With its double-height ceilings, rich fabrics and wooden panelling, the National Liberal Club sometimes feels as much like a stately home as a private members’ club. Built in 1882, the club retains almost all its original period and architectural features.
The Club boasts some of London clubland’s finest and most treasured artworks, with portraits of great leaders including Winston Churchill, who takes pride of place in the main entrance hall. To set off the period art, the club rooms are filled with lavish details from 50ft high curtains, painted ceilings and hardwood panelling to magnificent chandeliers and period furniture.
The National Liberal Club features some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in London. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse – best known for London’s Natural History Museum – the building has an elegant style all its own. Waterhouse included Italianate and French Classical Revival elements in his design, but the magnificent tiles that are evident in the majority of rooms are a shining example of British craftsmanship.
Walking around the Club, you are struck by the period features that give the building its unique charm and atmosphere. Many of these features are original, remaining excellently preserved despite the many years of service and exposure to everyday club life. Some worthy of note are the floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the Thames, the original Victorian fireplaces for cosy chats and the soaring tile-clad pillars.
Steeped in historical detail, splendor and opulent décor, the National Liberal Club has been the natural filming location for such recent blockbusters as Downtown Abbey and The Crown.
Nothing can be better than a visit in person to take in the charm and unique atmosphere of the club but if this is not immediately possible or you would like to take a sneak peek before planning a visit, then our virtual tour offers an online glimpse of our rooms and spaces.
Our Smoking Room is licensed to host civil ceremonies up to a maximum of 100 guests. Please note that it is the couple’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements with the Westminster Register Office via email or call on 020 7641 1161.