My City Series | Harry Mead
No one knows a city better than its people. Consciously Connected Travel shares with you our global fam and friends through our My City Series. Unmasking some of the coolest places and it’s people and giving you a deeper more connected insight.
Harry Mead, the man behind London’s newest innovation. Sometimes a contemporary take on a classic is just what is needed and The Court Private Members Club is just that. In a world where we are constantly looking to innovate. Marrying the elegance and speakeasy charm, so beloved in the 20’s, with the style and atmosphere of the live music venues Soho is renowned for. There truly is nothing else like it. The Court offers not only the best cocktails, curated by master mixologist Mr Lyan Studio, but indulgent live music immersed in an atmosphere so colourful as if you were transported into a Baz Luhrmann classic. Discover how Harry roams through his city and what inspired him to create something so timeless.
1. Born and Raised or Expat?
Born and raised in London.
2. What led you to choose your current profession? And, what steps did you take to get there?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial home. Both my parents and brothers have started and run/continue to run successful businesses so I suppose it was only a matter of time. As for The Court. I always wished there was a place in London that celebrated an evening in the way that great fiction and films portray. Like Casablanca or The Great Gatsby where you have a room full of interesting individuals from all backgrounds just there to enjoy themselves and leave the world at the door. Realising this has become a bit of a gap in the market, somewhere that focuses on character not career, I decided to open it myself.
3. On your Day-to-Day routine?
I host each night at The Court in the manner owners used to so am often there until we close at 3:30am, however I endeavour to be present from 10am each morning to push the business forward also so that we can continue to grow for the betterment of our members.
4. What is your favourite brunch spot, and why?
I am a huge fan of the Delaunay, it is unfailingly exceptional every time and has a charm about it that only Corbin and King can produce.
5. When you have guests, where in town do you like to take them for dinner?
Well obviously being as proud of it as I am, The Court is our first option. But if not there then Restaurant Story is always my go to. The experience that Tom Sellers produces in that place is humbling.
6. How has your city grown and changed since you’ve known it? Which changes did you like best? Why?
London has become a busier yet lonelier place I feel. In a time where digital platforms such as social media have connected us like never before I feel we have never been more distant as a community. That is why I try and champion an environment that encourages you to come down and relax without phones. Where you lose track of time in the best way possible.
7. Where do you go to escape? How does this space bring you peace?
I don’t necessarily have one spot. Whenever I need to work something through or clear my head I tend to just go for a walk with no set destination in mind. London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and there is always somewhere new to discover.
8. Where and when is your next adventure?
My next adventure is to explore Mongolia on horseback. Something that has been on my list for a very long time. For the moment though getting to know our members is adventure enough so this may have to wait a little bit longer.
9. Does Travel breed creativity?
I believe travel forces us to re- evaluate ourselves and challenge what makes us comfortable and what doesn’t. Experiencing different cultures and approaches to life outright is a great way to push yourself and develop in ways you simply couldn’t if you remained at home.
10. Who is one famous figure throughout history that has particularly brought you inspiration, and why?
This may be a bit sentimental but my father has always inspired me most. He founded the incredibly successful advertising agency AMV BBDO on one principle, ‘When in doubt be nice’, and has shown me that there is always a better way when it comes to business.
11. Are there any philanthropic programmes or projects that you’re passionate about or would like to shed some light on?
We work closely with The Wild at Heart foundation to rescue dogs from crisis centres around the world. The work they do is incredible and I would recommend anyone interested in animal welfare to look them up.
12. Entrepreneurs, Tastemakers and Trailblazers, where do people like you hangout in your city?
There is always somewhere different and new to discover. The great thing about London is the variety. That being said, quite a few of them have started making a club on kingly street home recently.
13. What is the importance of global connection to you?
With the advent of digital integration we are more connected than we’ve ever been. As such, working together and connecting with partners around the world seems like common-sense to me. There is too much to be gained for it to be ignored. We have several incredible reciprocal clubs already through such connections and that list is only growing longer by the day.
14. Give a shout-out to someone in your city that is doing groundbreaking things, and what is it that makes them a trailblazer?
I think Mr Lyan is an inspiring individual. Recently awarded the worlds best bar for a third time he closed it to reinvent his offering yet again to address the great issues behind waste in our industry. It would have been easy for him to simply enjoy the reputation but he constantly challenges himself to improve in a way that I don’t see in many others.
15. Advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Accept that you will live your dream. In great and sometimes challenging ways. You have to be prepared to put it first in almost every case otherwise it won’t have any chance of succeeding, particularly with the challenges in todays markets.
16. We’re living in a world where our attention to new innovation doesn’t seem to have longevity, how do you find your inspiration to make new waves with long-term prosperity?
Long term growth and success almost always stems from short term sacrifice. We have to be willing to sacrifice the comforts of our current situation to achieve the success of our future one. Change comes from lots of small choices and it is simply about a continued commitment to them.
17. Please share a playlist that embodies your work. What about this particular music brings you inspiration?
I have a number of playlists contracted of songs that have always meant something to me at different times in my life and remind me of who I was then vs now. No single playlist really embodies the work but if I had to think of something that summarises The Court and the timeless feel fo the venue I think Frank Sinatra live at the Sands wouldn’t be far off.
