Britain’s elite private members’ clubs have long been places where politicians, businessmen and other high-fliers have hobnobbed.
But revolt is brewing in the #MeToo era, as women are eager to join the old boys’ clubs.
At The Garrick, founded in 1831, a quintessentially English charm prevails behind its imposing grey stone facade in the heart of central London’s Covent Garden.
Members socialise in cosy and rarefied comfort, beneath an extraordinary collection of paintings adorning the walls of the solid wood library and hall filled with leather sofas.
This is exactly the kind of venue that Emily Bendell, the businesswoman who heads the Bluebella lingerie company, wants to infiltrate.
However, despite its more bohemian reputation stemming from its founding links to actors, she discovered The Garrick – like a dozen other prestigious London clubs, such as White’s and Boodle’s – is reserved exclusively for men.
“It’d be one thing if it was just a tiny club... but this is an institution in the middle of London, with our politicians, with our judges, as members, people at the top of their profession,” the indignant Bendell told AFP.
“I found it really troubling that women were...