City University Club
The City University Club is a gentlemen's club in the City of London, established in 1895. Since its foundation it has operated from the top three floors of 50 Cornhill, of what was Prescott's Bank, a 1766 private bank which became a branch of part of the NatWest banking group. This arrangement was quite specifically intended by and between the bank's partners and the club of which they were founding members when the building was designed. The branch closed in 1999 and was turned into a pub of the Fullers chain. Access to the club is by a separate entrance on Cornhill; a lift goes directly to the second floor, of which it shares the same street number.
It was originally founded strictly for graduates of Oxford and Cambridge universities who worked in the City, but membership is now also open to those who work in the area. It provides club facilities at lunchtime and for private occasions. The club serves as a lunch club for "brokers, bankers and lawyers", it has no connection with City University, which was given its Royal Charter in 1966.
Subscriptions are based on the member's age and location. The rates for 2011 ranged from £230 to £950. New members joining during the year are charged pro-rata, except for those under the age of 25, who are entitled to six months' free membership (this precludes usage of reciprocal clubs). Unlike many clubs there is no entrance fee.
It has reciprocal arrangements with over 450 private members clubs around the world, enabling members to use facilities in these clubs, including in London the Oxford and Cambridge Club, the Reform Club and the Carlton Club.
Notable members of the City University Club have included Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the author Evelyn Waugh, businessman Sir Chips Keswick, and the Lloyd's underwriter Ian Posgate.