Really Friendly Spotread more

I've been a member of this Club for about 30 years, though I now live many miles from it. The Club…read moreis situated on a large corner plot, very close to the centre of Pinner's main shopping area, and has it's own car parking for a dozen or more vehicles. I still try to visit occasionally as it has a congenial atmosphere, relaxed surroundings and decent beer and food at very reasonable prices. The main activities of the Club take place in a very decent-sized bar on the ground floor, while 2 full sized snooker tables occupy a large upstairs room. Originally founded as a Club for ex-serviceman after the First World War, the Club now caters for anyone who wishes to join and enjoy its conviviality. Although there is much military memorabilia on display, the Club has moved some considerable distance from its origins, while still maintaining strong feelings of national pride. It plays a leading part in the organisation and staging of the annual 'Remembrance Day' activities, for example. In Pinner and its surrounds, there's no better place to be for a relaxed lunch or evening out with friends; there are regular bingo, quiz and music nights, and occasional steak or curry nights. The Committee is always ready to listen to new ideas for other activities and the Club is sometimes made available to parties for private functions. The Club's always looking for new members and for anyone living within reasonable distance of Pinner, this is certainly a place to consider.

Groucho Marx famously asserted that he "didn't want to be part of any club that would accept him as…read morea member." Well, the East India Club is unlikely to accept this working-class boy into its ranks. So how exactly am I meant to feel about it? Signed in by a friend who has membership from his public school days, I instantly felt a bit out of place, sweating slightly thanks to the July heat and my thick funeral/interview/wedding suit-tie combo. But two quite-reasonably-priced drinks in, I'd stopped worrying. Three, and I'd decided that no-one in an ill-fitting double-breasted blazer could intimidate me. Four, and Tarquin was my new best friend. Eton, donchaknow? Smashing chap. Assuming you don't want to spend the whole evening lamenting the country's lack of a strong, Thatcher-esque leader - ironic given The East India Club is mostly off limits to the fairer sex - the restaurant has to be the main attraction. And oh my, the food is exquisite. Once I'd stopped giggling at "gentleman's relish on toast", I finished every last morsel of my generous duck main. And wolfed down a large slab of raspberry tart. The house wines were superb, as was the port. And while it was all pretty far from cheap, the quality well out-stripped the price. So will I be looking to weasel my way into this old boy's club and experience such fine living on a regular basis? Erm, it was nice and all, but no thanks. Besides, I'm too old to grow a floppy haircut and too young to die of gout.

The best bar in London, really friendly atmosphere and great staff. Can't recommend it enough!read more