The National Liberal Club

Have you ever noticed this vibrant portrait as you walk into the Smoking Room from the bar entrance? It depicts Sir William Allan (1837–1903), Liberal MP for Gateshead, pioneering engineer, and one of our more colourful former members.

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Allan had a difficult childhood and was forced to begin an engineering apprenticeship at the age of 10 following the collapse of his father’s business. While relatively little is documented about his early adult life, his experiences after emigrating to America in 1861 were particularly eventful. During the American Civil War, he worked as a steamship engineer and became involved in dangerous blockade-running operations, later spending over a month imprisoned in Washington.

After securing his release with the assistance of the British Ambassador, Allan returned to Britain and established a successful engineering business in Sunderland, where he contributed to major developments in cargo vessel manufacturing. The Freemason Palatine Lodge No. 97, which he joined in 1890, described him as a Radical who “had the working man at heart”, and he was recognised as one of the first industrialists to introduce an eight-hour working day.

In 1893, Allan won the Gateshead by-election, serving as MP until his death in 1903. Knighted in 1902, he left behind a legacy of innovation, reform, and public service. Make sure to take a look next time you’re in the Club, and below, you’ll find a typical stylistic caricature of Sir William.

Gourmet Dinner with Maison Gardet 🥂
Join us for an evening of fine dining and Champagne at the Club!

The evening begins with a reception featuring Club Champagne and canapés, followed by a four-course dinner paired with Champagnes from Maison Gardet.

Christophe Prieux, President of Gardet, will guide guests through the tasting, with each Champagne selected to complement the summer menu. Guests will also have the opportunity to try Champagnes not currently available in the UK, brought to us by Jackson Nugent Vintners and Maison Gardet. Get your tickets through the link in the bio 🎟️.

Celebrate Father’s Day in style at the National Liberal Club 🌟

Open to all, treat your father to an unforgettable day in the elegant surroundings of the National Liberal Club, nestled beside the River Thames with stunning views of the London Eye from our beautiful Dining Room.

We invite all of the family to enjoy one of our four sittings for a special lunch and make the most of the occasion by arriving early or staying on afterwards to relax with drinks on the NLC Terrace, London’s largest private terrace, or unwind in our Bar or grand Smoking Room.

🕦 Club open from 11:30am – 7:00pm
📍 Elegant riverside setting in the heart of London
✨ Perfect for family celebrations

Spaces are limited, so book now to celebrate Father’s Day in style at the NLC. Book through the link in the bio 🎟️.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family! 💙

Dining on the NLC Terrace reopens tomorrow! Just in time for the sunny weather that is coming. Come into the Club to dine on the Terrace with your guests and enjoy newly improved views across the Thames looking out past Tyburn Quay. Check out the website for our latest menus. See you at the Club soon!

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for Europe Day at the National Liberal Club. This year was another great success as we celebrated the EU and our ongoing pursuit to be at its heart. Until next year 🥂.

Join us on Friday 5 June for a special event commemorating Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone’s long, complex, and often contentious relationship with Ireland. This is the third event in our Gladstone series celebrating the life and times of one of the UK’s greatest leaders and founder of the National Liberal Club.

This special event will be hosted by Club President Lord Alderdice, with speakers Lord Bew, Professor Jon Parry (Cambridge University), and Francis Gladstone (great-grandson of William Gladstone). The evening will commence with a drinks reception in the Smoking Room. Following the talks, our excellent kitchen team will present a specially curated three-course Irish-themed menu, designed for the occasion and showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients with a distinctive Irish influence. Get your tickets through the link in the bio 🎟️.

⏳Last tickets remaining for Europe Day at the National Liberal Club 🇪🇺! Join us in just 2 days time on Friday 8th May to celebrate Europe Day as we raise a toast to the EU and all it stands for.

We’re pleased to announce a new speaker: Robert Ondrejcsák, former State Secretary at the Slovak Ministry of Defence and Slovak Ambassador to the UK.

Hear from speakers from across the UK and EU, enjoy live music, European cuisine, and a festive atmosphere with flags and bunting bedecking the NLC Terrace! This flagship event is almost sold out, so secure your tickets today through the link in the bio today 🎟️!

Have you checked out our latest F&B offers from our NLC kitchen and bar teams? 🍽️🍹 Discover current promotions on the notice board at the bottom of the stairs, and keep an eye out for more updates coming soon.

Speakers from across the UK and EU, live music, European cuisine, and a festive atmosphere with flags and bunting bedecking the NLC Terrace! Join us on Friday 8th May for our Europe Day celebration as we raise a toast to the EU 🇪🇺 and all it stands for.

Hear from speakers including Sir Nick Harvey, Leena Maria Linnus from the European Parliament, Mark Leonard, among others, as we come together in the 10th year since the EU referendum to reaffirm our belief in the UK’s place as a member of the European Union.

Get your tickets through the link in our bio 🎟️

Get ready for an exclusive evening of smooth jazz at the National Liberal Club's Younger Members Circle on Tuesday May 5th 6:30pm-9:30pm, as we are joined by none other than Chuck Redd and the Hugo Jennings Trio! 🎷🥁. With tickets at just £20, this promises to be an unmissable evening.

Chuck Redd is a legendary vibraphonist and drummer who has been recording music and touring for well over 40 years, having worked with the likes of Charlie Byrd, Barney Kessel, and many other jazz veterans. He has also performed on the Tonight Show, at Carnegie Hall (four times!) and even at the White House, so it's safe to say we can expect an unforgettable performance! 🎉Get your tickets through the link in the bio today 🎟️.

He was recently sued for $1m by the President of the Kennedy Centre, Richard Grenell, after refusing to perform there in response to Donald Trump's name being added to the Centre. His European tour is helping him to fundraise as he fights this lawsuit, so be sure to attend if you would like to show your support and witness a night of undeniable talent!