London Club Mogul Nears Deal for Palm Beach Rival to Trump's Mar-a-Lago
Robin Birley, the prominent owner of exclusive private members' clubs in London, is reportedly close to finalising a significant property deal in Palm Beach, Florida. The ambitious project aims to establish a sophisticated rival to former President Donald Trump's iconic Mar-a-Lago estate, with substantial financial backing from the billionaire Reuben brothers.
Expansion into American Luxury Market
The 68-year-old entrepreneur, whose London establishments have hosted distinguished guests including Prince William, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and Hugh Grant, is actively pursuing his most lavish venture yet. Sources indicate Birley is consulting with top interior designers to infuse the property with a distinctly American aesthetic while maintaining the discreet elegance characteristic of his brand.
Plans for the new Palm Beach club currently feature an expansive outdoor swimming pool and premium amenities designed to attract an elite international membership. The venue will extend automatic membership privileges to existing members of Birley's London clubs, Oswald's and 5 Hertford Street, which are renowned for their popularity among Britain's right-wing political establishment.
Strategic Timing Amid British Migration to Florida
This strategic move coincides with a notable migration of wealthy British individuals to Florida, particularly the Palm Beach area where Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort is prominently situated. Real estate data reveals a significant trend, with at least twenty substantial home sales to British buyers recorded since December 2025 alone.
Senada Adzem of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, who handles numerous British clients in the region, observed: "I have witnessed a marked increase in very affluent Britons who are not merely purchasing holiday properties but are permanently relocating. Many perceive wealth preservation as a compelling reason to establish primary residences in this area."
Political and Social Dimensions
The development follows high-profile visits to Mar-a-Lago by notable British political figures. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss recently travelled to meet Trump at the resort, describing Palm Beach as the "epicentre of the counter-elite" challenging what she termed a liberal elite based in New York and Los Angeles that is "destroying the west."
Additionally, far-right UK leader Nigel Farage visited the area this month and attended a gala at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year with British socialite Lady Victoria Harvey. Birley's expansion also includes Maxime's, his newly established club on New York's Madison Avenue, indicating a broader strategy to capture the American luxury market.
The emergence of this potential rival to Mar-a-Lago underscores the growing appeal of Palm Beach as a destination for wealthy British expatriates and right-wing figures seeking alternative social hubs amidst shifting global political landscapes.
