East India Club, Private gentlemen's club in St James's Square, London
East India Club is a private members' club in a protected terrace house at St James's Square in Westminster, London. The premises span several floors with dining halls, lounges, and sleeping quarters for members.
Founded in 1849, the club served as a meeting place for officers of the East India Company and other military personnel. Prince Albert agreed to become its first patron during the Victorian period.
This building preserves the tradition of Victorian gentlemen's societies that once served officials returning from colonial service across Asia. The interior still follows the custom of separating different activities into distinct rooms, each named after a former imperial territory.
Access is restricted to members and their guests, though the club has agreements with more than one hundred similar institutions worldwide. Facilities include 67 guest rooms, a fitness room, and a billiard room.
A staff member embezzled approximately half a million pounds between 2009 and 2014 before the theft was discovered. The case led to a court trial and prompted the institution to introduce stricter financial controls.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
