Army and Navy Club - Membership

H I S T O RY The Club was founded in August 1837 as a response to the popularity of other service clubs in the area. Originally it was to be called the Army Club but the Duke of Wellington, Commander in Chief who became the Club’s first patron, insisted that membership should also be offered to officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

In the early days there were some young members of the Club who did little to enhance its reputation. As their military duties were light they frequently visited London and they succumbed to the temptation of gaming houses, taverns and other “swells”. One of those younger members was William Higginson Duff, otherwise known as Captain Billy Duff. Upon returning to the Club late one evening from the “Rag & Famish”, a disreputable gaming house, the fare offered caused Duff to proclaim it to be “a Rag and Famish affair”. It was appreciated as a good joke both in and out of the Club, today it is still affectionately known as The Rag.

The first clubhouse, a rented property, was located at No 1 King Street on the North Corner of St James’s Square.

In August 1847, a block of five houses was purchased on the present day site of the Club on Pall Mall and, by 1851 an elegant building was ready for its members. By 1962, the original clubhouse had been demolished and rebuilt to its current functionality and splendour.

YO U D O N ’ T H AV E T O B E I N T H E M I L I TA RY TO B E A M E M B E R O F T H E R AG Membership of The Rag is open to men and women, whether they have a service connection or not. The Club’s members come from a wide range of backgrounds, yet we retain military connections and have links with all the armed forces. We welcome applications from both private individuals and corporate bodies, who may wish to enjoy the Club for business purposes only, leisure, or both!

The Rag offers its members a superb home in the heart of St James’s. Combining tradition with modern comfortable amenities, it offers you the chance to meet fellow members and friends, organise professional meetings in a secure environment at a prestigious address; or simply gather your loved ones for a relaxed evening.

Enjoy fine dining; relax with a drink and informal brasserie style eating in the Ribbon Bar & Terrace; join in the array of social events; hold a business conference or a social event in the state of the art private rooms; and take advantage of affordable accommodation and private parking.

Benefits of membership are not confined to London, since The Rag enjoys reciprocity with over 100 carefully selected clubs worldwide. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, our members are assured a warm and civilised welcome wherever they go.

BENEFITS OF THE RAG MEMBERSHIP As a Club member, you will enjoy many benefits outside The Rag. From retailer discounts to complimentary West End show tickets, privileges vary from time to time. Regular reminders will be sent to you, to ensure you don’t miss out on a good offer.

With an in-house hairdresser, tailor and dry-cleaner, The Rag offers a first class concierge level of service, and prides itself in making members lives simply easier.

The Rag can offer all you and your guests the ultimate in fine cuisine, excellent wines and have the added benefit of a comfortable overnight stay in the opulent style of a boutique hotel.

P R I VAT E H I R E The beautiful Club rooms overlooking St James’s Square Gardens and Pall Mall are available for exclusive hire to members and non-members for functions and events including private dinners; drinks and canapÊs; wedding receptions and licensed ceremonies; meetings and conferences. Whether a grand event or discreet reception, our dedicated team will provide a bespoke service to ensure your special occasion runs effortlessly throughout.

M O V I N G F O RWA R D W I T H T H E H E R I TA G E O F T H E R A G For over 175 years, the Army & Navy Club has brought likeminded people together, keen to share their views, goals and aspirations; over food and drinks, debating serious matters or frivolous ideas.

Despite its great evolution throughout the decades, The Rag has and will maintain its identity of a grand, respectful, open-minded and graceful home for its community. Although the original building was demolished, the main foundations and pillars of the Club remain, Loyalty, Integrity, Honour and Trust.

We welcome individuals from all walks of life, military or not, men or women, student or retired; for as long as values and interests can be shared and respected, towards another 175 years of harmony and success.

How to contact us: Switchboard: 020 7930 9721 Main Fax: 020 7930 9720 Secretary’s Office Telephone: 020 7827 8081 Email: secretary@therag.co.uk Reservations (bedrooms and garages) Telephone: 020 7827 8029 Email: reservations@therag.co.uk Membership (applications, resignation, subscription rates, reciprocal clubs, change of personal details) Telephone: 020 7827 8024 Email: membership@therag.co.uk Banqueting (bookings for function rooms) Telephone: 020 7827 8023 Email: banqueting@therag.co.uk www.therag.co.uk

36 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JN www.therag.co.uk club@therag.co.uk membership@therag.co.uk or please call reception: 020 7930 9721