Aldersgate Ward Club

Our new Master, Phillipa White, started off her year in office in style with a visit to the Reform Club in Pall Mall.

 

There were about 30 of us in the group (to include members and their visitors) and the afternoon started off in the Garden Room with tea and coffee and delicious cake with our guide for the afternoon, Dominic Price.

 

The private members’ club, established in the early 19th century, has been a significant fixture in London’s social scene for over a century.  It has evolved from its politically charged origins to become a renowned social club independent of political ties.  The club’s progressive ethos was highlighted in 1981, when it became the first traditional gentlemen’s club to welcome women as members.

 

The Reform Club’s new building was designed by renowned architect Sir Charles Barry and was built on palatial lines, the design being based on the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.  Dominic explained that the concept of ‘Disco’ applied to the building being as to (1) Design (2) Innovation (3) Symmetry (4) Classicism and (5) Ornamentation.

 

Dominic gave us a tour of the atrium with the stairs leading from the side of the atrium so that one could see north to south from the atrium; the magnificent gold leafed library housing more than 85,000 books (considered to be one of the finest interiors in London); the dining room (the cuisine following the tradition of its celebrated Victorian chef, Alexis Soyer); the common room, the Strangers Room (so named because, originally, it was the only room where members could entertain guests) and the Card Room.

 

Afterwards, we made our way to a nearby Thai Restaurant, where we enjoyed an excellent meal and wine.