One of the most influential clubs in the world, with a great, albeit small, clubhouse soaked in atmosphere. The mood is friendly, and the service is on a level you would expect only from a fully staffed private home.
Full name: The Carlton Club
Location: 69 St James’s Street, London SW1
Type: Political. Very exclusive, non-commercial private members’ club
Formed: 1832
Membership requirements: Proposed and seconded by at least two current members who have known the candidate for years.
The Carlton Club doesn’t have the biggest clubhouse in St James’s—and it may not offer the facilities of some of the other clubs in the area. But what it lacks in swimming pools and squash courts, it more than makes up for in power, atmosphere, and service.
Despite being the bastion of Tory power—a club where more decisions have been made than in most high government buildings—the Carlton Club is astonishingly friendly. It is one of those clubs where you stop to speak to people in the hallways and where guests are greeted warmly, both by staff and by other members.
The club was formed in 1832 and was from the very start a Tory powerhouse. At times, the club has functioned more like Conservative Central Office than a social club.
In 1835, the club built a substantial clubhouse at 94 Pall Mall, which was extended even further in the 1850s. This building was, however, completely destroyed by German bombs in 1940. Astonishingly, no members died, prompting political opponents in the Labour Party to comment that “the devil looks after his own.” The current clubhouse, into which the club moved in 1944, was originally built for Arthur’s, which had closed its doors in 1941 after 120 years. Though smaller than the old clubhouse, it is more than large enough for today’s membership, which stands at about 1,600—making the Carlton Club one of the smaller St James’s clubs.
Walking into the Carlton, as soon as you manage to get past the friendly but stern porters, you enter the great hall, with a rather grand staircase leading up to The Wellington dining room and The Thatcher drawing room. To your right is Cads’ Corner, the small but charming Macmillan Bar and The Churchill Lunch Room, while to your left is the Morning Room, which houses Disraeli’s old cabinet table.
2019 update: Beyond the bar, the back garden—or The Terrace—has been completely redesigned, and its size significantly increased. It now offers a perfect outdoor area for those wanting to enjoy a cigar or two.
The service at the club is fantastic. And the place is soaked in atmosphere. One of London’s top clubs.
A lovely description of our club, thank you for the generous commentary!