University Women’s Club, founded in 1886 and now perhaps Mayfair’s best-kept secret

Between London’s Curzon Street and Hill Street lies a most elegant, discreet country house, which is in fact an exclusive London Club. University Women’s Club in Audley Square is one of Mayfair’s best-kept secrets, a haven for discerning women, close to the heart of London’s theatres, concert and exhibition halls, galleries and shopping streets—and to which our Members are invited to enjoy lunch with their guests.

The club is smart yet relaxed and homely enough to invite all of your favourite people, from your trendy daughter and recalcitrant son, to the new love in your life or your aged aunt. Writers, artists, lawyers, architects, musicians, diplomats, actors, academics—women from many walks of life gather here to enjoy fine dining, conversation and interesting events. And although women are particularly appreciative of the secure and friendly atmosphere of this, the only private members’ club for women in the UK—men are also welcomed for lunch in the Dining Room.

This elegant Dining Room overlooks a terraced garden shaded by an old London plane tree, and a bar serves tea and sandwiches as well as the latest cocktails. A calm atmosphere, widely spaced tables and a supportive but unobtrusive staff make this an ideal venue for a relaxing lunch. The menu changes often and is imaginative with the emphasis on well-cooked organic food from small, specialist suppliers, while the wine list is carefully and thoughtfully chosen to offer interest as well as variety and good value.

The Club was founded in 1886 by women students from Cambridge and London Universities, denied the privileges that male colleagues enjoyed in their exclusive London clubs. Those pioneering women, who had talked their way into a university education against all odds, decided to start their own club and by 1921 had raised sufficient funds to buy a large Victorian house in Audley Square. Photographs of the pioneering founder members can still be seen on the Club walls, and the archives are a valuable source of information on Britain’s earliest professional women.

Location:
2 Audley Square
London W1K 1DB

Closest Underground stations:
Green Park and Hyde Park Corner

Guests are expected to be adhere to a minimum level of smart casual dress code.

Book tables for luncheon from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and weekends). Please make bookings in advance through Member Services on 020 7399 2960, and present your current CountryClubuk membership card on arrival.

PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions