Q&A: Harbour Club Brings British Elegance to Sunset Harbour

Miami Beach, FL – October 21, 2024 – For James Julius, opening Harbour Club in Sunset Harbour has been a full-circle moment. “From an early age, I always wanted a place of my own and having had the privilege to work in some of the worlds most renowned establishments worldwide, I have brought together the best of the best from my career so far.”

Harbour Club blends the sophistication of British private clubs with a dynamic culinary and social experience. Open to both members and the public, the venue features a’Riva, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, alongside exclusive spaces like the Palm Room and Nikai at Harbour Club. “I took everything I learnt over the years to create something unique and have built a true British style members club here in Miami, giving my members a home away from home,” Shares Harbour Club Owner James Julius.

With menus crafted by acclaimed chefs, Harbour Club delivers an international dining experience, offering Italian fare at a’Riva and Japanese delicacies at Nikai. Designed by YODEZEEN, the club combines Miami’s vibrant energy with the intimate charm of London’s elite social circles, offering a unique space for dining, networking, and social events.

“Seeing my vision come to life has truly surpassed all of my expectations and I cannot wait for all that is to come.”

James Julius

WRE: What does opening Harbour Club mean to you, especially after helping launch so many other brands?

James Julius: Opening Harbour Club has been a lifelong dream. From an early age, I always wanted a place of my own, and having had the privilege of working in some of the world’s most renowned establishments, I have brought together the best of the best from my career so far. Seeing my vision come to life has truly surpassed all my expectations, and I cannot wait for all that is to come.

James Julius

WRE: How has your experience in the hospitality industry shaped your vision for Harbour Club?

JJ: Having had the privilege of working in some of the most incredible restaurants, members’ clubs, and hotels across the globe, I have had the chance to learn a wide variety of service styles. It was clear to me that I was never in the restaurant business, but in the business of creating experiences. I took everything I learned over the years to create something unique and have built a true British-style members’ club here in Miami, giving my members a home away from home.

WRE: Harbour Club is an exclusive members club. What kind of events and programming can members look forward to?

JJ: In my opinion, it is crucial that we offer our members a variety of programming so that there is always a reason to be engaged. We have therefore worked to curate a calendar with a little bit of everything—things like a road bike series led by Chef Michele, offsite padel tournaments, trivia nights, guest speakers, amazing acts from around the world, a lineup of local DJs and artists, restaurant pop-ups, guest chef experiences, and even activities like Pilates classes and sound baths in the lounge.

WRE: Harbour Club will feature two dining concepts. Tell us about each concept and what makes them unique.

JJ: a’Riva, our ground-floor concept, is open to all by reservation and boasts Mediterranean charm with seasonal Italian fare. The menu is very much so inspired by Chef Esposito’s Neapolitan heritage and showcases inventive dishes in a space designed to transport our guests to the Italian Riviera.

Upstairs, Nikai at Harbour Club provides members with a dynamic gastronomic experience that changes with the seasons. The ever-evolving, Japanese-forward menu highlights the finest ingredients to extend the best of what nature has to offer, including fresh fish flown in daily from Japan to ensure the highest quality.

From an early age, I always wanted a place of my own, and having had the privilege of working in some of the world’s most renowned establishments, I have brought together the best of the best from my career so far.

James Julius

WRE: The artwork and design is incredible. Can you tell us more about the collection and some of your favorite pieces?

JJ: Due to the generosity of some of our Founding Members, we’re fortunate to house a true museum-quality collection of original art. We have pieces from the likes of George Condo, Jean Dubuffet, Nicolas Party, Rashid Johnson, and Cecily Brown. If pressed, I’d say my favorites are our Banksy triptych and our enormous Damien Hirst piece (mostly because that one is quite the story).

WRE: Sunset Harbour is growing rapidly. What inspired the decision to bring the club to this neighborhood?

JJ: Sunset Harbour has been my favorite neighborhood since moving to Miami four years ago. Often known as “Little New York,” it offers everything at your doorstep and is within walking distance of many of my members’ homes—and we all know how rare walkability is in Miami. Furthermore, there is a lack of elevated dining establishments in the area, and I like the fact that I am tucked away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach in my own little enclave.

James Julius

James Julius

It was clear to me that I was never in the restaurant business, but in the business of creating experiences. I took everything I learned over the years to create something unique and have built a true British-style members’ club here in Miami, giving my members a home away from home.

James Julius