Aaaaaaaaaaaah, Brook's. The favourite of the smallish selection of gentleman's clubs I've been to in London, in all cases, I hasteb to add, as a guest, rather than a member. Clearly, there is a reputation attaching to the place very exclusive, fortunes won and lost on the turn of a card, etc. It is certainly true that the place hardly conveys a sense of welcome from the street; there are no name plates outside, and the doorman will make it very clear if you've stepped in off the street in error. Very politely; rather as you'd imagine Jeeves correcting Wooster.
All that said, at the last soiree I attended here, I can say that the staff were extremely attentive without being intrusive, the wine was excellent, and the canapes superb. I remember a very good premier cru chablis, albeit through a slightly woozy haze, as there was quite a lot of it, and it was very good. So good I can't quite recall the name. There appeared to be no problem whatever with 50 % of the attendees being female. The place oozed gravitas.
So, I can say that had I the money ( I haven't), the need ( I don't), and were my application accepted ( it probably wouldn't be), I'd consider becoming a member. Should you be invited as a guest, I'd say snap up the opportunity; lay aside any reverse snobbery and just enjoy the experience. read more