The Bengal Club — Attraction in Kolkata

If you ever wanted to eavesdrop on the whispers of British India while nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and sipping Darjeeling tea under a chandelier the size of a small planet, welcome to the iconic "The Bengal Club" – Kolkata’s most aristocratic address since 1827. This is where tradition doesn't just live — it lounges in a wingback chair, sips Glenfiddich, and raises one eyebrow at anything “new-fangled.”

The Original Gentlemen’s Club… and Then Some Originally meant only for the “Europeans of noble birth” (read: the snootiest of the snooty), The Bengal Club was the social citadel for British sahibs who needed a breather from governing India and polishing their monocles. It was a bastion of exclusivity till India gave them the boot (a classy one, of course), and finally started letting distinguished Indians join in the 1950s.

Among its early Indian members? Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was not only a Chief Minister of Bengal and a renowned doctor but also a certified gentleman with club-worthy charm.

Did You Know? Prepare to Be Clubbed with Facts Winston Churchill was apparently denied entry here once, for being “too junior”! Yes, "that" Winston. Talk about stiff standards. The club still preserves its original wooden furniture, cutlery with crests, and a bar that probably serves drinks older than you. The library smells of leather-bound wisdom and houses books that may have been read by Lords, Knights, and the odd Maharaja in exile.

A Taste of the Times Their dining room serves legendary colonial-era dishes like mulligatawny soup and fish meunière that come with a free side of nostalgia. The staff still wear crisp whites, and the air is thick with diplomacy, old-school etiquette, and the occasional whiff of pipe tobacco.

Final Verdict: Where Time Slows Down in Style The Bengal Club isn’t just a club. It’s a living museum with a dress code, where every corner hums with 200 years of whispered gossip, fine wine, and the subtle art of genteel conversation. It’s where old money meets older legacy — and both prefer their coffee black, strong, and...

Don’t go anywhere near this place if you are not a member! They boast on their website about their wonderful food, as though they are open to the public, but not so. We arrived in Kolkata from the UK and thought it would be interesting to visit an old British institution, the Bengal Club. When we arrived at the gate the guard directed us to the clerical office rather than the reception, and the girl there, perhaps because she did not know the rules, ushered us to the restaurant. We ordered a beer, but when we ordered food they asked for our membership number, and when we said we were not members, all hell broke loose. They called the supervisor, and he called someone more senior etc, each one of them more up themselves than the last. We were asked to pay for the beer and “leave this place as quickly as possible” It was like the scene in “Out of Africa” where Karen Blixen is ejected from the Muthaiga Country  Club in Nairobi. “You must not be here”. Only in India could this sort of thing still be...

I recently visited The Bengal Club and overall had a wonderful experience. The heritage and old-world charm of the place really stand out—it feels like stepping back in time, with its elegant interiors and classic atmosphere. The food was excellent, especially the traditional dishes, which were flavorful and well-prepared. The staff were courteous and attentive, making sure we were comfortable throughout.

That said, a few areas could be improved. The service, while polite, was a bit slow during peak hours, and the menu could benefit from a few more contemporary options. Also, some parts of the property feel like they could use a little refreshing without losing the vintage appeal.

All in all, it’s a great spot for those who enjoy heritage dining and a refined atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend it and would...