In defence of private members’ clubs

The members list of the men-only Garrick Club in London’s West End has remained a closely-guarded secret – until now. King Charles, Richard Moore, the head of MI6, and Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, have been named as members of the club after the Guardian revealed what it called ‘the roll call of (the) British establishment’. But is anyone surprised that the great and the good are signed-up members of the Garrick?

The club’s critics condemn the Garrick for being exclusive, not least because it doesn’t allow women to join. But the endurance of the traditions of the private members’ club is something to celebrate, not condemn.

To some outsiders, these clubs are seen as being populated only by elderly gents dozing in leather armchairs. But this is hard to square with reality. My club, the Savile, offers a comfortable haven in a wicked city, a safe space from the horrors of the outside world.