THE ARMY AND NAVY CLUB
Welcome to the Club
The Army and Navy Club – affectionately known as The Rag – was established in 1837 as a military club. Nearly 200 years later, it remains one of London’s most prestigious private members’ clubs, maintaining its heritage, whilst providing a range of facilities that meet modern needs
We welcome men and women of all ages from both military and non-military backgrounds to join and be part of a community that is grounded in shared values.
The Rag offers a home from home in the heart of St James’s and a place to meet, make new connections and share experiences through a diverse programme of events, activities and interest groups. We take membership beyond the four walls through our digital offering, handpicked reciprocal clubs and exciting partnerships.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The Army and Navy Club was founded in 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, declined to have any involvement unless it was also open to officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
The Club acquired its famous nickname, when Captain William (Billy) Higginson Duff, a colourful character with a brief and undistinguished military career was offended by the Spartan nature of the fare offered to him on returning from a spree. He described the Club as a ‘Rag and Famish affair’ which was intended as a great insult. The Members were amused rather than insulted by this and formed a ‘Rag and Famish’ dining club. The name was gradually adopted as the Club’s nickname, eventually being reduced to the Rag.
LOCATION
The Club is a hidden gem, situated at 36 Pall Mall in the heart of St James’s with views over St James’s Square and offers members a luxury home from home that’s familiar, comfortable and welcoming. The Club is right next to St James’s Park, Green Park and Buckingham palace. Also, a stone’s throw away is Piccadilly Circus, giving the club access to both luscious, green, open spaces and the hustle and bustle of city centre life. Yet the Club itself isn’t disturbed by the noise or traffic of the city centre.
If you want to venture further afield, the Club is also a few minutes’ walk away from Green Park and Piccadilly Circus Underground stations which can take you all across the
beautiful city.
ST JAMES’S
Explore the Club’s historic location by booking our exclusive Secrets of St James’s Walking Tour. Members are invited to join Club Guide, Jean-Paul Guillaume on a journey through the labyrinth of alleyways that snake their way between the exclusive cigar, hat and fine wine shops that have been supplying Royalty for generations and gaze back in time through their windows with tales of the past. From antiquated cobblestone courtyards to magnificent palaces, this delightfully exuberant tour celebrates the glorious, and occasionally scandalous, past of one of London’s grandest neighbourhoods. For more information, please email the Membership Team.