Caledonian Club

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The Caledonian Club was founded in 1891 and became a Members’ Club in 1917 when the Marquis of Tullibardine appealed to members to make it "the representative national Club and headquarters for Scotsmen in London". In some ways it is a survivor of a more sociable age, when the Gentlemen's Clubs of London were more gregarious then generally nowadays. In the days of restrictive licensing, the Hall Porter could often assist gentlemen in need of their national refreshment in the small hours.

The minimum degree of Scottishness required for membership is at least one Scottish grandparent, or to have served, in the opinion of the Committee, “in an important capacity in the public service of Scotland”. The Club has the usual cross-section of professions, including accountants, bankers and stockbrokers but also professional sportsmen, Ambassadors or officers.

The club was originally located at 33 St James' Square, but has since moved to 9 Halkin Street, behind Hyde Park Corner. The new clubhouse was the last mansion house of its kind to be built in London.

It has 40 traditionally furnished bedrooms with en-suite facilities. High speed internet access is available.
The Club’s Oval Room is a library and reading room for Members and their male guests to enjoy an after-dinner drink in comfort.
Various rooms are available for private lunches, dinners and meetings.
The Members’ Bar which offers almost 200 whiskies, is resplendently carpeted in tartan.
The Terrace Garden was opened in May 1994 with many kind contributions of furniture and indigenous Scottish plants.
Fresh food in the Members' Dining Room and Smoking Roomis sourced from Scottish suppliers wherever possible.

The Club has established various societies :

Members of the Golfing Society play regularly at prestigious courses throughout the UK and on an annual visit to France. A unique putting contest takes place within the Clubhouse at the annual Social Evening and guests are tested on their golf knowledge thereafter.
The Racing Society owns two horses. Members may buy shares in a syndicate or become supporters: they are informed when horses are racing and have the opportunity to attend races using Owners’ and Trainers’ facilities. Members are kept up-to-date with progress by means of a regular Newsletter. The AGM and Annual Dinner is also an opportunity for Members to hear from the trainer on their horses’ progress.
After lunch at the Club on the first Tuesday of each month a well-known speaker is invited to talk to The Number 9 Society. Past speakers have included politicians, Scottish sports personalities, captains of industry and Ambassadors.
The Bridge Society meets informally on Mondays, sometimes playing against other Clubs.
A small number of keen amateurs make up the Snooker Society, which also meets informally as well as playing in an annual competition against other London Clubs.
The Shooting and Fishing Society hosts numerous events throughout the country, including a highly sociable competition against the New Club, Edinburgh.
The Musical Society organises a series of performances by world-class young musicians in spring and autumn.