It’s not always what you know but who!! So today was one of those blessings! My great friend David, whom Ive known for over 30 years  had invited me and a couple of colleagues for lunch at the East India Club in St. James’ Square. How decadent and awfully nice !!! One of London’s hidden gems.

This private members club was founded in the middle of the 19th century, its original members were ‘the servants of the East India Company and Commissioned Officers of Her Majesty’s Army and Navy’. The legacy of those early members, home on furlough from far flung lands, continues today. Only open to members and their guests, the club still provides a refuge and meeting place for busy young men and their more seasoned seniors. The dress code is always jacket and tie (if you happened to arrive without a tie, they will provide one from a rack at the door). We were signed in and scurried to the bar!!!

They have an extensive wine list and luncheon menu , which had to be sampled as my host has booked a room at the club next February for their Lodge Ladies’ Dinner Evening.

Although the Grouse was off the menu, I plumped for the loin of  Pork with crackling and all the trimmings, which was exceptional, washed down with the club claret, followed by a 2005 St.Julien and then a 2001 Margaux ( for evaluation purposes only, of course) I know, we should have had white., but HeyHo, the reds were absolutely superb.
Then a few hours later and feeling a little soporific, it was time to leave and fight the hoards on the Met line home…..Just can’t wait for another invitation ! What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon !!! Thank you David