Royal Over-Seas League — Restaurant in London

I was a member of the ROSL from 2010 to 2024. I ended up with rather mixed feelings about the place, especially in recent years.

Since the pandemic, its business strategy seems to have shifted towards acting as an events location that is heavily marketed on social media. The restaurant in the basement reflects that, having been revamped to offer expensive gourmet dining. To me, though, that's not really the function of a private members' club where most members want a comfortable "home away from home". If I wanted expensive fine dining and social media-style presentation, I would choose any one of the other expensive restaurants in the area. The service overall for members feels like it's declined since 2010; it's now very difficult to get coordinated service upstairs, for example.

Since I joined, the Edinburgh clubhouse also closed. I understand the financial reasons behind this decision, but it does mean a loss of one of the main appeals of the ROSL. The groups and events put on for younger members were really flourishing in the 2010s, but have recently fallen into disrepair and I am aware that many other younger members have also left. The ROSL chooses the arbitrary cut-off point of 30 for its younger member pricing tier (I understand certain rival London clubs maintain the younger member pricing tier until about 35). This pricing strategy meant an increase in my annual membership fee of about 200% (not a joke) once I hit my thirties. Although the ROSL membership fee is still low compared with that of many clubs, I do think there is better value to be found elsewhere as many rivals offer more extensive leisure, food and sporting facilities.

There is still plenty to recommend the ROSL, especially for older members. It plays host to many musical and cultural events and has a lovely garden to use during the summer. The location is also amazing. For me, though, it doesn't feel enough of a cohesive home away from home with the personalised levels of service experienced in other clubs to warrant my continued membership.

Update *

I subsequently checked the membership page for the ROSL, and it seems the younger member rate now only runs from 17-25. Compare with certain other clubs which have a younger member tier up to 35 (for instance,...

I recently visited the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) on Sunday, September 3, 2023, as a reciprocal member, and I would like to share my experience with the management and fellow members. It's important for me to provide feedback to help the future visitors. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Joe at the front desk. In contrast to my previous experiences at clubs around the world, where an introduction letter sufficed, Joe inquired about prior per-mission from the membership department. This was unexpected, given my previous visits to ROSL. During our discussion, Joe left the front desk to assess my attire. He mentioned that my outfit didn't meet the club's dress code, despite my understanding that it did. Specifically, he focused on my sneakers, which I believed were compliant with the club's rules. After some deliberation, Joe handed me a membership form and granted me entry, emphasizing that he was doing me a favor. He advised me to adhere to the dress code in the future and to ob-tain prior permission. I was perplexed by this treatment, as my attire had always been consistent with the club's requirements. Later, while in the coffee room, I observed Joe passing by without offering assistance to anyone, leaving me with the impression that I was being followed and scrutinized, which added to my discomfort. Given these incidents, I'm left with questions about Joe's intentions and whether these actions are directed toward specific individuals. If I had not followed the proper procedure, why was I allowed entry? Moreover, who granted Joe the authority to make exceptions to club regulations? I consider this entire experience a form of harassment, and I feel compelled to bring it to the attention of the ROSL Management Committee. Additionally, my experience was further marred when I submitted a written complaint to ROSL, only to find that Ms. Gaal, the Front of House Manager, did not address the issue and attempted to deflect attention elsewhere. This has led me to believe that some of the staff's behavior may be biased towards certain individuals, which I find deeply troubling and possibly...

Beem a member for a while. Members only club right in the heart of London at the back of the Ritz hotel. Quietly situated for such a central location and backing on to green park. Less formal than some private clubs but with enough class and familiar atmosphere to separate it from hotels. Simple brasserie style food restaurant or more formal restaurant. Jacket and trousers required in formal restaurant and long trousers in all public parts of club, required Separate bar. Great value simple but comfortable rooms with breakfast available. Tele, ensuite, aircon etc. Pretty private garden and outside balcony overlooking park at rear. Interesting and varied events centred around art and music. And interesting and varied clientele from around the world, not just stuffy private club members. Support charity through fund raising events and reciprocal arrangements with affiliate clubs in other cities world wide. Function rooms and work space available. Free...