We’ve long found it strange that none of the world-famous members’ clubs have opened a branch in Dubai. Despite rumours that Soho House may be on the way, the only place of note to open has been The Capital Club at DIFC, which is more of a pinstripes-and-FT affair.

It seems, however, that Coya could start a trend for clubs that aren’t an extension of the workplace.

The restaurant’s new private members’ club consists of a drawing room, bar and a private garden terrace, where you can retire for drinks before or after dinner. The bar stays open late every evening and members will also have private lockers to store that special bottle of drink, allowing them to take their time working through that bottle of 16-year old Lagavulin or whatever else you’re hiding from visitors at home.

There’s a dedicated mobile number for bookings, priority for the main restaurant and a weekly programme of Latin American art, culture and live music. And perhaps best of all, you have access to Coya Members’ Club worldwide for the first year, so you’d have a home-from-home at the branches in London’s Mayfair and Miami.

Naturally you can sign in (up to three) guests, and – let’s be honest – being able to say, “Let’s get out of here and go for a drink at my club,” has a certain cachet to it.

Annual membership is $2,000. Contact +971 4 316 9600 or liisi@coyarestaurant.ae