The Union Jack Club: A place to stay in London that’s just a little bit different.
The central London hotel and membership club is not one any tourist can book into; it’s run almost exclusively for those serving in the military, veterans and their families.
Military connections or none, I hope you’ll enjoy a glimpse into one of London’s most unusual and historic places to stay. Introducing, the Union Jack Club.
The Union Jack Club, London
The Union Jack Club in Waterloo, London offers first class accommodation but this is not just another London hotel. It’s a members-only club with a proud history offering affordable rooms, dining and a London home from home to service personnel, veterans & their families.
The Union Jack Club itself has been in existence since 1907, although it moved into its current location in 1975. More on the history of the club in a minute.
First Impressions
Old fashioned hospitality, a home from home in London. The reception area/ entrance is light and welcoming. Also home to some impressive artwork- how’s this for a bit of a statement piece?
Location, Location, Location
The Union Jack Club enjoys a convenient location in Waterloo, a few minutes walk from Waterloo Station. It’s a wonderful location and an ideal base for exploring London, but also historically significant.
When the Club was established in the early 1900’s, Waterloo Station was a key point of departure for those travelling onto the ports and garrisons of the British Empire.
Union Jack Club: The Rooms
One of the Union Jack Club’s main attractions is its range of rooms- from simple budget-friendly options to more comfortable en-suite rooms, luxury options and family -friendly apartments.
All rooms come with free wi-fi, tea/coffee making facilities, towels and basic toiletries as standard.
- Shared-Facility Rooms: Single or twin rooms with access to shared bathrooms ( sink in room). Don’t be put off by that idea; shared bathrooms are spacious, spotlessly clean and entirely private. Excellent value for a Central London room
- En-Suite Rooms: Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms
- Family Rooms: Ideal for a London trip with up to two children, rooms feature a dividing door creating a second bedroom for children.
- Family Flats: Spacious flats that sleep up to six people with full kitchen facilities.
- The Piccadilly Suite: Luxurious Club accommodation featuring a deluxe bathroom with a TV above the bath, king size bed and lounge area.
Tip: The Union Jack Club’s high rise design and central location mean many rooms come with fantastic city views. Higher rooms tend to be quieter too! Check out the pictures below for the views I had from the 23rd floor during my last stay!
Here’s some pictures of the room I enjoyed during my last stay, a twin with shared facilities.
The room was spotlessly clean, comfortable and had everything we needed for an enjoyable stay. Despite the busy location, we weren’t disturbed at all by any noise from the streets below.
Crisp bed linen and comfortable beds made for a great nights sleep and a relaxed start the following morning.
If you’re familiar with life in married quarters then you’ll probably notice one more thing in these rooms; the curtains. Very much in the style of the old-school issued, curtains that come with military housing. Made me smile!
Union Jack Club Room Rates
The Union Jack Club does not operate dynamic pricing. Rooms come with set rates based on facilities and Member/ Guest of Member rates.
Rooms rates start at around £114 per room, per night. Full details can be found on UJC website.
Dining & Member Facilities at The Union Jack Club
The club offers a range of facilities that make this a destination for members, not just a place to sleep.
You don’t need an accommodation booking to use the facilities, but you do need to be a member or a guest of. You’ll need a membership card to gain access. Once in, you can enjoy:
- Union Jack Club Restaurant: They say an army marches on its stomach and I think that phrase was taken to heart here. From the hearty buffet breakfast to classic Sunday roasts, something for everyone.
- The Bar: Probably the best value ( £3.50 a pint) and most welcoming bar in London. Full range of hot & cold drinks, bar food menu and big screens.
- The Library Snug: A quiet, cosy part of the club. Comfy seats, books for days and the beautiful oak furniture from the original 1907 Club building. Bringing me nicely to…
The History of The Union Jack Club
When I first found out about the UJC, I wasn’t sure. The military is a traditionally masculine world; was this place going to be a big old boys club?
Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a homely and welcoming place and it was actually female founded.
The Union Jack Club was founded in 1907 by Ethel McCaul (1867-193), A Red Cross nurse and campaigner. She realised that Officers had access to their clubs, but soldiers did not have affordable accommodation when visiting London.
Determined that soldiers and their families should have a place to stay in London that would not cost them more than one days pay, the Union Jack Club was born.
Fundraising began in 1903 and one year later The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone. By 1907 the original Union Jack Club was open, housed in an Edwardian building which also served as a memorial to those fallen in the Boer War; a conflict in which Ethel McCaul had served as a front-line nurse.
The Club stood through WW1, survived extensive bomb damage in WW2 and expanded to meet increasing demand. By the 1970’s, change was needed and the Union Jack Club moved to a new building , but still in its historic home of Waterloo.
This ‘new’ home is where you’ll find the Union Jack Club today. A busy Tri-services military club and hotel offering those serving, veterans and their guests a home from home in London.
Who can stay at The Union Jack Club?
In order to access the facilities of the Union Jack Club, you’ll need to be a member or the guest of a member. The club isn’t open to the general public- eligibility is key.
Full membership is open to:
- Serving Personnel: Regular, Reserve and Auxiliary Forces below commissioned rank have free membership. Just sign up for a membership card (needed to access the club) and updates.
- Forces Veterans: Various memberships available at a fee
- Widow & Widower: Membership available at a fee
- Temporary Honorary Membership: Available to Uniformed Emergency services inc. NHS, Fire, Police and Prison Services. Temporary membership is free but accommodation rates are higher and club facilities may only be used with a booking.
Members also enjoy access to a range of events including food and drinks promotions- gin tasting evening, anyone?- guest speakers and trips.
If you believe you qualify for membership the application process is very straightforward find details here
If you do qualify for membership, every time you visit London you can enjoy:
- A fantastic central location close to Waterloo station and directly opposite Waterloo East station.
- Out standing value compared to other London hotels of a similar standard
- Welcoming atmosphere, feels very safe, very much has a military community feel.
- Access to all facilities including bar, dining and luggage room even when not staying. You don’t need an overnight booking to enjoy the club facilities.
As a military wife, The Union Jack Club is one of my favourite London spots. It’s affordable, historic and for service members, veterans and military families, a real home-from-home.
If you’re planning a trip to London, no matter where you’re staying, you might enjoy this post: Exploring London for FREE
Helen x
How lovely, and may I say, it has changed over the last thirty years or so! Hubby was in the British Army many moons ago, and we stayed in the Union Jack club a few times. I’d forgotten all about it until your wonderful blog brought it all back to me. Thank you!
I’m glad to have unlocked good memories. It’s a lovely place to stay.
It’s good that reasonably priced accommodation is available in central London for serving and retired personnel
It is a good thing, and a place I feel very at home. Thanks for reading Sheree 😊
Always a pleasure Helen
I thought it looked intimidating at first but it got cosier the more I read. No military connections whatever for us, so this will be the nearest I get to this accommodation!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Margaret, I appreciate it!
Seems like a nice place, Helen xx
This is clearly a great (and good value) option for those eligible to stay there. And yes, £3.50 for a pint is very cheap for London! I love the view from your room too 🙂
The UJC is very good value for London, it’s nice to have a familiar place to stay.
Oh how amazing, I didn’t even know this place existed. What a wonderful place to have access to 🙂
It’s a great facility, great value for London too!
I’m glad you enjoyed a look at the UJC, it is a great facility.
Helen it’s so nice that you guys have the option to stay here when in the capital. It is so hard to find reasonably priced accommodation in the centre of London.
I must admit I have been lucky enough to have stopped somewhere a tiny bit similar, due to a friend’s parents having membership at The Civil Service Club in London. Her dad had worked at Number 10. The club also has discounted rooms , restaurant and bar and is located near Whitehall. Stopping there certainly made our break a little less expensive.
I’ve just had a look at the Civil Service Club, it is very similar. It is nice to have somewhere affordable and familiar in London.
Very interesting Helen. An elderly couple along our road always stay there when visiting London. He was in the army a long time ago. I’ve been past the club and agree that it’s in an unbearable position.
I bet he has some stories to tell!