The County Club, a Place at the Heart of Guildford
A Brief History…
1882 was, by the standards of the time, a rather unremarkable year in many respects, defeat at Lord’s by Australia signalled ‘the death of English cricket’, the ceremonial burning of a single bail, and the creation of perhaps the most famous ‘trophy’ in sport, The Ashes.
Elsewhere in the world, Thomas Edison invented Christmas tree lights, the Red Cross was established, and false teeth were patented.
Meanwhile, in Guildford, a new private members club was formed, with the Surrey Advertiser proclaiming, ‘We are informed that the Duke of Northumberland has accepted the presidency of The County Club that has just been established in Guildford.’
‘The Club will certainly meet a much and long felt want in the County amongst gentlemen of all shades of political opinion.’
Originally three houses built in the 17th century, built on the site of a 12th century inn, The Club still features some of the original oak beams, witness to the astonishing talents of the craftsmen of the 1600s.
Opening with 120 members, The Club grew quickly, developing a fine reputation for hospitality and maintaining the non-political stance that is still very much in evidence today, indeed many of the traditions and principles that helped to establish The County Club are proudly maintained to this day.
The County Club Today
While certain traditions are upheld, The County Club is a modern and successful place to relax and enjoy excellent food, drink and company in comfort, membership is at an all-time high and as Jane Derbyshire, Chair since 2020 explains, there is none of the stuffiness that people might expect.
‘The County Club is certainly not elitist; we have no political affiliations, and anybody is welcome to apply for membership. We do have an informal dress code, and we expect members and their guests to show respect for their surroundings and our traditions, but that really is as far as we go with the rules.’
As well as the superb Doric Restaurant, comfortable Reading Room, and fine cellar, Club Members can also take advantage of a vibrant, and hugely popular events programme, including celebratory dinners, evenings with high profile speakers, and sporting occasions are all enthusiastically supported.
The Club also has three, well-appointed meeting rooms, often used by local businesses for small conferences and presentations, these rooms are open to non-members to use and are served by General Manager Julian Bounds and his excellent team.
Our Friends around the World
County Club members enjoy visiting privileges at private members clubs in the UK, and overseas, a courtesy that we are of course, delighted to reciprocate.
Affiliated arrangements exist with around a dozen clubs, including The Athenaeum in Liverpool, The Bath & County Club, The Norfolk Club in Norwich, and a number of London venues, notably The National Liberal Club, Winchester House Club, and The Sloane Club.
Further afield, County Club members are able to access the sumptuous world of The British Club in Bangkok, The Wanderers in South Africa, and India’s world-famous Jodhpur Club.
The County Club in the Community
Like the vast majority of well-established businesses, The County Club takes its social responsibilities very seriously, with members playing an active role in town centre and county wide initiatives that benefit countless worthy causes.
The Club regularly nominates a local charity to receive particular support, alongside other commitments. Real Change is an organisation that helps people to access the practical items and opportunities they need to build lives away from Guildford’s streets, providing the tools to start again after homelessness, and earlier this year it was a pleasure to present a cheque to help with their work.
County Club Chair, Jane Derbyshire presenting a cheque to Amanda Masters, Chair of Real Change Guildford, with Julian Bounds, General Manager of The County Club, and Ian Blyth Experience Guildford Board Member
The rest of 2024 will be dedicated to helping the North Guildford Food Bank, with Club fund-raising events planned throughout the year.
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