Founded in 1886 by pioneers of women’s education, the University Women’s Club has been a home away from home for its members for 140 years. We bring together women from an extraordinary range of professions, interests and backgrounds — artists, scientists, writers, diplomats, academics, business women and many more — in a warm and welcoming Mayfair townhouse that feels a world apart from the city outside.
Despite our name, a university degree is not required to join. Today, the Club welcomes women of all ages and from a wide range of professional, educational and personal backgrounds, and we are always delighted to welcome new members into our community.
A home in the heart of Mayfair
Our gracious home at 2 Audley Square is conveniently situated in the heart of Mayfair, moments from Hyde Park and Piccadilly, with excellent transport links. The wood-panelled Library, elegant Drawing Room, garden-adjacent Dining Room, secluded Members’ Room, and cosy Lobby and Bar are much loved by members, a relaxing and comfortable base in the heart of one of London’s most beautiful neighbourhoods.
We also offer 22 well-appointed bedrooms for members and their guests, ideal for a night in the city whether for business or pleasure. A continental breakfast is served each morning to set the day off well.
A community within a community
For many members, one of the greatest pleasures of Club life is simply the people they meet here. Whether you arrive knowing other members or come along on your own, there are plenty of natural ways to get to know people — over lunch, at Cocktail Hour, through an event or by joining one of our Clubs-within-the-Club. Friendships grow easily when familiar faces become part of everyday Club life.
Our Clubs-within-the-Club provide ample opportunity to socialise, connect and discover new interests.
Our dining clubs — the Third Tuesday Lunch Club and Wednesday Supper Club — offer relaxed, convivial gatherings around the table. The Her Vision Series Business Salon brings together women at all stages of their careers to share experience, exchange ideas and support one another. The Lady Russell Women’s History Salon, Book Club, Film Club and Reading Group offer rich opportunities to explore literature, ideas and culture.The Arts & Craft Club, UWC Wine Club and UWC Concert Series round out the programme — from creative exploration and gentle wine education to enchanting evenings of live music. Our newest Clubs, the Run Club, Chess Club and Games Group, take a more informal approach, connecting members with shared interests and allowing them to arrange their own get-togethers whenever schedules allow.
There is, genuinely, something for everyone.
Events and activities throughout the year
In addition to our Clubs within the Club, we host a varied programme of talks, workshops, readings, and themed events throughout the year, open to members and their guests. There are also regular informal gatherings, giving members plenty of opportunities simply to drop in, catch up and enjoy one another’s company.
Our catering team produces imaginative seasonal menus served throughout the day in the Dining Room, from our much-loved à la carte and Club menus to regular themed dining evenings that bring members together around the table.
Reciprocal clubs worldwide
Membership of the University Women’s Club also opens doors beyond Mayfair. We maintain strong ties with private members’ clubs across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, the United States, and beyond — all of the highest standard and ready to welcome our members.
Come and see us
The best way to discover whether the University Women’s Club is right for you is to experience it for yourself. We hold a virtual Club Introductory Evening on the first Tuesday of every month, and an in-person Open Evening at the Clubhouse on the third Tuesday of every month. Whether you come alone or bring someone with you, you can meet members, explore the Clubhouse and get a feel for Club life for yourself. We’d love to welcome you.
Early Members of the UWC – Top left to Right: Elizabeth Garrett Anderson; Francis Hoggan; Charlotte Carmichael Stokes; Katherine Stephen; Helena Swanick; Jane Ellen Harrison; Rosalind Howard, Countess Carlisle, Dame Bertha Phillpots. Upper Middle Left to Right: Louisa Aldrich-Blake; Dorothy L Sayers; Vera Brittain; Grace Hadow; Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon; Francis Elinor Rendel; Henrietta Jex-Blake. Lower Middle Left to Right: Francis Mary Buss; Dame Louisa Lumsden; Dorothea Beale; Helena & Margaret Deneke; Dame Margery Irene Corbett Ashby; Sophie Jex-Blake; Elizabeth Parsons. Bottom Left to Right: Margaret Llewelyn-Davies; Blanche Athena Clough; Anne Jemima Clough; Ida Freund: Margaret Chorley Crosfield; Hazel Hunkins-Hallinan; Francis Stevenson; Mrs Winifred Dakyns.