Royal Air Force Club
Gentleman Aviator
I'll add my vote to Whenurhappy's. It's not perfect but the Rocking* Horse is still the cheapest pub in Piccadilly (and yes,it would help if it were open later).
I use it pretty regularly for accommodation, both for work and play
, and have rarely (never say never!) had problems booking accomm.
Functions are good - went to a formal-ish one last month, and am very much looking forward to my Godson's Wedding Reception in September (there goes what little is left of my incognito ....).
In sum: not perfect, but for what you get (if that's what you want) it represents VFM IMHO. (Sorry for T & FLAs!)
* for Exascot below - a pet name, (ahhhhhh) not a typo - I've called it that for years
I use it pretty regularly for accommodation, both for work and play
, and have rarely (never say never!) had problems booking accomm.Functions are good - went to a formal-ish one last month, and am very much looking forward to my Godson's Wedding Reception in September (there goes what little is left of my incognito ....).
In sum: not perfect, but for what you get (if that's what you want) it represents VFM IMHO. (Sorry for T & FLAs!)
* for Exascot below - a pet name, (ahhhhhh) not a typo - I've called it that for years
Last edited by teeteringhead; 21st Jul 2011 at 17:47.
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Rocking Horse
As previously posted by me I totally agree with later opening hours.
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I must agree with those supporting the Club. Mrs Grumpy and I stayed there a couple of weekends ago and it was excellent. The service in the Dining Room is what we used to get in Officers' Messes before CRL and the staff are polite and couteous, no matter whether English is their first language or not. A friend of mine paid £160 per night for a room at the Victory Services Club, which is neither as grand nor as well located as the RAF Club; I paid £165 per night for a room in the RAF Club with a view of the park. Whenever we are in London we use the Club and will carry on doing so. It is also a very good place to hold meetings (£20 per person for the room and a brunch buffet) and impresses the hell out of civvy friends.
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I use the RAF Club every week for meetings, discussions and sometimes just to relax and find it abolutely great. Once the staff get to know you, they greet you by name and generally make you feel wanted and a little bit special.
The accommodation is very popular, hence it can be sometimes difficult to get a room, but that's a reflection of its success and, as perviously stated, it is just not possible to increase the number of rooms, given the Club's structure and location. By the way, the conversion of the staff quarters on the 5th floor to become guest rooms has resulted in some really super new accommodation but I doubt any more can be added.
In terms of value, if you don't use it, you'd be better off not paying for it and that applies to the RAF Club or anything else. For my part, as a regular user, it obviously makes commercial sense and when I have used the bedrooms, the price I have paid is about a third of nearby hotels of similar standard (and, yes, I have stayed in some of them too on occasion).
All in all, I like the Club, find it good value and hope it continues ad inf.
C&B
The accommodation is very popular, hence it can be sometimes difficult to get a room, but that's a reflection of its success and, as perviously stated, it is just not possible to increase the number of rooms, given the Club's structure and location. By the way, the conversion of the staff quarters on the 5th floor to become guest rooms has resulted in some really super new accommodation but I doubt any more can be added.
In terms of value, if you don't use it, you'd be better off not paying for it and that applies to the RAF Club or anything else. For my part, as a regular user, it obviously makes commercial sense and when I have used the bedrooms, the price I have paid is about a third of nearby hotels of similar standard (and, yes, I have stayed in some of them too on occasion).
All in all, I like the Club, find it good value and hope it continues ad inf.
C&B
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I use the club regularly and find it very good.
The one suggestion I have made with no success is to convert the two squash courts to something of interest/benefit to most members.
The facility is large and could be used as a gym/swimming pool/snooker room/family room etc.
Any views?
The one suggestion I have made with no success is to convert the two squash courts to something of interest/benefit to most members.
The facility is large and could be used as a gym/swimming pool/snooker room/family room etc.
Any views?
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and generally make you feel wanted and a little bit special.
Are you receiving counselling?
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The other day, some in the local were bemoaning Governments' closure policy over mental hospitals and the consequence of having people walking the streets that shouldn't be. I think I've just identified one (not you Basil!)
BTW Basil, I think you'll find that's sort of been taken care of in an earlier post - by Tankertrashnav at Post 144.
BTW Basil, I think you'll find that's sort of been taken care of in an earlier post - by Tankertrashnav at Post 144.
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The other day, some in the local were bemoaning Governments' closure policy over mental hospitals and the consequence of having people walking the streets that shouldn't be.
RA - I wish you would keep your distorted and somewhat cruel opinions to yourself, or perhaps a more appropriatw venue - Arrse, E-Goat, or perhaps EDL. Clearly, you've never had to make the CEA/Career either/or decision. Oh, and I support ther other posters - I'm pleased that I won't run into you at the Club as I embark on my second career in the City.
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@Good finish
Partly agree.....
Keep one squash court as there is a great round of games within the bath cup and good to have social ties to other clubs
For the second court, would agree, a small gym facility would be really great
I love the club, superb facility and miles cheaper than anywhere else to stay nearby (even other clubs). The bars (various) and dining room are great. Long may it continue!
Partly agree.....
Keep one squash court as there is a great round of games within the bath cup and good to have social ties to other clubs
For the second court, would agree, a small gym facility would be really great
I love the club, superb facility and miles cheaper than anywhere else to stay nearby (even other clubs). The bars (various) and dining room are great. Long may it continue!
Ah, thank you, jindabyne. Great minds and all that 
What I really mean is to ask if it is desirable that we air private club matters in public - engendering, e.g., a couple of recent postings?
What I really mean is to ask if it is desirable that we air private club matters in public - engendering, e.g., a couple of recent postings?
I shouldnt worry about them, Basil, we can live with them. For example, if RA thinks the average RAF officer is an ex public schoolboy, he has probably never got nearer to the RAF than watching The Battle of Britain. Even in the 70s, thinking back to my own squadron I would say that less than 10% were ex-public school and I guess the figure is if anything lower now.
Let him have his fun - water off a duck's back!
Let him have his fun - water off a duck's back!
Avoid imitations
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Aww bless. I didn't realise you officer types were so sensitive. It is a shame though and somewhat sad that you have to pay somebody to make you feel wanted. Were you bullied at Public School? Did your parents make full use of their CEA to close you away in some private school so they could get on with their lives without the embuggerance factor of having you around? I feel really sad now, usually I am annoyed but you have touched a chord in me and I feel for you. Are you receiving counselling?
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Posted this on new thread which was understandably closed after a post by dear old Siggie. So here it is on this thread:
Haven't seen much good news about the Club on the forum.
It is the most fantastic amenity for RAF Officers (and all other entitled people), in London.
It is, without exception, the least expensive and the most stylish place to stay on Piccadilly.
I have used the Club for 40 years and I have never been unable to book a room when I needed one.
Whenever I and/or my family have stayed in the club we have been treated with courtesy and even kindness by the staff.
The standard of food served in the dining room and in the Running Horse is first class.
The bedrooms and public rooms have been continually refurbished, over the last 15 years, to a high standard, showing both good taste and utility.
It is also a safe place in central London and has facilities for changing into whatever clothes you need to wear for an evening out.
In my view it is an amazing asset for those of us who could benefit from its superb facilities.
Yrs SOS
Haven't seen much good news about the Club on the forum.
It is the most fantastic amenity for RAF Officers (and all other entitled people), in London.
It is, without exception, the least expensive and the most stylish place to stay on Piccadilly.
I have used the Club for 40 years and I have never been unable to book a room when I needed one.
Whenever I and/or my family have stayed in the club we have been treated with courtesy and even kindness by the staff.
The standard of food served in the dining room and in the Running Horse is first class.
The bedrooms and public rooms have been continually refurbished, over the last 15 years, to a high standard, showing both good taste and utility.
It is also a safe place in central London and has facilities for changing into whatever clothes you need to wear for an evening out.
In my view it is an amazing asset for those of us who could benefit from its superb facilities.
Yrs SOS