An Indian Home from Home in London

By New Worker correspondent

A new National Trust exhibition opens in London this week, shining a light on the rich social history of one of the city’s most fascinating community spaces: The India Club.

Founded shortly after Indian independence by Krishna Menon, President Nehru and Lady Mountbatten, the India Club is perhaps better known for its close links with the India League that campaigned for the end of British rule in the sub-continent.

The Club itself was established to “promote and further Indo-British friendship” and quickly became a vibrant hub for a growing Indian community in London. With one of the earliest Indian restaurants in London, the India Club soon gained a reputation far beyond the Asian community. Although no longer a club, the restaurant and bar is still frequented by Indian diplomats, students and journalists.

Based around a newly-formed archive of oral history interviews carried out by National Trust volunteers, this small audio-based exhibition will provide visitors with the opportunity to engage with the lives and stories of those who considered the Club a ‘home-away-from-home’ from the late 1950s to the present day.

From 30^th January a new National Trust exhibition will be hosted in the ‘club’ itself, in the modest Hotel Strand Continental, allowing one the unique opportunity to drink in the atmosphere of this living history. Immerse yourself in the interactive audio exhibits and hear the first-hand stories of people connected with The India Club: from freedom fighters and descendants of its founding members to former staff, BBC reporters who worked in nearby Bush House, as well as artists and writers.

This exhibition at the India Club, 143 The Strand, London WC2R 1JA. It is free but you must book a timeslot in advance. Please note that although the India Club restaurant and bar may be open until late, the exhibition opens and closes at different times throughout the week. Tickets can be reserved via the National Trust website and further details can be obtained by calling (0)7780 004243 during working hours.