From classy to eurotrashy

European membership of The Wellington, a private members' club in Knightsbridge, has risen from 20 per cent to 80 per cent over the past 10 years, and it has changed its image accordingly.

"When we opened 11 years ago it was all creams and browns, clean lines and wood panelling. Now we have a much more urban feel," says club manager Phil Harding, who admits to feeling "slightly uncomfortable" with the change.

The club's walls have been stripped back to their original paintwork, he says, and upstairs the walls drip with black gloss, smashed mirrors, chain-link and shabby unpicked lace.

"It's all gradually becoming more distressed," he says, although he adds that the new breed of customers bring in much more money.