See inside, what members get at Lexington’s new downtown private social club
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The Melroy opened June 30 in downtown Lexington as a private social club.
- Members access coffee, cocktails, workspaces, events and eventual rooftop bar.
- Short-term rentals and reciprocal club access extend member privileges regionally.
A new private club with a coffee bar, cocktail bar and room to work or socialize has opened in downtown Lexington.
The Melroy, which is the brainchild of owner Ieasha Allen, opened on June 30 at 144 N. Broadway, opposite the Lexington Opera House.
Allen designed The Melroy’s main room with soothing neutral tones in a coffee and natural palate. There is seating for 143 at tables and the bar, with a semi-private area that can be closed off for more privacy.
Allen said that unfortunately The Melroy’s spaces cannot be rented for private events by non-members.
But Allen said that memberships in The Melroy are still available for those 35 and older, or for those under 35 with a member sponsor.
What’s available for members of The Melroy?
Also, Allen and her husband, Dougie, own the building and have converted some of the upstairs spaces into serene short-term rentals — open to members and non-members — that come with the perk of temporary club membership for those over 35.
“Our full access members can work during the day, get included coffee, tea, soft drinks, water ... just a real relaxing working place so they don’t feel like they are taking up space unsolicited at a coffee shop all day,” Allen said.
The club offers a self-serve coffee bar as well as a staffed one for barista-style specialty drinks including fruit smoothies.
The bar offers a wide bourbon selection as well as craft cocktails of all sorts and wine.
There also will be a restaurant where club members will be able order shareable items for themselves or guests.
“It’s designed to be perfect for work as well as for socializing,” Allen said.
Live music on Saturday, rooftop bar coming to The Melroy
“Every Saturday we’ll have live music, we’ll have an apertivo hour for our members once a week with a cocktail reveal and light evening snacks as well,” she said.
Eventually, The Melroy will add a rooftop bar on the fifth floor that will featured covered outdoor seating.
A cafe room at the front can be closed off and there Allen plans to feature tastings of wine, bourbon and tequila.
What do members think of the new downtown private club?
Members have been coming in to check out the space, which she has been working on for two years, Allen said. “They think it’s beautiful, something different, that they have not experienced in Lexington before. ... It’s your space, you can come in and do whatever. Work, talk, invite guests.”
It’s open Monday through Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to late night and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Upstairs she’s also adding private bookable office work spaces as well as a 20-person dining room that will be available for members to book private dinners.
There’s not dedicated parking but there is a large lot and a parking garage nearby. Allen said she’s hoping to set up valet service for weekends and evenings soon.
She also has added an outdoor late-night food stand call Sound Bites in the parking lot next door that will open to anyone in the evening and late night.
The Melroy also has reciprocal arrangements with similar private social clubs in cities that Kentuckians frequent including Atlanta, Charlotte, St. Louis, Nashville and Tampa.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM.
