Perhaps it was the anachronistic use of the term ‘gentlemen’ that finally put paid to the idea of the gentlemen’s club. If only these illustrious institutions had thought to rename themselves ‘cis-male inner-city safe spaces’, we probably wouldn’t be looking on aghast as another centuries old tradition is summarily flushed down the memory hole.
Strange that it’s taken the perpetually peeved a couple of hundred years to twig that gentlemen’s clubs were exclusively designed for… oh never mind, it’s a tough one to fathom I know, especially for all those highly educated Garrick club members who have just voted 60/40 in favour of admitting women, thereby abolishing one of the clubs’ founding principles: providing a plush place for educated chaps to enjoy a laugh or two over pappy prep school style grub and some decent wine.
Gentlemen’s clubs have never been about networking, mainly because members tend to already be at the top of their game
The Garrick’s decision to put female membership to a vote came after the Guardian published a list of members which, surprise, surprise, for a ‘gentlemen’s club’ contains… oh never mind.
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