The Secret Club of British Intellectuals

Founded in 1849, the East India Club’s first members were employees of the East India Company and officers of the Royal Army and Navy. Nearly two decades later, the club has maintained its reputation and legacy as a men’s club with a rigorous application process.

To become an official member of the East India Club, applicants must have graduated from certain prestigious universities in the UK, such as Oxford, Cambridge, King's College London... with excellent achievements and must be nominated by at least two current members. After the application review round, applicants will have to go through a direct interview with the club's management. Therefore, members of the East India Club are all doctors, lawyers, scientists, scholars... and people with noble titles.

Members are required to dress appropriately and are strictly prohibited from using mobile phones, largely because taking photos or revealing the identities of other members is not allowed. There is also a locker room in the basement where you can leave your clothes and personal belongings before joining club activities.

The East India Club is located at 16 St James's Square, London SW1, on the west side of the square. Before it officially became a club, the building was home to many old British aristocratic families. It is a large, majestic mansion, with the ground floor consisting of a reception room, the main dining room on the left and the waiting room on the right. The second floor is a library, a tea room and the third floor is a suite of bedrooms like a small hotel within the club. In the past, these bedrooms served members from out of town who would need to stay overnight at the club before leaving the next morning. However, because most members now live in London, this hotel service is rarely used.

In addition to its headquarters and facilities at 16 St James's Square, the East India Club also has sporting departments, such as cricket, sailing, yachting, rugby and shooting.

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