Oriental Club

Stalwart of the 2nd division of London Clubs. Food/wine mediocre but club convenient for Oxford St. The majority of members are retirees paying reduced dues subsidised by a small number of younger members on full rates (and who are asked to pay an extra year's membership when they leave).

Name: George Gordon
Location: London

The Oriental is an old established, old fashioned gentleman's club (ladies now eligible for membership) in a quiet cul-de-sac of Oxford Street.The public rooms are high ceilinged & hung with large old paintings from the Raj. The food & wine are good, reasonably priced & are served mostly by old retainers of long service although there are some younger staff members who have also acquired the traditional quiet courtesy of their seniors. There are no prices shown on the menus given to guests which is a thoughtful touch. It is a soothing refuge from the mannerless hustle & bustle so typical of London today. New members have to be introduced & seconded by existing members.

Name: Martin White
Location: UK

The Oriental Club is a Private Members club (yes, Ladies are admitted) that offers an Oasis of calm just moments away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. I went as a guest and after a drink in the glorious Member's bar, decorated with gold leaf and paintings from the Raj we slid into the newly refurbished Dining Room (not a restaurant as my host was quick to remind me) where an eclectic and complex menu provided something for every taste. No contract catering here just a home grown team with an average length of service well in excess of 10 years each - faithful retainers one and all and clearly relish working in such an architectural gem for appreciative Members. The Wine list is to die for - a range of clarets from the extensive cellars and at prices that shame any restaurant with the indecent mark ups. Coffee was served away from the table amid the comfort of one of four elegant and beautifully decorated drawing rooms upstairs - absolute calm and not a mobile phone or laptop in sight; I was converted. This is surely one of London's best kept secrets. How do I join!!

A truly beautiful building and a great club. It is a private gentleman's club so you can't just walk in - which is a shame. I was invited there for lunch with a member and I must say the food, the service, the staff were superb. I don't know how much anything cost though as only members can pay and the menu has no prices on it. There are lots of rooms and each one is gorgeous with great oil paintings on the wall. Join if you can - but you need to be a man and invited!!