Pub in London WC2
Garrick Club
15 Garrick Street, London, WC2E 9AYClosest station: Leicester Square, about 3 min walk4.7out of 5 on Google, from 121 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Garrick Club
Named after David Garrick and founded in 1831 as a venue where actors and men of refinement could meet on equal terms, as at that time actors were not considered very respectable! Past and present members include those from the acting profession plus the literary, legal, Government and visual arts worlds. The club currently has a membership of around 1500 and there is a long waiting list.
The Clubhouse was designed by Frederick Marrable and was purpose-built; the club moved into it in 1864. The building houses a superb collection of paintings and other theatre-related artworks. In addition there is a library, cards room, billiards room, cocktail bar, coffee room, cellar dining room and roof terrace with beehives for home-made honey. The Irving Room is the all-day ground-floor bar, with an outside smoking terrace.
Following years of argument accompanied by media leaks, the outing of the membership list to a national newspaper, and members' resignations and threats of same: the Club members finally voted to accept ladies as full members in mid-2024. Dames Judi Dench and Sian Phillips were admitted as the first female members shortly after.
Cask ale is reportedly on offer in the bar.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide.
Features
- Serves Lunch: Not weekends, breakfast only
- Serves Dinner: Not weekends, breakfast only
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Function Room
- Disabled Access
- Accommodation: 17 bedrooms
- Separate Bar
- Smoking: Outside smoking terrace
Opening times
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Garrick Club
- Phone
- 020 7379 6478
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.7out of 5 on Google, from 121 ratings
5 out of 5Jeremy Kivellon Google, March 2024
One amazing place!!.. has had a bit of publicity recently, yes it’s a guys only place… but there’s plenty of other ‘ladies only’ places!! So enjoy life everyone!.. and don’t mess with tradition!!!
5 out of 5Seth Krugeron Google, July 2017
Had an absolutely lovely dinner here with a friend of mine in the industry. Excellent service and brilliant conversation - it is traditional that any guests sit at the high table and make new friends, and the club attracts some real characters. Find a member to bring you and explore the incredible theatrical history of the place, in the library as well as in the hundreds of portraits of famous actors on the walls. Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, John Gielgud - they're all there. Couldn't have enjoyed it more.
1 out of 5Stephen Paulon Google, March 2024
I've been there a few times as a guest. The Harry Enfield show's the "Probably a queer" sketch is a good illustration of what to expect. In terms of everything else about the place, as they still won't allow women to join, I think that trumps any other considerations.
5 out of 5Johnny Bacigalupoon Google, January 2017
Wonderful building, terrific art collection, superb experience with a wonderfully historical environment. Lovely newly renovated bedrooms with quality en-suite facilities. Tasty breakfast and food.
5 out of 5John Jameson Google, May 2024
Wonderful old building, stuffed with beautiful paintings and antiques, and, most important of all, history
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.