This coming Thursday, His Royal Highness Prince Philip will be attending the Trafalgar Dinner at the In and Out, Naval and Military Club. The dinner is part of the “big three” formal dinners each year in honour of the battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar and the Club’s founding in March 1862.
One of the many events held at The In & Out Naval and Military Club
Founded in 1862, In and Out is a St James private members club for gentlemen, ladies and officers of the Armed Forces to fill the void of service clubs as all previous standing clubs were at full quota, by officers mostly by the “Buffs” who were quartered at the Tower of London at the time.
The original home of the club lay at No.18 Clifford Street, but before the first anniversary, the club had grown so much that it was moved to “a more commodious premises” at 22 Hanover Square. This time, the accommodations were adequate for another two years of growth, when they moved to Cambridge House on Piccadilly.
Cambridge House provided a home for In and Out for many years to come. A brief closure between December 1876 and April 1878 oversaw the renovations for an improved and enlarged clubhouse for its growing members. Despite taking over the lease of the adjoining hotel, 42 Moon Street, in 1919 for member accommodation and facilities for ladies, the clubhouse was once again moved on 1 February 1999 to its current St James location.
The amenities at In and Out include multiple restaurants and bars, accommodations ranging from single rooms to suites, a gym, squash court, swimming pool and sauna, business facilities, and an extensive library. But as if that isn’t enough, an on location barber’s shop is also available for members.
As with any top-notch private club, there is a dress code. For gentlemen, dark suits are standard, but at minimum a jacket, tie, collared tailored shirt, long trousers, and formal shoes. Ladies are asked to wear business attire, evening dresses or smart separates. Military dress is always accepted.
In & Out Naval and Military Club
In and Out also is home to The Canning Club, a club for those with Latin American connections. Founded in May 1910, the original Canning Club was a club with outstanding standing for those connected to the Argentine Republic. It stood alone until 1970 when the club’s lease was up, and The Canning Club was looking to share the premises with a larger club while keeping their identity. At this time, The Canning Club expanded for all those for Latin American interests when they joined the In and Out Naval and Military Club.
Those interested in joining the club no longer have to be Officers of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Army or the Royal Air Force as they once had. Recent years have seen membership extended to those who have not served, as the club stands as a society of both women and men who respect service traditions. Anyone wishing to join must have a Proposer and Seconder, both of which must be Members of a two-year standing although exceptions have been made. Serving Officers only need proof of current service.
Those wishing to join The Canning Club must have a connection, be it family, residence, diplomacy or commerce to Latin America.
Photo Credit: In & Out Naval and Military Club
