The Naval and Military Club

4 St James Square, SW1Y 4JU.
W: www.navalandmilitaryclub.co.uk
E: club@navalandmilitaryclub.co.uk
T: 020 7827 5757

Hard to fault, I love the In and Out!

Review

Where is it?

The Naval and Military Club is universally referred to as the 'In and Out Club', which refers to the giant signs adorning the gates at the old venue on Piccadilly. These days it's moved to St James Square, which is walking distance from Piccadilly Circus tube station. There's a car park for your Bentley round the corner on Babmaes Street. The stunning townhouse clubhouse is easily identified by the proud Union flag flying outside.

What's it like?

You're spoilt for choice inside, with 11 areas for meetings or private dining, an amazing courtyard, a restaurant and three bars. The Long Bar is a bit stuffy for my tastes, with its whiskies and English ales, though it's redeemed somewhat by stunning views across the Square through its vaulted windows. More modern is the Goat Bar, the focal point of which is a stuffed goat's head gifted to the club by Rudyard Kipling. There's also a third champagne-only bar, plus a gym, sauna, pool and big screen TV's to watch sports fixtures. It really is a home from home for its members, who consist mostly of the country set in town for work or the Sloaney brigade. Recent visitors for events have included Mark Ronson and Pixie Geldof, but mostly it's just rich anonymous people and of course there are still plenty of ex-military and navy personnel, for whom the club was originally founded. Check out the lovely food in the restaurant if you do get in with a member, and plan to get drunk because most drinks cost about £4 so you can afford to be more than a bit merry!

Why does Johnny Ikon love it?

Temptingly cheap alcohol does it for me every time!

Johnny recommends somewhere to eat before

	Tom Aikens 43 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT. Chi-chi, smart and exclusive. More than the froth!
	L'Atelier de Joel Rubuchon 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE. You can't call yourself a foodie till you've eaten here!
	Cipriani 23-25 Davies Street, W1K 3DE. This place is more about glamour than the food!
	Daphne's 112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE. With a sister restaurant on Barbados, this is the last word in relaxed Italian dining