The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club

My first private member’s club review comes to you from Dublin which definitely had a different feel to the familiar haunts of London. Speaking of haunts, locals swear by the souls said to be dwelling here.
We went to the Hiberian club as it has reciprocity with the very traditional East India Club in Mayfair. It was small and had a sombre, quiet tone about it. The sittings rooms were dressed up like a stately home, with heavy curtains, dark red carpets, high ceilings, and uncomfortable looking furniture. I didn’t find any of the staff to be very welcoming and it took ages for us to be served despite no one else being near the bar area. I found it borderline rude as they clearly won’t take a second look at you if they don’t recognize you, a shame when you offer such an encouraging mutuality in your membership package.
The dress code is clearly a suggestion rather than a rule as people were wearing jeans, something which would guarantee you were not getting your foot in the door here. Don’t come here looking a cocktail or a good drink as options are limited and conventional. I didn’t see anything particularly special here, although if you particularly like being around posh people for little reason and like a good bit of history, it might be worth a look. I hear the food is meant to be rather nice (it is a dining club, after all) but we weren’t impressed enough to commit to dining here.

Great time at the H Club. It is the heart and soul of Ireland. There are true spirits (ghosts) within the walls. This is not a joke and the entire staff knows it. I personally experienced a temp drop of 30+ degrees in a 3×3 area. Thank God my ghost was friendly.

First class, candle lit elegance, rich symbolism permeates the tasteful décor, helpful and gracious staff make it all the more inviting, and the rooms are filled with an ambiance akin to the liveries in London but with ghosts of Dublin’s past making it a singular, soulfully formal experience in its own right. I’ve come alone for a drink by the fireplace as well as to have dinner with a group. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.