Tim Newark

The bizarre history of London’s private members’ clubs

From raucous coffee houses to hushed mansions, the capital’s clubs have long been characterised by sangfroid and eccentricity

The hall of the Athenaeum, c. 1840. [Getty Images] 
issue 13 August 2022

At the height of the IRA’s terrorist campaign on mainland Britain in December 1974, a bomb was lobbed through the front window of the In & Out – the Naval and Military Club, then in Piccadilly. Exploding, it knocked everyone off their feet, including the barman Robbins, and trashed the Long Bar.

GIF Image

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

TRY 3 MONTHS FOR $5
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Start your 3-month trial today for just $5 and subscribe to more than one view

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in