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

Following a disastrous general election for the Conservatives, the Club was founded in 1832 as a meeting place by which to restore party fortunes and oppose the Reform Bill. The 1922 committee of Conservative back-benchers was founded here and members are still required to adhere to the principles of the Conservative Party. Nearly all Conservative Prime Ministers have been members. Club members who are MPs and choose to defect to another political party, are reportedly asked to leave!

There is an annexe, acquired in 1925, at 7 Carlton Gardens.

The present clubhouse was designed by Thomas Hopper in Palladian style. Club facilities include dining rooms, bars, accommodation, and private meeting rooms. Famous Prime Ministers are commemorated in room names: Churchill, MacMillan, and Thatcher.