Secret Societies

“The first rule of fight club is you do not talk about fight club.” Did Brad Pitt’s character Tyler Durden really believe it would remain a secret? Of course not, that’s why he invented the rule, to encourage the illicit word to spread. I have just joined the ranks of a secret society and I think I’m far behind the times – don’t worry it isn’t a violent one! Last December, when I was stuck in Berlin owing to the snow at Heathrow, I got to chatting with some fellow stranded Brits who had been in Berlin to run the very first Berlin Secret Cinema. It has already taken Britain and namely London by storm. Its tag line is “Tell no-one” which it has labelled on its Website, Facebook page and of course its mandatory Twitter account – and lo, the message spread like wildfire. I could tell you all about it, but I think it better I let you go out there and do some of your own research. To tell you would feel like an act of rebellion and who knows whether The Secret Cinema has a secret Authority, an elite like the Masons in all conspiracy theories?




So what’s the big deal with secret societies? In a previous week I wrote about bolt holes and how they can vary from old school St. James’ clubs to allotment sheds (with Pall Mall Barbers closer to the clubs than the sheds). Bolt holes are our oasis of calm away from chaos. Secret Societies are different as they seem more about the secrets and thrill of the unknown, rather than the identity and retreat.



When I lived in Toronto I was a member of a fraternity – Sigma Nu, Zeta Delta Chapter. Technically I’m still a member and the bond I have with Sigma Nu brothers across the world is unbreakable. My reason for joining was partly the decision that “when in Rome…” but also to feel that little bit exclusive. I have a lot of friends who at the time scoffed my choice to join a frat, but with the very same breath they wanted to know about the secret handshake, codes and songs.



A feeling of exclusivity pervades much of our life, not necessarily just our societies. I’m often aware of it when on holiday. Any good tourist book or local will direct you, “off the beaten track” and suggest locations and eateries popular with the locals. The tourist book uses words like, “haunt”, “secret” “hideaway”. We as consumers want to experience something unique and rare.



I had the great fortune to be treated to a meal at the Ivy last year and whilst chomping on an extremely delicious steak was told about the Ivy’s very publicly known secret of a club, accessed by walking through a florist a couple of doors down the street. It’s made me think – maybe Pall Mall Barbers should have a “secret” club. I think that would be brilliant – come in for a shave and trim and then head on through the shop for a drink and chat with fellow brothers of the Barber Pact.



What do you think of this idea? – Let me know at pallmallbarberslondon@gmail.com

 
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