A Club of Very Different Character
Our Founder Prime Minister William Gladstone remarked on the laying of the foundation stone of the National Liberal Club;
“What are the Clubs of London? I am afraid little else than temples of luxury and ease. This, however, is a club of a very different character”
We continue this tradition today with one of the most diverse and interesting characters of London’s clubs.
Founded as the original home for the membership of the Liberal Party, today we are a private members’ club made up of a vibrant, diverse community of members from all walks of life. We pride ourselves on our Liberal roots and unique and eclectic character.
A Vibrant Club Life
In the Heart of Whitehall
The National Liberal Club is one of the finest private members’ clubs in the UK. Our renaissance style grand clubhouse is steeped in the rich history of the Liberal politics that shaped the modern world.
The character of the National Liberal Club today offers Members and guests the same vibrancy that we were founded on, bringing them together to hear talks, discuss literature, listen to all genres of music, discuss and debate politics and contemporary topics, party, enjoy sporting fixtures, socialise, entertain, dine and relax, and much more!
Our Membership
Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, the NLC was the largest clubhouse ever built at the time and includes a blend of architectural designs, with heavy use of Leeds Burmantofts Pottery in homage to the industrialists, entrepreneurs and professional class that made up the membership of the day. Our current and previous membership comprise some of the leading thinkers and creatives of their day, helping shape and form the modern world.
What our Members Say
- The Club is my retreat at the end of the day. Welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, a great wine list, and delicious food. Whether alone to reflect or with friends to celebrate or commiserate, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.Alex AbrahamsManagement Consultant
- I’ve been a member of the NLC for years and highly recommend it to pro-Europeans of all backgrounds. Its vibrant, like-minded members celebrate Europe culturally and politically, making the Club a natural home for anyone who values our place in Europe.Sir Nick HarveyCEO of European Movement UK
- NLC membership gives me a place to get away to whenever I am in Central London. A place where I will always bump into someone I know, somewhere quiet to work from, and somewhere to socialise with friends or entertain clients.Gareth BellOwner of Digital Marketing Agency
- I’ve been a member since 2021 and have come to see the Club as a second home. I’ve made new friends who now feel like family. The Club has helped me develop useful skills such as public speaking and given me the confidence to try new things in life.Sophie KerrExternal Research Manager at JO Hambro Capital Management
Some of our Previous Members
- George Bernard Shaw
- Andrew Carnegie
- Dame Penelope Jessel
- Dylan Thomas
- H.G. Wells
- Prof Daphne Jackson
- Bram Stoker
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- Violet Bonham Carter