White's

White's

White's is a private members club situated in St. James's Street, London. It is the oldest and one of the most exclusive gentlemen's clubs in the world.

History

White's was founded in 1693 by Italian immigrant Francesco Bianco (Francis White) as a hot chocolate emporium under the name "Mrs. White's Chocolate House". The establishment soon gained a reputation for its high-quality chocolate and for the interesting company it attracted. Over the years, it evolved into a private members club and has maintained its status as a bastion of the British establishment ever since.

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Membership

Membership at White's is highly exclusive, with a strict selection process. Prospective members must be proposed and seconded by existing members, and the final decision is made by the club's committee. The club has a long list of notable members, including numerous British aristocrats and several members of the royal family.

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Facilities

White's offers a range of facilities for its members, including a dining room, a bar, private meeting rooms, and overnight accommodation. The club is also known for its "betting book" in which members can record wagers on a variety of topics.

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Controversies

Despite its prestigious reputation, White's has been the subject of several controversies over the years, particularly in relation to its men-only membership policy. The club has been criticised for its lack of diversity and for perpetuating outdated social norms.

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In Popular Culture

White's has been referenced in numerous works of literature and has appeared in several films and television series. It is often portrayed as a symbol of the British establishment and is associated with power and privilege.

Read more about White's in popular culture

See Also

• List of London's Gentlemen's Clubs
• History of Gentlemen's Clubs in London
• St. James's Street, London

References

• Britannica: White's club, London, England
• The Guardian: The last bastion of the British establishment

External Links

• Official Website of White's