SINCE 1824 For nearly two hundred years, the Oriental Club has been an iconic Central London focal point for those who have lived, worked or travelled in the East. Today a diverse Membership values the modern amenities and superb service offered by the Club s Staff and its home, the impressive Stratford House. An Introduction
RICH HISTORY The Club treasures its rich history and the extraordinary characters who have been associated with it since the Duke of Wellington founded the Club as the first and only President in 1824. Its first Members were returning officers and officials from India and the East who had witnessed both wondrous and challenging sights. It was a valued haven in a London that must have seemed at once comfortingly familiar and yet so different from the exotic climate and culture that had become their everyday in the East. The Club moved to Stratford House from Hanover Square in 1962 and today continues its tradition of providing a welcoming, comfortable home-from-home and community for its Members in the Centre of London.
STRATFORD HOUSE Grade I listed Stratford House is one of the most impressive surviving examples of Georgian architecture in this part of London. It offers an elegant Dining Room, spacious Drawing Rooms for relaxing, Bars, Meeting Rooms and a Billiards Room. There is also a tranquil Terrace, an IT Suite, Private Dining Rooms and forty well appointed bedrooms. Its convenient Central London location, close to Bond Street and within easy reach of Canary Wharf and the City, makes it an ideal place for meeting friends and colleagues, for business, fine cuisine or simply time-out from a busy day.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP The Club is proud of its origins and many Members still have connections with the Orient. However, today the Membership is much more diverse and these connections are no longer a prerequisite. The Club still thrives on the strength and character of its Members but also on the advantage of its location and facilities. It is an impressive venue for entertaining, a peaceful home-from-home in Central London for those seeking a quiet break in their day, a business facilitator and a pleasant setting for catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. It welcomes both men and women as Members and has particularly attractive rates for Under 25s through the OC7 Scheme. Membership also grants access to Reciprocal Clubs around the world so that whenever Members travel, they are assured of a warm welcome. A vibrant Social Calendar and a wide range of Societies catering for many interests ensure that the Club is an enjoyable place to spend time.
DINING The Club takes great pride in the quality of its food and wine. Our Executive Chef has the very highest credentials and a passion for delicious food created from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu is contemporary whilst retaining a selection of favourite Club Classics. In 1861, the Club s Chef-de-Cuisine, Richard Terry, published his book Indian Cookery and the Club retains strong links to its heritage today. The famous, dailychanging Curries are a particular favourite with Members and their guests. Whether the occasion calls for a three course dinner in the elegant Dining Room or a more informal meal in the Calcutta Light Horse Bar, there is something for every taste.
DRINKS Lytton Strachey wrote to Virginia Woolf upon joining the Oriental Club in 1922: Just the place for me Excellent claret, too one of the best cellars in London, by Jove! A tradition that has continued to this day. The Members Bar and the more contemporary Calcutta Light Horse Bar provide two alternatives for Members and their guests to socialise in genial and comfortable surroundings. There is an extensive Wine List, as well as a selection of Classic Cocktails, Real Ales, Beers and Premium Spirits. The Calcutta Light Horse Bar also serves food throughout the day and connects to the all-weather Terrace which provides the setting for Barbecues, Live Music Evenings and Summer Cocktail Parties.
STAYING AT THE CLUB The Club s en-suite bedrooms offer the perfect base in a convenient Central London location. There are forty bedrooms offering a variety of accommodation from single rooms to luxury suites. The rooms range in style from cosy and traditional to contemporary and compare favourably with the best London hotels. The Club Valet is on hand to assist with anything from travel information to newspapers, shoe-cleaning and clothes laundering. There are also tea and coffee making facilities in all rooms.
A PLACE TO RELAX The Drawing and Smoking Rooms are perfect for unwinding with a pot of coffee and a newspaper or enjoying after dinner drinks. Newspapers and magazines are available for Members and light refreshments are served. The all-weather Terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a drink in the tranquil surroundings of the enclosed Courtyard where a range of light meals are also served.
PRIVATE DINING & EVENTS History recalls that the Oriental Club has always been an ideal place for a celebration. From the founding Members to the present day, the Club has a longstanding reputation for entertaining. There are a wide range of charming rooms available, ranging from the Drawing Room with its dramatic floor to ceiling windows and ornate gilded ceiling to the stunning Library with cherry wood panelling, inlaid with gilt decoration. The Courtyard Terrace provides the perfect backdrop for Summer Drinks Receptions. The Club s team of Chefs can provide bespoke menus for every occasion and our Sommelier can advise on the ideal wines. There are all of the business facilities you need, including a Boardroom with Audio Visual equipment and Wi-Fi in all private rooms, whilst in an historic setting where the dignified atmosphere is conducive to business.
Oriental Club Stratford House, Stratford Place, London W1C 1ES T +44 (0)20 7629 5126 The Club is located on Stratford Place, opposite Bond Street Underground Station. Membership Enquiries Please contact the Membership Secretary on + 44 (0)20 7629 5126 or email membership@orientalclub.org.uk CONTACT AND LOCATION Private Dining, Meeting and Event Enquiries Please contact the Private Dining Co-ordinator on +44 (0)20 7318 7355 or email functions@orientalclub.org.uk Reservations To make a reservation for the Dining Room or for accommodation please contact Reservations on + 44 (0)20 7629 5126 or email reservations@orientalclub.org.uk All accommodation reservations must be confirmed in writing. Portman Square Orchard Street Oxford Grosvenor Square Wigmore Street James Street Stratford Place Davies Street Marylebone Lane South Molton Street Street Cavendish Square henrietta Place Hanover Square Brook Street Regent Street
Oriental Club Stratford House, Stratford Place, London W1c 1es T +44 (0)20 7629 5126 www.orientalclub.org.uk