Garrick Club, London

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

Named after David Garrick and founded in 1831 as a venue where actors and men of refinement could meet on equal terms, as at that time actors were not considered very respectable! Past and present members include those from the acting profession plus the literary, legal, Government and visual arts worlds. The club currently has a membership of around 1500 and there is a long waiting list.

The Clubhouse was designed by Frederick Marrable and was purpose-built; the club moved into it in 1864. The building houses a superb collection of paintings and other theatre-related artworks. In addition there is a library, cards room, billiards room, cocktail bar, coffee room, cellar dining room and roof terrace with beehives for home-made honey. The Irving Room is the all-day ground-floor bar, with an outside smoking terrace.

Following years of argument accompanied by media leaks, the outing of the membership list to a national newspaper, and members' resignations and threats of same: the Club members finally voted to accept ladies as full members in mid-2024. Dames Judi Dench and Sian Phillips were admitted as the first female members shortly after.

Cask ale is reportedly on offer in the bar.