A private club offering dining, accommodation, sports facilities, and events for members connected to Oxford and Cambridge.
Formed in 1972 by the merger of the United University Club and the Oxford and Cambridge University Club, the organisation occupies a Smirke‑designed Grade II* clubhouse at 71–77 Pall Mall that opened in 1838.
It provides over 40 en‑suite bedrooms, formal dining (the Coffee Room and Blomfield Room), two bars, a library of more than 20,000 volumes, a roof/library terrace, billiard/snooker room, two squash courts, business facilities and multiple hireable function rooms.
Membership categories are linked to Oxford and Cambridge with proposer/seconder requirements; the Club runs a published programme of dinners, lectures, musical events, wine tastings and special‑interest groups and enforces a formal dress code.
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About
The present Club was formed in March 1972 by the merger of the United University Club (founded 1821) and the Oxford and Cambridge University Club (founded 1830). The Smirke-designed clubhouse opened in 1838, and women were admitted as full members in the 1990s. The Club adopted its current name in 2001. More information can be found on the Club's history page.
Facilities
The Club features a Grade II* listed clubhouse located at 71–77 Pall Mall, which includes over 40 bedrooms, a principal dining room known as the Coffee Room, a second dining room called the Blomfield Room, two bars, a large library with over 20,000 volumes, a roof/library terrace, a billiard/snooker room, two squash courts, a business area, and multiple hireable public and function rooms. More details about the facilities can be found here.
Dining
The Club offers formal dining in the Coffee Room, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A light breakfast and lunchtime buffet is available in the Blomfield Room, along with tea service in the Drawing Room and libraries. The Gallery/Bar area also provides a relaxed setting for refreshments. The Club hosts wine dinners and tutored tastings as part of its events programme, which can be explored further on the food and drink page.
Events
The Club runs a published programme of events for members, including dinners, Writer’s Lunches, Discussion Dinners, lectures, musical evenings, and wine tastings. Details about upcoming events can be found on the Club's events calendar.
Dress Code
The Club operates a formal dress regulation. In formal rooms, gentlemen are required to wear a tailored jacket, tie, and button-fronted shirt, while ladies are expected to wear conventional smart dress. A smart informal regime applies in certain areas and times, and specific clothing items such as shorts and sweatshirts are not permitted. Detailed rules are available on the Club's dress code page.
Membership Options
Membership categories include London Members, Country Members, Overseas Members, University Members, and Retired Members. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria related to degrees or status with Oxford or Cambridge and be proposed and seconded by two current members. Subscription rates and further membership information can be found on the membership options page.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is facilitated through the Club’s events programme, special interest groups, and sections such as literature, opera, and golf. The Club also has a Younger Members’ Committee that organizes events for members under 35. More information is available on the Club's networking opportunities page.
Business Services
The Club provides a business area and meeting room hire for business purposes, free Wi-Fi throughout the clubhouse, and a Club Card for onsite purchases. Facilities for private business events and lunches are also available. More details can be found on the Club's business services page.
Leisure Activities
Members can enjoy extensive leisure activities, including access to a library of over 20,000 volumes, musical evenings, and various interest groups. The Club also organizes trips and visits to sporting fixtures. More information can be found on the Club's leisure activities page.
Sports Facilities
The Club has two squash courts, a competition-sized billiard/snooker table, cricket nets, and an active golf section with affiliated membership. Regular inter-club sporting fixtures are also organized. More details can be found on the Club's sports facilities page.
Accommodation
The Club offers more than 40 bedrooms, all equipped with ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. Special suites and published bedroom rates are available on the Club's accommodation page.
Venue Hire
Function and meeting rooms are available for hire for social or business events. The Club lists four dedicated function rooms and can host private functions and larger receptions. More information can be found on the Club's venue hire page.
Special Events
The Club organizes signature events, including an annual Music Prize for recent Oxford and Cambridge graduates, Burns Night, and summer cocktail events. Additional details can be found on the Club's special events page.
Affiliations
The Club’s membership is linked to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with reciprocal arrangements with other clubs worldwide. More information about affiliations can be found on the Club's affiliations page.
Facilities & Amenities
- Accommodation
- Bar
- Billiards
- Business centre
- Bridge
- Cafe
- Dining
- Indoor games
- Library
- Meeting rooms
- Private functions
- Snooker
- Squash
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