India Club, London

The India Club at the Strand traces its roots back to the India League, a historic organisation which campaigned for India's independence. After India gained independence, the India League resolved that it's future role would be to focus on UK-Indian relations and the interests of Indians outside of India. As such, in 1951 it established the India Club under the leadership of Krishna Menon and founding members include Lady Mountbatten and Nehru.^[1]

Origins

Originally located in Craven Street, the India Club moved to its present location at 143-145 Strand, which had a lounge, bar, restaurant and accommodation for leading Indian intellectuals, public figures, journalists and those newly arrived to the UK. The new wings of India League were operated from 143-145 Strand, such as the Free Legal Advice Bureau and the Research and Study Unit, and it became the base for India League's post-independence activities.

The India Club at 143-145 Strand also became a key site and meeting place for first generation immigrants from the Indian subcontinent and a home-away-from-home.

Today it is no longer a members club and instead open to all. It is frequented by Indian diplomats, expats as well as the wider public. True to its original purpose it is also used by various Indo-British groups, including the Indian Journalists Association, Calcutta Rowing Club, Goan Association and the Curry Club.

The India Club exists within an eight-storey Edwardian building on the Strand and is situated on the upper floors. There is a bar and a restaurant which serves South Indian food. Portraits and photos of famous figures from the Indian independence movement adorn the walls. The building has retained its original features from the time of occupation by India League.^[2]

For future generations, 143-145 The Strand will be a reminder of the power of London’s multicultural identity and Indo-British friendship.^[3]

Threat of demolition

In September 2017 plans were submitted to Westminster City Council for the building to be partially demolished, replacing the India Club with en-suite hotel bedrooms. This would mean the closure of the India Club.^[4] A petition has now been launched to save it, reaching thousands of signatures. Countless petition comments attest to 143-145 Strand being an important focal point for London’s large Indian heritage community during the mid-20th century wave of immigration. Comments also refer to the India Club being a London institution, important to those living in the city. There includes a range of attachments to the Club that go back in some cases to the 1950's, and comments setting out generations of visitors to the spot.

References