10 QS WITH MARIO PEDERZOLLI, CLUB DIRECTOR AT MARK'S CLUB
1.) Good morning Mario, welcome to The Mayfair Musings! When did you first arrive at Mark's Club?
I joined the wonderful Mark’s Club on the 1st May this year.
2.) Can you tell us a little about your life before you arrived at no. 46, Charles Street?
For the last five years, I was – and continue to be – the Club Director of the Bath and Racquets Club, another Mayfair private members club within the Birley Group. This new, dual role suits both Clubs, with a very similar Member profile and crossover of membership. Prior to that, I was CEO of a health club group in Switzerland, as well as a club owner for 10 years.
3.) Mark's Club first opened its doors in 1973 and has since seen an almighty reinvigoration. Today, how would you describe the atmosphere throughout the club?
The Club exudes so much warmth throughout, with a calming sense of sanctuary – our Members certainly regard the Club as their home from home. Members and staff alike appreciate and respect the Club’s values that are its very essence: namely, its sense of discretion, timeless elegance and an understated style.
4.) What dining options are available for members and their guests?
The dining offering is truly one of the great strengths of Mark’s Club. Our à la carte menu held in the highest regard, thanks to the efforts of our first class kitchen team, led by Head Chef Nicolas Laridan. Nicolas’ Michelin star pedigree speaks for itself, with 10 years working for the Roux brothers, previously Head Chef of Le Gavroche. Furthermore, the Club has many restaurant areas to choose from, with all year round possibilities – nothing can beat dining on the Terrace in the summer and the Red Room in the winter!
We also host unique events for our Members to expand our culinary offering. This year we hosted the Mark’s Club Chef Series, with guest chefs including Margot Henderson, Elizabeth Haigh and Kirk Haworth. This month we also launched our Regional Dinner Series at Mark’s, an intimate series of dinners themed by region that will take place seasonally at the Club.
5.) Autumn 2019 is just round the corner. Will there be any noteworthy changes or additions to the club for the new season?
We recently launched ‘Saturday nights’ at Mark’s Club, so the year ahead will see the Saturday nights programme evolve and become a unique weekend Club experience for our Members. Most importantly we will remain committed to retaining the traditions and values of Mark’s Club, a Mayfair haven cherished by our Members.
6.) Can you tell us a little about options for private entertainment?
The Club has many private dining possibilities, all with their own distinct style: The intimate Circus Room for up to 12; the stunning Indian Room with its own bar for up to 16 and the beautiful Garden Room for up to 40. In addition, the Club’s Terrace can be hired exclusively and on request, the entire Club is an extraordinary venue for up to 200 people at weekends.
7.) I hear the club has an update for cigar connoisseurs...
Indeed we do - we have just launched our new Cigar Keeps which will provide our Members with a whole new range of opportunities including access to exclusive new releases and the opportunity to store purchased collections at the Club. This, combined with our Cigar Terrace is leading all cigar lovers to our door!
8.) Can you tell us an interesting fact about Mark's Club that people might not know?
Club Host Jackie is well known to Members, as are all her dogs, who can be found welcoming Members by the fire at reception most evenings. Jackie and her dog Arty were once finalists on Britain’s Got Talent – Simon Cowell loved them!
9.) Can you share a particularly amusing or charming memory from your time at Mark's Club thus far?
Overall, nothing can beat the welcome and support the staff and Members have shown me in the last 6 months. Specifically, the recent Mark’s Club House Party was an extraordinary event that will live long in the memory!
10.) When you're not busy working, where can you be found?
Enjoying time with my family; trying and failing to improve my squash, golf and backgammon; spending too much money on a rusty Alfa Romeo.
46 Charles Street, London W1J 5EJ | reception@marksclub.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7499 2936
