Named after David Garrick and founded in 1831 as a venue where actors and men of refinement could meet on equal terms, as at that time actors were not considered very respectable! Past and present members include those from the acting profession plus the literary, legal, Government and visual arts worlds. The club currently has a membership of around 1500 and there is a long waiting list.

The Clubhouse was designed by Frederick Marrable and was purpose-built; the club moved into it in 1864. The building houses a superb collection of paintings and other theatre-related artworks. In addition there is a library, roof terrace, cards room, and billiards room.

The club offers membership to gentlemen-only, although women are welcome in most parts of the building. This policy has of course proved increasingly controversial in recent years; the latest vote of members was reported as 51% in favour but this was insufficient to change the men-only policy, under Club rules. As of early 2024 a membership list leaked to a national newspaper looked set to further stoke the flames of this argument.

Cask ale is reportedly on offer in the bar.