Gentlemen's club

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A gentlemen's club is a private social club of a type originally established by old boy networks, typically from Britain's upper classes from the 17th century onwards.

Many countries outside Britain have prominent gentlemen's clubs, mostly those associated with the British Empire such as the Royal Society in London set up in 1660. The idea spread to other countries such as Australia, India, Ireland, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There are also many clubs in major American cities, especially the older ones. The gentlemen’s club in Moscow (Angliyskoye sobranie, rus. Английское собрание), founded approximately in 1772, was the centre of noble social and political life in the 18th-19th centuries, and largely determined public opinion.

A gentleman's club typically contains a formal dining room, a bar, a library, a billiard room, and one or more parlours for reading, gaming, or socializing. Many clubs also contain guest rooms and fitness amenities. Some are associated mainly with sports, and some regularly hold other events such as formal dinners.