London’s Legendary Gentlemen Clubs
Back in the days, Gentlemen clubs served well off men as sort of a second home. They came here to enjoy a nightcap when all bars and other establishments were already closed or simply to take a break from their wives and lives at home. Here they could rest, relax, play games, meet their friends, have a chat and some food, and they could even stay overnight. The wealthiest clubs were often designed by the same people that stood behind the most exclusive aristocratic residences. It was not unusual that men spend more time in the club than at home.
Even today, guests of the most exclusive Gentlemen clubs are welcomed by a concierge sitting by the door, checking the conformity with the strict prevailing black tie dress code. Memberships are highly sought after and waiting lists are long. The luxury private-member-only establishments are in any way exactly what we would expect. We know the clichés from books and movies, but they aren’t actually clichés. The furnishings and interiors are dark and wooden, the air is filled with heavy cigar smoke, somewhere sizzles a glowing fire in an open fireplace, keeping the whole room warm and cosy, the lighting is dim, the sofas and chairs are heavy, wooden and covered with even darker genuine leather. In the leather armchair sits calmly and wise an old man reading the newspaper swirling gently his glass of golden Whisky. Some gentlemen with cigars gathered around a small table to debate about the political future of our country.
The most exclusive Gentlemen clubs are indeed popular among the British royals and some have even been used by the Queen to celebrate special occasions. An election commission in each club ensures the continuance of the club’s values and tradition. Most of the members are over 45 years old but there is still a high demand for memberships so that the tradition is assured to live on for many years to come.
