University Women's Club, London

This is a club, which means that the bar may be only open to members.

Founded in 1883 by Gertrude Jackson as a counter to the various gentlemen's clubs in London which did not admit women members at that time. It is a club for "graduate and professional women of varied backgrounds and interests". Past members have included suffragette Emily Davison, and author Dorothy L Sayers; and more recently comedian Sandi Toksvig and actress Sheila Hancock.

The house was originally designed by TH Wyatt for Lord Arthur Russell; it is now owned freehold by its membership. Facilities for members include a dining room, drawing room, restaurant, library, small garden area, and a bar! The club is open 24 hours a day. There is an extensive programme of events.

Outside the club is a Victorian lamppost, containing a trapdoor that during the Cold War was apparently used by the Soviet embassy as a dead letter drop, indicated by a chalk mark on the lamppost base whenever a drop was made!