Army and Navy (The Rag)

Membership Options

The club offers two main types of membership: Military membership, which is open to those who hold or have held a commission in the British Armed Forces, Reserve, and Commonwealth forces, and Non-Military membership. There are special reduced rates for younger members under 29 and concessions for older members. Additionally, corporate membership is available, along with reciprocal membership arrangements with selected clubs worldwide. For more details, visit the membership information page.

Events Calendar

The club hosts an in-house Member Events programme run by the events team, which includes regular wine tastings, talks, socials, and visits to sporting and cultural events. There is also a publicised programme of member activities and virtual events. Specialist member interest groups, known as 'Rag Circles', organise recurring activities and events. More information can be found on the events calendar.

Dining Facilities

The club features multiple food and beverage outlets, including a fine dining/coffee room, a modern brasserie called Ribbon Bar & Terrace with a conservatory and outdoor terrace, the Drawing Room for afternoon tea, and a Smoking Room cocktail area. An in-house chef team provides catering, and private dining rooms are available. For more details, please refer to the dining facilities page.

Venue Hire

Private hire options are available for banquets, receptions, meetings, conferences, and weddings. The club offers a range of private dining rooms and meeting spaces that can accommodate up to approximately 150 guests in a theatre-style configuration. Additional services include day delegate packages, an in-house events team, AV support, and catering services. Charity discounts on room hire are available for registered charities. More information can be found on the venue hire page.

Club History

The club was founded in 1837, with its first patron being the Duke of Wellington. It originated as a club for army, navy, and marine officers and later opened to non-military members. The historic clubhouse is located in Pall Mall/St James's, and the club is colloquially known as 'The Rag', a nickname that dates back to the 19th century. The club has a long history of membership and patronage, which is documented on the club history page.

Dress Code

The dress code for the Smoking Room and Coffee Room requires a jacket, collared shirt, and smart trousers/dress/skirt, with ties being welcome but not mandatory. In the rest of the club, smart casual attire is acceptable, which includes collared or tucked-in shirts or polos. Ripped or scruffy jeans, shorts, and trainers are not permitted. For more details, visit the dress code page.

Member Accommodation

The club provides on-site member accommodation, comprising 75 en-suite bedrooms and two suites. Bedroom bookings include continental breakfast. Reciprocal visitors may reserve bedrooms, subject to the club's reciprocal booking rules. More information can be found on the member accommodation page.

Networking Opportunities

The club facilitates regular member events, Rag Circles (specialist interest groups), and Younger Members’ inter-club activities, providing both structured and informal networking opportunities. For further details, visit the networking opportunities page.

Seasonal Operations

The club operates year-round, with public rooms such as the Ribbon Bar & Terrace, including the outdoor terrace and conservatory, promoted for use throughout the year. More information can be found on the seasonal operations page.

Access Policy

Membership is open to both military and non-military applicants, with specific eligibility criteria for military commissions. Reciprocal visitors must present a Letter of Introduction and ID, and complete a temporary reciprocal form when booking accommodation. Guests and visitors are expected to adhere to the club’s dress code and regulations. For more details, please refer to the access policy page.

Business Services

The club provides conference and meeting facilities equipped with built-in AV and free Wi-Fi. Day delegate packages are available for meetings accommodating 2 to 150 guests, along with dedicated banqueting and event managers. More information can be found on the business services page.

Leisure Activities

Members can participate in numerous interest groups known as Rag Circles, which include activities such as choir, chess, golf society, fly-fishing, pilates, sailing, shooting syndicates, and a book club. The club also organizes regular social and cultural outings for its members. For more information, visit the leisure activities page.

Food and Drink

The club offers seasonal private dining menus and in-house catering. Dining options include all-day dining in the Ribbon Bar & Terrace, classic dishes in the Coffee Room, and afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, along with an extensive wine and drinks list available across the bars. For more details, visit the food and drink page.

Special Events

The club stages formal society dinners, squadron dinners, themed talks, and a series of member concerts and curated visits. The events team also runs bespoke special events and private functions. For more information, please refer to the special events page.