White’s: The Story of Britain’s Most Infamous Gentlemen’s Club

For more than three centuries, White’s has stood at the centre of British establishment life. Born as a chocolate house in the seventeenth century, it evolved into the most famous gentlemen’s club in the world, a place associated with prime ministers, princes, gamblers, dandies, soldiers and some of the most powerful figures in British history.

In this episode, we trace White’s extraordinary journey from Georgian gambling den to the pinnacle of London clubland. Along the way, we explore Beau Brummell’s famous bow window, aristocratic wagers, political influence, the Millionaires’ Squadron, Evelyn Waugh, Randolph Churchill, David Cameron and the controversies that continue to surround one of Britain’s most exclusive institutions.

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• Anthony Lejeune, The Gentlemen’s Clubs of London

• Edward Couzens-Lake, White’s: London’s Most Exclusive Club

• Quills & Quartos, White’s: A Gentleman’s World of Exclusivity

• White’s Club Wikipedia entry

• RAF Benevolent Fund — History of No. 601 Squadron

• Forces News — The Millionaires’ Squadron