News round-up: Historic clubs opening & closing
One club in Washington DC is closing; while a 166-year-old establishment in Cape Town is reopening
One of the things I've observed before is the high turnover of clubs. This is not a recent phenomenon; it has always been that way, from the short lifespan of 18th century London establishments like Goosetree's and the Savoire Vivre Club, to the more recent closure of London clubs, like the historic Naval Club in 2021 and the philanthropy-centred House of St. Barnabas in 2024. It is a pattern found worldwide. The financial pressures of being a profitable business, whilst offering members both congeniality and a sense of value for money, are challenging at the best of times - but doubly so with an expectation to keep delivering year-on-year, for decades on end.
Entrance lobby of the City Tavern Club. (Photo credit: City Tavern Club website.)
Since it's now reached the public domain, I can report that tonight sees the closure of one of the historic clubs of Washington DC, the City Tavern Club, based in Georgetown. The building, dating to 1796, is one of the earliest surviving structures in the area; and after a varied history, was converted into the present club in 1962. In recognition of its historic roots, the Tap Room taking up the basement maintains the intimate feel of a tavern, while the upper floors retain original 18th century architectural features and period decor. You can get a glimpse of the building in the gallery of the Club's website. I visited last year - giving a talk in the Bliss Room, where Ronald Reagan held his inauguration breakfast in 1981 - and found the members thoughtful and convivial.
The City Tavern Club of Georgetown, photographed on my visit there in March 2023.
While members were contacted last week about the Club ceasing operations, this is not necessarily the end of the road for the City Tavern Itself. The property was already reported last March as being due to be listed for $6.5 million, and the City Tavern Preservation Foundation still has hopes of purchasing the building with a view to safeguarding its future, subject to ongoing fundraising. The Foundation issued the following statement on 27th August:
“The City Tavern Preservation Foundation has accelerated its efforts to purchase the historic City Tavern property at 3206 M St. NW, following the recent announcement that the City Tavern Club is ceasing operations and placing the building on the public market. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve this historic site as a service to the nation.
“The City Tavern is the last federal-era tavern in DC and one of its oldest commercial buildings. The City Tavern Preservation Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was formed in 2000 to receive tax-deductible donations for the preservation of the building and holds educational events open to the public. In light of the recent sale announcement, the Foundation is now intensifying its efforts, asking individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the objective of securing the necessary funds to purchase the property and transform it into a vibrant public space.
“‘Our vision for the City Tavern remains unchanged,’ stated C. Andrus Seferlis, Foundation President. ‘We aim to create a living museum and cultural hub that honors the past while serving as a place of learning and engagement for all. But to realize this vision, we need the support of everyone who values our nation’s history.’
“On Thursday, Aug. 29, the Foundation will host an interactive scholar’s talk titled ‘The Intolerable Acts of 1774,’ which has been long scheduled. Supporters, history enthusiasts, potential donors and the wider public are invited to attend this event to learn more about the fundraising effort and to hear the speakers. For additional information about the program and the City Tavern, please visit www.citytaverndc.org.”
A historic club reborn
Sometimes, historic clubs can come back. Even more rarely, they can do so twice.
The Cape Town Club's roots go back to the mid-19th century; it is the product of a 1976 merger of the city’s Civil Service Club founded in 1858, and the City Club founded in 1878, occupying the latter’s building until 2002. It remained a bulwark of the South African establishment all through the years of colonial rule, dominion and apartheid; but significantly evolved to reflect the multiracial South Africa from the 1990s onwards, including opening up to non-white and women members. By the early 21st century, members included South African Presidents Nelson Mandela and F. W. de Klerk, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. A 2002 move a kilometere away, to Leinster Hall at 7 Weltevreden Street, proved ill-fated; and by 2013 the Club closed down amid mounting financial difficulties. However, it reopened in 2014, in its original premises, before closing down again in 2019.
The Cape Town Club’s historic premises, pictured ahead of its relaunch. (Photo credit: Cape Town Club instagram account.)
But it is now set to reopen again - in the City Club’s original premises at 18 Queen Victoria Street, next to the High Court Civil Annexe, and opposite the Cape Town Campus of the National Library of South Africa, with views of Table Mountain. Members have been elected, management has been recruited, I understand that a thorough restoration of the building is well underway, and an opening date for the relaunched club is just over a month away. They already have a website, and an Instagram account.
The team is headed up by recently-appointed General Manager Phil Thurston, who previously served in that role in Johannesburg’s Rand Club for the last 6 years, where he led a comprehensive revitalisation programme. He writes:
“I am returning to Cape Town to reopen The Cape Town Club from 1st October 2024. With over 18 years in hospitality, I aim to restore this 1858 treasure to its former glory! Keeping the private members’ club ethos, we plan to host events, functions and open a jazz and live music venue. For further information, please contact membership@thecapetownclub.co.za”
The City Club - as it then was - pictured in 1938. (Photo credit: author’s own collection.)
I approached the City Tavern Club for comment yesterday, but none was yet received at the time of publication.