News Summary
Lexington is enhancing its social landscape with the opening of three new private clubs: The Melroy, Camel Club, and The Vine. The Melroy opened recently and offers memberships for those aged 35 and older, providing a space for dining and entertainment. The Camel Club, set to open in early 2025, aims to create an inclusive environment for diverse activities, while The Vine promises wellness spaces and a fine dining experience. Together, these venues will cater to a varied membership and enhance the community’s social engagement.
Lexington is transforming its social scene with the recent launch of three new private clubs. The Melroy, which opened its doors on June 30, is the first in this wave of new establishments, followed by anticipated arrivals: Camel Club in early 2025 and The Vine, slated for a summer opening. These venues promise to offer a blend of socializing, dining, and entertainment opportunities for their members while catering to a range of interests and ages.
The Melroy is situated at 144 N. Broadway, directly across from the Lexington Opera House. Designed by owner Ieasha Allen, the space showcases soothing neutral tones in its main room and provides seating for 143 guests, including tables, a bar, and a semi-private area for added privacy. Memberships at The Melroy are available for individuals aged 35 and older, while those under 35 may join with an existing member as a sponsor. Unlike some private venues, non-members will not have the option to rent spaces for private events.
As part of its offerings, The Melroy features a self-service coffee bar and a full bar with craft cocktails, bourbons, and a selection of wines. Members can enjoy unlimited access to coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water while working in the club. A restaurant will serve shareable items, enhancing the dining experience. The club has plans for live music every Saturday and aims to host special “apertivo hours” weekly, featuring cocktail reveals and light snacks. Additionally, a rooftop bar is proposed for the fifth floor, complete with covered outdoor seating for members.
The Melroy’s hours of operation run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, extending to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and late night on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays offer reduced hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Members are expected to benefit from future additions, such as private bookable office spaces and a dining room accommodating 20 guests. Parking options include a large lot, a nearby parking garage, and anticipated valet services during peak times. For late-night snacks, an outdoor food stand called Sound Bites will be available next door.
Moreover, The Melroy has reciprocal arrangements with similar private clubs across cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, St. Louis, Nashville, and Tampa, allowing members to access additional venues.
In addition to The Melroy, the Camel Club is being developed at 509 E. Main St. with an expected opening in late March or early April 2025. City council approval was granted in November 2023 despite neighborhood concerns regarding potential traffic and noise disturbances. The Camel Club plans to serve as an inclusive space for diverse activities, focusing on social events, workspaces, and dining experiences. Programming will include tastings of wine and spirits, book clubs, chef dinners, and more. Notably, this club aims to be open to all genders and diversity, countering typical exclusivity often associated with private clubs.
The Camel Club’s culinary offerings will be managed by Chef Nathan Vorhees, ensuring a comprehensive dining experience for members. It features a tiered membership structure with varying initiation fees to cater to a broader audience.
The third establishment, The Vine, will open at 106 W. Vine St. and is expected to feature wellness spaces, a spa, and a rooftop pool with cabanas. Its restaurant, The V, will focus on seafood and premium steaks and is anticipated to open in June. Developer Jeremy Delk envisions The Vine as a centerpiece for urban living, capturing the essence of a vibrant New York-style atmosphere in Lexington. This development marks the first commercial-to-residential conversion initiative in the downtown area.
These exciting new venues – The Melroy, Camel Club, and The Vine – signify a substantial development in Lexington’s social landscape by providing an array of options tailored to a diverse membership base. The additions are sure to enhance the city’s appeal as a vibrant center for social engagement and community building.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: New Private Clubs in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: State News
- Google Search: private clubs in Lexington
- Smiley Pete: Third Spaces
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Restaurant News
- Google News: Lexington social scene
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
