The Reform Club

I have never been a great club man.

I did join the Arts Club in Dover St some 50 years ago – and the RAC after that – but I was put off by the stuffiness and dress code and obsequiousness of the gentleman’s club.

A few months ago I was invited to the Reform Club in Pall Mall and so impressed that I asked my host to propose me for membership.

This came through a week ago. Yesterday was my first opportunity to sample their facilities.

The club owes its name and ethos to the Great Reform Bill of 1832 and was the gathering place of Whigs.

It has retained its radicalism and was the first club to admit women.

The club’s architect was Sir Charles Barry who designed the Houses of Parliament.

For the Reform Club he was inspired by Italian classical architecture and the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

The interior contains a big atrium, two restaurants, a bar and a library.

Most relevantly for me is the accommodation on the second and third floor, reasonably priced at under £200 per night.

Not only is this price much better than any nearby hotels, you have the warmth and facilities of a club.

The club also has distinguished literary traditions.

Phineas Fogg began his trip round the world here; Henry James wrote from here; Thackeray was a member. Nowadays the profile seems elderly but diverse.

So finally I am a club man and honoured to be so.