The Toast to the Unity Club

We are a members' club, founded as long ago as 1866, for Ladies and Gentlemen of the Licensed Trade.

We have a proud heritage as one of the UK's primary networking organisations for those working in, or retired from, or associated with the Licensed Trade, from Multiple Pub owners/operators to Licensed Property Agents, from Executives and Area Managers of Breweries and Pub companies to Surveyors and Valuers, and from Licensed Trade Solicitors to Suppliers and Consultants.

Membership is not offered to individual Licensees who live on or directly operate the premises of their respective Public Houses.

Club History

1866

Just over one month later, on 6th April 1866 many of the original members met at St. James's Hall and agreed the Club's bye-laws. The principles behind those bye-laws remain the same in our current rules, although the original version included the following:

  • That every member who shall stop to dinner shall pay ten shillings and sixpence.
  • That every member who shall not attend be subject to a fine of two shillings and sixpence. (Furthermore, that all members not giving notice to the Secretary at least two days before of their intention not to dine with the Club shall pay one shilling extra)
  • That every member in rotation shall preside as Chair for the evening.
  • That should The Chair elect fail to attend on the evening of his rotation, he be fined ten shillings and sixpence and his deputy also seven shillings and sixpence if absent.
  • That the Club is to be formed only of Outdoor representatives of Brewers, Distillers, Wine Merchants and Brokers.

1929

In 1929, the tradition began of new Members being formally introduced to the Membership when they attended their first meeting.

1965

In 1965, Barristers and Accountants were suggested, and are now accepted for Membership.

1967

In 1967, Solicitors (who were first suggested for admission in June 1866), Surveyors, Architects and Executives of Managed House Companies belonging to Brewers were accepted for Membership.

1993

In 1993, Executives of Multiple Retail Companies and Estate Managers joined the list qualifying for Membership.

The Club was originally limited to 50 Members, but there was soon a long waiting list of people wishing to join. As a result of continuing demand, this figure has steadily been increased and the limit is now 135. With the present Honorary Membership together with Senior Membership (that is Members of 25 years standing), our total possible Membership is now 147. Over and above this limit, our Country Membership list of those Members who have retired from business presently numbers 17.

Back in 1869, it was decided that on payment of twelve shillings and sixpence the Chairman and Vice Chairman would each have the privilege of inviting one guest, (provided, of course, that such guest was not in the retail trade).

This privilege was extended to all members in 1887, by which time the charge was one guinea.

Today, in 2022, Members can invite as many guests as they wish and they are all most welcome, although the charge is slightly more.
Ladies & Gentlemen, this Club has existed for over 150 years to foster harmony and good fellowship between the various branches of our trade. It is a testimony to the Club’s usefulness and popularity that it has steadily prospered since its inception, despite the seemingly endless changes within the trade.

These changes in the industry are reflected in the changing styles of the Membership, but there is always one constant, the popularity of the Club and its traditions.