Opened on 26 May 1846, it is a private business and dining club in the heart of Central, Hong Kong.
[1] The club's first premises were situated on Queen's Road at the junction with D'Aguilar Street.
It was a place where the governor and senior civil servants would hold discussions with business elites.
[3] In 1877, the club witnessed an intrusion by a British soldier who was enraged by the privileges of the official and merchant classes.
The lone assailant wandered into the club brandishing a sword, swinging it at the lamps and chandeliers, and menacing members saying "You're one of them".
[4] In May 1981, a group of members fighting to preserve the Victorian clubhouse built in 1897 called an emergency general meeting with a motion to wind up the club and distribute its assets.
The foundation is separately managed from the club and John Budge has served as its chairman since its establishment.
[2] On 16 February 1895, the club was granted a 999-year lease on the current site, and a new clubhouse was completed there in 1897.