SYDNEY’S private members’ club scene has been rapidly reconfiguring itself, and The Pillars, which opened just twelve months ago in a heritage sandstone building at 11 Barrack Street, used its first anniversary to make the point rather decisively.

On Saturday 16 May, the club threw open all four levels to more than 400 founding members, partners and figures from business, media and culture. The building was lit deep pink from the outside, saxophonists performed in synchronisation across all three balconies and the rooftop, and inside, the kind of evening unfolded that press releases describe as immersive but occasionally actually is. A Ruinart cart met guests at the door; above, the rooftop bar, live bands, oyster stations, cheese tables, caviar carts, cannoli “cigars” and Torbreck Vintner wine stations kept the crowd moving. Roaming illusionists and live illustrators did the rest.

The Great Room anchored the social centre of the evening with founder speeches, live music and the usual fanfare before the upper levels transitioned into late-night DJ sets and terrace gatherings.

Across all four levels, the food and drink program was designed to keep guests moving rather than settling. A Ruinart cart met arrivals at the door – glass in hand before they’d found their footing – with the full Ruinart Bar waiting on the rooftop as incentive to climb. In between, multi-layered oyster stations, heaving cheese tables, caviar carts and cannoli “cigars” circulated through the crowd, alongside Torbreck Vintner wine stations positioned throughout the space.

The party also served as the launch of The Pillars’ new partnership with Fiji Airways (two guests left with business class tickets), adding to an existing roster that includes Ruinart, Moët Hennessy, Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s Gin, Torbreck Vintners, Cartier and La Prairie.

In twelve months, the club – founded by Steve Grace, Bradley Delamare, Cheryl Mack, Jonathan Lui, Matthew Browne and Emma Blomfield – has grown to close to 500 members and is nearing capacity. Members have access to more than 50 reciprocal private clubs across key international cities.

The past 12 months also brought two significant appointments to the property: General Manager Kieron Hunt, whose CV runs through The Peninsula Hotels, Shangri-La, IHG and Hilton; and Executive Chef Chris Lees, whose produce-led approach is complemented by the club’s partnership with neighbouring Eleven Barrack.

The interiors – curated by Blomfield with art advisor Viola Raikhel – include works by Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and Louise Olsen.

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