Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Clubs of London

For more than three centuries, White’s has stood at the centre of British establishment life. Born as a chocolate house in the seventeenth century, it evolved into the most famous gentlemen’s club in the world, a place associated with prime ministers, princes, gamblers, dandies, soldiers and some of the most powerful figures in British history.

In this episode, we trace White’s extraordinary journey from Georgian gambling den to the pinnacle of London clubland. Along the way, we explore Beau Brummell’s famous bow window, aristocratic wagers, political influence, the Millionaires’ Squadron, Evelyn Waugh, Randolph Churchill, David Cameron and the controversies that continue to surround one of Britain’s most exclusive institutions.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Clubs of London on Instagram at @clubsoflondon. If you have stories, memories, or insights relating to London’s clubs, I'd love to hear from you at clubsoflondon@gmail.com.

• Anthony Lejeune, The Gentlemen’s Clubs of London

• Edward Couzens-Lake, White’s: London’s Most Exclusive Club

• Quills & Quartos, White’s: A Gentleman’s World of Exclusivity

• White’s Club Wikipedia entry

• RAF Benevolent Fund — History of No. 601 Squadron

• Forces News — The Millionaires’ Squadron

Buck’s Club is one of London’s most influential private members’ clubs. Founded by a group of young cavalry officers in the aftermath of the First World War, it became the birthplace of the Buck’s Fizz, inspired P. G. Wodehouse’s Drones Club and helped redefine what a gentlemen’s club could be in the twentieth century.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of founder Herbert Buckmaster, the club’s wartime origins, its famous American Bar, the legendary barman McGarry and the colourful characters who have passed through its doors over the last century.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Clubs of London on Instagram at @clubsoflondon. If you have stories, memories, or insights relating to London’s clubs, I'd love to hear from you at clubsoflondon@gmail.com.

Sources

• Anthony Lejeune, The Gentlemen’s Clubs of London

• Andrew Jones & Laura Hodgson, A London Club

• Lew Toulmin, "Buck’s Club"

• Old Shirburnian Society — Herbert Buckmaster biography