The Clark family took on the club's license in 1992 and began to put on gigs after a shift in the makeup of Hyde Park's population caused by more students moving into the area.

After a period of fundraising, soundproof firedoors were purchased and installed, while a new public address system was added to the concert room as a result of a National Lottery grant.

[2] These businessmen formed the Brudenell as a "social and recreational club" in November 1913, and initially intended to build a clubhouse several hundreds yards from the eventual location, on land which would later be used to construct the Hyde Park Picture House.

[7][2] The Brudenell Social Club reopened on 30 November 1978, with an official opening taking place on 7 December featuring performances from comedian Bobby Knutt and trio The Jady Jays.

[6][2] Gigs were initially staged by the likes of Mike Jolly, founder of the Holbeck-based Cloth Cat music charity, and members of the scene surrounding local DIY fanzine Cops & Robbers.

[8][17] The Clarks' son, Nathan, took over the running of the club in 2004 after his father fell ill.[6][Note 3] In 2004–2005 the Brudenell was placed on a "final warning" following noise complaints and had to stop putting on shows.

[18] The club ran quizzes and "Bullseye nights", sold badges and, in July 2005, hosted the 'Keep the Brudenell A-Live Aid' all-day gig in order to raise enough money to purchase expensive acoustic fire doors.

[18] In response to a change in the United Kingdom's licensing laws and the smoking ban implemented in England in 2007, which made it illegal to smoke in enclosed work places, the Brudenell moved from being a member's club to an entirely public venture—"a not for profit company that still has the same aims as the club always had [...] a publicly open, licensed place that runs as a social enterprise and reinvests its money"[8]—with Nathan believing that the venue had to "evolve or die".

[6][2][4] In March 2017 the Brudenell announced plans to build a single storey extension; including extra space for gigs and community groups to meet; and a new toilet block with disabled access.

[28] The club's current logo, which appears on T-shirts promoting the venue, features Charlie, a King Charles Spaniel owned by the Clarks, who is often present behind the bar.

[16] The Brudenell regularly showcases an "eclectic mix of up-and-coming bands, hip or soon-to-be-influential names and the acts that first inspired them, from punk to hip-hop", with around 75% of shows being put on by Nathan Clark himself.

[20] Clark also stated that the club tries to support "good local artists", recommending them to touring bands and receiving tips from these musicians in return about "what's happening in their town".

[20] Clark believes that these factors, combined with little touches such as "the wifi being personalised" and giving acts use of a microwave and washing facilities, result in bands being keen to return to play at the Brudenell — something which the venue encourages as it tries "build relationships for the long term" with performers.

[2] Clark has also highlighted a performance by American garage rock band Thee Oh Sees in the games room and The Cribs' December 2007 shows as being particularly memorable.