Pub in London SW1
East India Club
16 Saint James's Square, London, SW1Y 4LHClosest station: Piccadilly Circus, about 7 min walk4.6out of 5 on Google, from 409 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About East India Club
Founded in 1849 for The East India Company’s senior employees, the club's original members, the subsequent loss of its Indian possessions ultimately led to mergers with the Sports Club in 1939, the Public Schools Club in 1972 and the Devonshire in 1976. Nowadays, the public school membership is the most important element. Public school leavers may join the club on advantageous terms, which helps ensure its future, and the club is described as one of the less snobby ones in central London with a much younger average membership-age than most. Sebastian Coe and Nigel Farage are both cited as current members.
Retaining elements of previous buildings on the site, numbers 16 & 17 were rebuilt in 1865 to the designs of Charles Lee, with two stories added in 1939. Club facilities include dining rooms, several bars including an American Bar, a library, card room and billiards room, and a gymnasium. The main dining room has portraits of India's British administrators and its military heroes, with a definite ambience of imperial nostalgia. There are 66 bedrooms.
The club is gentlemen-only membership, would-be lady members are directed to another club’s website. However, ladies are allowed into certain club rooms at certain times. A members' vote in late 2023 re-confirmed the gentlemen-only membership policy.
The club was rocked a few years ago by the theft of half a million pounds by one of its financial employees, described by the club secretary as an “unfortunate event”!
The cask ale on offer is sold at what is described as a ridiculously low price!
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide.
Features
- Games: Snooker
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Function Room
- Events
- WiFi
- Accommodation: 66 bedrooms
- Accepts NFC
Good to know
- Operator
- East India Club
- Phone
- 020 7930 1000
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.6out of 5 on Google, from 409 ratings
5 out of 5Manoj Bhardwajon Google, September 2024
Has a lot of history and character. The paintings and seeing the shields on the staircase is amazing
4 out of 5Sofiaon Google, September 2023
Definitely recommend the EIC. Lovely ambiance and drinks. The food is on the simpler side but is well-prepared. Perfect after an afternoon of shopping nearby. Make sure you adhere to the dress code.
5 out of 5Nick Garavinion Google, May 2024
What an incredible experience of dining and being entertained at this prestigious private members club. A wonderful building both inside and out steeped in history. The food was exceptionally good as was the service. Do not pass up an opportunity should you be invited to visit.
3 out of 5Mica100on Google, May 2024
I wrote this review below some time ago and my views have changed somewhat. The Club is still stunning, the staff delightful and the food is excellent. However women are still not accepted as members, only ‘gentlemen’ and most of the gentlemen appear to be mainly white from a certain privileged background. Times are changing and this Club should take a good hard look at itself and follow the example of other clubs around the country. Beautiful private members club on St James' Square. Wonderful historical building with atmospheric, comfortable communal rooms, including a library and a…
5 out of 5YW 407on Google, June 2018
Wow what can I say. Very fortunate to have a meal here. Service was meticulous and food amazing. It is everything you have read about and more. Not everyone's taste but the ultimate English gent or lady experience. I feel very privileged to have been.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.