It is the oldest club of its kind in the UK and is still an important meeting place for the Norwegian community in London.

When, at closing time, they were told they could stay only if they were representing a private club, one of the participants had the presence of mind to declare, “Well, we represent the Norwegian Club in London.” They jotted down some articles of association on a piece of paper, which they all signed, and that allowed them to carry on drinking — Den Norske Klub was born.

The first meetings took place every Thursday evening in a pub and the membership fee was fixed at 1 shilling per month.

For the first few decades, the Klub held its meetings and dances at hotels, inns, and pubs in central locations around London.

This building in Cockspur Street came to play an important role during World War II, when many Norwegian institutions and government bodies were housed there.