Royal Air Force Club

The Royal Air Force Club began as a refuge for flying officers returning from the front lines of the First World War. It originally opened in 1917 at a different location under the name Royal Flying Corps Club, serving as a modest residence for pilots who needed a place to rest between missions. In 1918, the first Lord Cowdray provided a substantial donation of one hundred thousand pounds to secure a permanent home for the organization, eventually leading to the purchase of these buildings on Piccadilly. The site you see today, which incorporates space formerly used for livery yards and carriage stables, officially opened its doors to members in 1922.