CALCUTTA CLUB

The Building from Lawn view

 SOME SIGNATURE DELICACIES AT THE CLUB

Schwan style Jumbo prawn

Prawn Thermidor
Grilled Chicken
Baked Crab



Chicken Sizzler

Caramel Custard and Almond Mousse

THE CLUB BUILDING.......THEN & NOW






The Building today


Imperial Staircase
Manicured Lawns
The Varendah
Winter Flower display


  • Calcutta Club is a prestigious social club established in 1907. It was formed when the existing Bengal Club only permitted the whites to be members. Lord Minto (Viceroy of India) had invited Rajen Mookherjee to Bengal club thus exposing the racial discriminatory policy among the colonisers and Indians. 
  • The Club was situtated at 17, Elysium Row (currently Lord Sinha Road in the building which is now Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School). The building was resided by Lord Sinha before the family shifted to 7 Elysium Row in 1907. Later the Club was shifted to 13 Russell Street, the southern wing of Queen's Mansion (formerly called as Galstaun Mansion). This area covered the site built by Sir Henry Russell in 1798. The Club stayed here from 1908 to 1914 till the expiry of the six year lease. 
  • The present premise is at 241, AJC Bose Road. The plot of land measuring 4.66 acres was taken as 90 years lease (1907-1997). The building was constructed by Martin & Co. and formerly opened by the Governor of Bengal, Sir Thomas Carmichael on 3rd February 1915. This day is celebrated as Commemoration Day with grandeur.
  • The area to the west of Lower Circular Road was known as Dehee Birjee (now Theatre Road) and the old tank opposite the Calcutta Club was called Birjee Talao. Mention of a house belonging to the Tagore family is found in the writings of Indira Devi Chowdhurani, daughter of Satyendranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore's drama Raja O Rani and Mayar Khela were staged here. The old house was demolished and street directories of 1906 show this plot as vacant land.
  • The first President was HH The Maharaja of Cooch Behar. It is one of the Raj-era clubs which stands today as a popular social hub for aristocratic people. 
  • Entering the club, one feels like a time-wrap, being surrounded by vintage wooden furniture, chandeliers and waiters in traditional clothes. Till today the club follows some strict colonial rules like dress code for visitors and photography prohibition. 
  • At the ground floor Room No. 7 is now used by the members for gatherings. This room was resided by Noel Barwell, Esquire, Bar-at-law and a member of the club during his stay at India. He is immortalized by Shankar in his novel 'Koto ajanare'.
  • The South Verandah of the club was named "Joe's Folly" in affectionate memory of 'Uncle Joe' - Sir Josna Ghosal, CIE, President of the Club in 1935. He conceptualised the South Verandah.
  • Calcutta Club boasts of state of art facilities, culinary excellence, well equipped library and sports facilities as well as excellent social and cultural events. 
  • Stewed turtle soup and minced patridge pies were the most sought after dishes. The club boasted of making the best Steak Romaine in the city.
  • This place is frequented by me since childhood.

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