The Gates: Social Club Is Much Better Than The Gates: Nightclub0 comments

I was invited to The Gates by my friends Sabrina Chapman and Justine McCarthy of Simply Chic PR for an event. I didn’t know what it was for at the time, but I rarely do.

I arrive at the venue and the doorman, I believe his name is Francois (I know, I know, I should know these things), asks me if I’m an ambassador or a guest. I told him I assumed guest. Now I was really confused.

Turns out when it’s not a club packed with hipsters, The Gates is actually a social club.

The website says this about the ambassador program:

In order to create the atmosphere we want, we have developed The Ambassador Program, which will fill the place with a great clientele base in a more organic way. Ambassador status is being offered to only a select group of influential individuals who have been chosen by THE GATES because of their shared vision and potential to contribute distinctive styles and personalities to this unique destination.

The general benefits of ambassadorship are having access to THE GATES’ exclusive VIP room, priority reservation service, receiving invitations to special events, inclusion in the Founding Ambassador Rewards Program, and a VIP/Founding Ambassador Card pre-loaded with an introductory balance as a gift that can be used towards future purchases at THE GATES

Interesting. Another club to belong to. Except I don’t despise the idea of this one. The crowd was surprisingly cool. The cast of Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel was hanging out in the back and there were a bunch of PR/Fashion types discussing trends and business plans.

But the best part of the experience was seeing this particular set up of The Gates. There was much more seating, the lighting wasn’t as dim and conversations could be held without shouting. The place reminded me more of Rose Bar and RdV and I love those two venues. I haven’t eaten at The Gates yet, but the menu has bacon, oysters, shrimp and mac ‘n cheese. I already love it.

Not bad for a venue with The Gates’ location. Not bad at all.