My dearest seeker of the London and England of yore: this is the answer to your prayers.
No tourists. No yuppies. No pretention.
Just a remarkable crowd, a historic setting, a kitchen one could be excused for believing God managed himself and the standard of service inherent in places where the patrons know exactly what they desire will greet you beyond the seemingly unremarkable door of the Carlton Club.
One day a good friend of yours will offer to take you to this wonderful club. Treat it as a honour second solely to meeting Her Majesty.
You will come close to begging to go back, realizing soon enough that a good friend, a "please" and a mutually convenient time are all it takes. Because there's no pretention. It's a private members club, not a celebrity-spotting night joint.
Which is exactly why the Carlton Club is the place to go and hang out with some of the world's most remarkable people.
If you're having dinner your friend will know the drill, the menu and the best options. I recommend choosing the main courses from the daily menu (not the big a-la-carte one) and a dessert from the full menu, with house wine.
Following that, do ask your friend for a small tour of the place, then chill next to the fireplaces in the drawing room with a glass of port or sherry. Have an intellectual conversation and wonder how, by what twisted turn of fate has the world fallen from the grace, class and composture this club still thankfully embodies. read more