, “Travelling the world and seeing new ways in which exclusivity is being implemented made me see things in a new light.” Already, those looking for a change are flocking to new entrants like Mumbai’s The A, Delhi’s A Ta Maison, and Bengaluru’s BLVD Club. So when the chance to implement something similar in Chennai, a bastion of British era clubs, came up, Nishka was up for the challenge. At the newly-launched Club Crest, in Phoenix MarketCity, she did not spare any detail. “We wanted to showcase just how much we can push the envelope in terms of décor, facilities and experiences. The idea was to turn the concept of the private membership club on its head.” ‘Elevating’ design It seems to have worked. While there is a discreet entrance near the exit gate, two floors up from Big Bazaar and right next to the Indian version of the dollar store, Market 99, a Bauhaus-esque pathway leads you inside. With high ceilings and sound-proof glass, the most striking — and immensely Instagram-friendly — part of the space is the pressed wood theme running throughout, in the form of arches and separators, creating dynamic pathways. “All the elements were made using the crates that the elevators on the property came in. It was a way of upcycling the waste, while coming up with a contemporary design,” says Nishka. The concept was brought to reality by Urban Studio, a creative architecture and design practice based in Mumbai. While other clubs may have gyms, Club Crest has a Cathedral of Fitness. And with the kind of equipment it has, it looks like a place where workout enthusiasts can gather to worship. “We have tied up with Mike Boyle, who has trained several US Olympic athletes, NBA and NFL players and celebrities like actor Jennifer Garner. This is his first centre outside the US.” For a pre or post-workout drink and snack, head from the showers to Alchemist, the health bar created and owned by 10X, SPI’s food innovation lab (yes, the creators of Sathyam Cinemas that also upped the movie going experience in Chennai). It will not just be kale and avocado smoothies and whey shakes. “The menu also brings back local ingredients and flavours, like turmeric shots and a vetiver water-based drinks,” says Bhavesh Shah, head of the lab. “We plan to add salad jars, muesli bowls and probiotics.” Party planner While the focus is on health and fitness, Nishka says they also wanted the space to be a cultural education centre. Which is where the 2,000 sq ft The Box comes in. “With a seating capacity of 100, it is perfect for intimate performances. The seats are retractable, allowing us to make a larger space if required,” she says. Expect bands from across the country, and dance and theatre performances to be hosted, with perks for members, including backstage access and meet-and-greets with performers. Apart from other usual benefits — sports like squash, snooker and billiards, a dedicated card room, lounge and an upcoming resto-bar — there is also a well-equipped spa, run by Spa Nation. The Whatever room on the second floor can be used for yoga, dance, whatever you please (hence the name). Club Crest will also be a great place to network, feels Nishka. The lounge where we end the tour is dotted with bright red seats and black rocking chairs. “It has been designed such that you can create your own personal space, or talk to the person at an adjoining table. We hope to widen horizons for our members in any way possible,” she concludes.

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