Treasures from Annabel's nightclub to go up for auction

For decades, the exclusive Annabel’s nightclub was the go-to destination for the rich and famous. Now, as the original site closes down, buyers can finally get a table at the late-night venue as its interiors go under the hammer at Christie’s.

Because of its secretive nature, the club was a favourite of the Royal family and is rumoured to be the only nightclub ever visited by The Queen. It is where Sarah Ferguson and the Princess of Wales gatecrashed Prince Andrew’s stag night disguised as policewomen.

Now, the public will be allowed a rare glimpse of the exclusive night spot during the preview for the auction, and even get the opportunity to take a table home.

Along with a table, the buyer gets eight chairs and eight place settings including plates, cutlery, wine glasses, napkins, salt and pepper and a toast rack. The price is estimated to be between £1,000-£1,500.

The public can next month purchase chairs, tables, statues and even urinals as the furniture used by such stars as Kate Moss, Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Leonardo DiCaprio is put on sale.

Among the 250 lots is the red velvet corner sofa, which was famously favoured by 90s supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. It is expected to go for between £2,000 and £4,000.

Also on sale are ten framed framed prints by photographer Richard Young of famous faces seen at Annabel’s over the years – of royals and celebrities including Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Moss, Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine.

Businessman Richard Caring, who now owns Annabel’s, said he thought the original founder Mark Birley would be “extremely upset” about him flogging off the interiors of the private club.

“I’m sure he’d be extremely upset, initially,” he told the Financial Times. “He would probably scream at me the way he screamed at me the first time I met him.

“But I think after a short period of time, and his experience of what we’ve done with the name — I still see it as Mark Birley’s legacy. I hope we’ll continue it for another 50 years — I think he’d be proud.”

Caring this year opened a new Annabel’s, which appears just as elegant as the old venue. Members are greeted by a £50m Picasso as they enter the opulent rooms, which are designed in keeping with the old world glamour of the previous club.

Orlando Rock, Christie’s UK Chairman, said: “Everyone has a story to tell about Annabel’s, the iconic and visionary London nightclub founded by Mark Birley over half a century ago. Emerging from the ashes of London’s post-war gloom, Annabel’s became synonymous with glamorous sophistication, epitomising the heady cocktail where ‘old’ and ‘new’ worlds collided.

“Each and every lot - from The Buddha Room’s Bodhisattva to the well-trodden dance floor and even the toast racks - is sure to evoke many memories and excite collectors internationally who want to celebrate the unique atmosphere, laughter and friendships that Annabel’s represents.”

Christie’s will hold the auction celebrating Annabel’s, 44 Berkeley Square ·1963–2018· on 20 November 2018.