CLUB
New Berth for the Blues
Oxford and Cambridge Club house Tideway Treasures
The Oxford and Cambridge Club at 71 Pall Mall, London
There are few institutions that embody tradition, camaraderie, and academic excellence quite like the Oxford and Cambridge Club. For nearly 200 years alumni of the two ancient universities have chosen to take up membership and enjoy the outstanding amenities and sophisticated setting of a Grade II* listed Club house in the very heart of London.
That heritage has deepened in a particularly meaningful way. In 2025, the Club was approached with a unique proposition: to become the permanent home for the historic Men’s and Women’s Boat Race trophies. Their previous residence was due to close, and a new custodian was needed – one that reflected the legacy and spirit of the famed river rivalry.
For many, the Oxford and Cambridge Club felt the natural choice. Steeped in the shared history of both universities, the Club is more than just a meeting place; it is a living archive of scholarly and sporting tradition. Alistair Telfer, the Club’s learned Secretary was approached and put the proposal to the Committee, who agreed wholeheartedly, approving not only the arrangement but also the creation of a bespoke display cabinet to honour the trophies’ significance.
The trophies arrived in early July and were initially showcased in the Lord Houghton Suite, where members enjoyed an early glimpse of their new residents. Behind the scenes, work was already underway. Manuel Cerrone, the Club’s esteemed interior designer, crafted a display that balances elegance with reverence. During the Club’s August closure, its skilled team of joiners brought his vision to life, constructing a beautifully finished cabinet designed to showcase the trophies for generations to come.
Today, members and guests can view these extraordinary pieces of sporting history at their new home in the Marlborough Corridor. Positioned at the far end, just before the Marlborough Room on the left-hand side, the trophies now stand proudly – symbols of excellence, competition, and the enduring bond between the two great universities.
A visit to the Club would be incomplete without pausing to admire them: icons of a rivalry that has shaped centuries, now entrusted to a Club that understands their legacy best. •