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See the Garrick debate is everywhere this morning, in @thetimes, @Telegraph and on #goodmorningbritain. Lots of misconceptions about what a private members' club is. No guests, male or female, are allowed to buy drinks or food or even see prices. Clubs aren't bars or hotels.
The Equality Act 2010 allows people to associate exclusively with those who share 'protected characteristics' such as religion and sex. Associations are even allowed to not even permit access to guests who do not share the association's defining protected characteristic.
The Garrick does allow women as guests, unlike White's. The only room women can't go into is 'Under the Stairs', but neither are male guests allowed there.
Accusations that clubs are places of secret power and fantastic networking opportunities are hugely overblown. That may have been true decades ago, but it really isn't the case any more.
There are also plenty of former men-only clubs that now admit women, such as The Reform and The Athenaeum. Lingerie tycoons are welcome to join those. It's up to Garrick members who they have in their club, just as it is up to you who you have in your home.
Associating exclusively with your own sex in a private club may look strange to some outsiders, but it's ultimately no more strange than a hen night.
