Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at night in London, UK (Von Horváth Botond - Adobe Stock)
To bid adieu to 2024 and welcome in 2025, members of the Royal-Overseas- League (ROSL) in London, were invited to step back into the 1920s.
The ROSL is a not-for-profit Grade I listed clubhouse in the heart of London, close to Green Park and Buckingham Place, founded in 1910, with the aim of promoting international friendship across the world through prestigious programs, concerts and events. Until recently, the club was exclusive to young musicians, artists and art enthusiasts in the commonwealth but has since extended its offering to the USA. It is thanks to this extension that members of the Marines’ Memorial Association and Foundation in San Francisco can participate in events at the prestigious club through reciprocal membership.
Before delving into the swing of the 1920s festivities at the ROSL, a mention of The Marines’ Memorial Association is noteworthy. A veteran’s non-profit association, this elite club is open to all services and all eras of U.S. veterans. Membership levels vary but start at $50 for Active Duty and Reserves members. This membership allows reciprocal memberships to over 240 clubs worldwide, providing first-class accommodations in all 50 states and major cities around the world, including Paris, London, Dublin, Seoul, Johannesburg and Lagos to name a few. In London alone, there are over a dozen prestigious clubs open to US service members and veterans. Joining fees and annual membership fees at these clubs can cost hundreds of pounds, but access for reciprocal members is free. Most of these clubs offer accommodations, while some only cater events and are good places for a respite during a tour in one of these world capital cities.
For NYE, The ROSL invited its members to dress in 1920s garbs, and guests did not disappoint. As we entered the elegant dining hall, it felt like we were transported back into the 1920s. Members and staff alike donned period-inspired garments. Women were gilded in sequin flapper dresses, pearls, feather headbands and silky gloves, while the men wore formal suit jackets. The soiree opened with a reception with champagne and canapes flowing, while guests from around the world and members from different corners of the empire got acquainted. The reception was followed by a four-course dinner including lobster soup, game terrine, beef wellington and pistachio tart, closing with coffee and petite fours. All the food was mouthwatering but the beef wellington, an English delicacy made of moist fillet steak coated with pate and duxelles, wrapped in pastry was delicious and worthy of its expectation as a luxurious dish.
Guests were serenaded by live music throughout the evening, with a pianist and singer belting scores from the period. Guests were invited to sing along to some of the more popular songs which added to the jovial atmosphere. The new year rang in with a midnight toast of the finest champagne and watching the fireworks on TV. What a splendor! What a way to bring in the new year far away from home!
London itself was a sight of wonder this time of year. The Christmas lights still adorning the streets, and the shopping streets filled with people made it seem like a scene straight out of the Christmas staple, “Love Actually.” Several of the high-end shops decorated their windows with elaborate theatrical scenes, taking after Macy’s in New York. The Christmas Windows at Harrods exuded the elegance of the luxury store, while the magical light display across the building façade gave passersby a visual experience of joy and wonder. A ride on the upper deck of the public bus offers a great vantage to view the shops’ decorations.
A German-styled Christmas market at Trafalgar Square was a pleasant surprise, welcoming shoppers with the smell of mulled wine, German delicacies and sweets. Going to one of the nearby museums is not recommended around this period as the queues are a mile long. It is possible to reserve a free ticket to avoid the queues, but once inside, the crowd makes the experience less enjoyable, as was the case at the National History Museum. The museum has a popular NYE gala, so perhaps that offers a better opportunity to peruse the museum unobstructed.
Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral promised a change of pace and offered an opportunity to see the magnificent edifice in tranquility. However, most tourists had the same idea, so the peace was interrupted by frequent coming and goings and tourists using the late-night opening hours to tour the cathedral free of charge. The Nutcracker Ballet at the Royal Albert Hall was meant to be the highlight of this NYE trip, but the 1920s Theme Gala at ROSL was a night to remember!
While the ROSL offers rooms for every budget, other clubs in London also have affordable options such as the prestigious military member club, Victory Service Club (VSC). The VCS is located at the edge of Hyde Park near the Marble Arch and is within walking distance to bustling Oxford Street. Their signature English breakfast is a treat, and the bar is a great place to retreat with a cozy fireplace, warm drinks and snacks. The staff, some of whom are recognizable from a decade ago make the place a welcoming home away from home. The club also hosts many events throughout the year, making it a great stop even if staying at another club or hotel in London.
