Brooks's
Brooks 's is a London gentlemen's club.
It was founded in 1764 by 27 men, among whom were four Dukes. Early on, he was regarded as an informal association of the leaders of the Whigs. Originally the club in Almack 's Coffee House was located on Pall Mall, since 1778 it resides, however, in a classical building, designed by Henry Holland in the St. James 's Street. Exactly opposite of the Tory camp representing White's Club. 1970 integrated to the notoriously financially weak, also liberally oriented St James's Club.
Among the best known members of the club included among others Charles James Fox, William Pitt, Joshua Reynolds, David Garrick, Edward Gibbon, Horace Walpole, William Wilberforce, Palmerston and David Hume.
Previously, the Brooks 's was known for its gambling halls. At several tables, the members often sat all night large sums among others at whist and hazard. The club considered the birthplace of the drink Black Velvet: On the occasion of the death of Prince Albert in 1861, it was felt that even the champagne should wear mourning - and mixed it unceremoniously 1:1 with Guinness beer. Less good reputation enjoyed offered in the Club kitchen, which in 1806 establishing the offshoot Watier 's leading club.
A special attraction of Brooks 's is the betting book in which the well-known Girl in the balloon bet between Lord Cholmondely ( George James Cholmondeley, 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley, 1749-1827 ) and Lord Derby ( Edward Smith Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, 1752-1834) is listed in 1785: