The British Club Bangkok Straight Up!

[Happee]

Morning all,

I've been a reader of thaivisa for a year or so now. I moved to bangkok a month ago from England, the forum has been a real useful resource.

Anyway, I'm looking at gym's in Bangkok and I'm trying to avoid crazy money memberships and 'roid hot spots and have found the British Club. I've read a few threads on here about the British Club but they are all quite old so wanted to open a new thread as I haven't seen my specific question on any of the threads.

How formal is this club? The name gives you an idea that it is a rather formal affair. Having to interview as part of the application process for example.

Is there a dress code?

On one of the threads here I saw someone mention that it is quite cheap now, compared to the past - It does look quite reasonable now, though their membership fee's and options are so complicated, maybe that's why membership dropped? Feels like I have to study to apply.

I'm interested in joining but not if its all stuffy and there is a dress code, I like to relax and go to the gym and play tennis, don't want to feel like I have a job interview everytime I want to exercise.

Your comments will be appreciated.

Cheers,

H

[beachroadlover2]

I've been there to see a band play so I was with the band and went in free. I think the fees are too high. Lots of ways to meet people. Browse facebook social groups and you'll never walk alone.

[planr]

The dress code depends on where in the "compound" you want to go... have a beer and eat poolside and you're good with shorts and sandals. Want a beer / meal in the Churchill Bar, you need to look a bit more dapper (and no cell phones!).

I do not think the application process is very rigorous if you have cash in hand, particularly if you're referred by a member. As an American, I'm actually eligible for a (non-voting type) membership, and when a member introduced me to the recruiting staff, they seemed very excited to talk with me.

[theoldgit]

I go there fairly regularly, though I'm not a member, I was there last night in fact.

As planr says the dress code depends where you are, if you are in the bar or the restaurant then you are expected to dress semi formally, smart casual.

The cell phone rule is enforced in the bar and restaurant, not a bad thing in my view.

The food is pretty good and reasonably priced as are the drinks.

I agree that the fees are pretty high, so you really need to use it, and the facilities, on a regular basis to make it cost effective.

I believe you do have to be interviewed, and your photo is on display as a prospective member, I don't believe the process is too arduous, in fact they welcome new members and would probably snatch your arms off.

I go there as a guest fairly regularly, I would join if I lived nearer.

[planr]

I agree that the fees are pretty high, so you really need to use it, and the facilities, on a regular basis to make it cost effective.

I go there as a guest fairly regularly, I would join if I lived nearer.

Just wanted to second this. I declined membership not so much on the fees themselves, but because I'm rarely in/around Silom and have no desire to spend more time there. Now if I could only skip to the head of the line at RBSC

[Happee]

Thanks for the replies, every one.

The fee's I don't really consider that high if you compare the fee's to the cost of other gyms in the area. There are a heap of gyms that have no courts or swimming pools and still cost the same if not more.

theoldgit, you said you go there as a guest - Can you only do that if you have been introduced? What is the cost of going as a guest rather than joining? I did not see that option anywhere.

Cheers,

[dantilley]

A member can bring guests to join him/her at the club. There's supposed to be a limit on the number of guests invited per year, but that rule seems to have been relaxed of late. All your food and beverages go on the member's monthly bill, they don't take cash payments normally.

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[Happee]

ok, thanks

[hotandhumid]

Is it full of posh people with their jumpers draping over their shoulders?

Mines a G&T old boy.

[theoldgit]

A member can bring guests to join him/her at the club. There's supposed to be a limit on the number of guests invited per year, but that rule seems to have been relaxed of late. All your food and beverages go on the member's monthly bill, they don't take cash payments normally.

That's indded how I have been there, either as a guest of a friend or a function.

I don't go there that often, otherwise questions might rightly be asked.

As dantilly says they don't normally take cash, though they sometimes have a cash bar for a function, so your food and beverages either get charged to your sponsors account or buy vouchers at reception.

[wordchild]

If your main concern is dress code then I wouldn't worry to much about that, smart cash covers all areas and then appropriate attire for whatever activity you are involved in. I would agree that if you are going to make use of the facilities, some of which have been recently upgraded then the membership is good value. Most people get accepted without interview I believe.

[wordchild]

sorry. above should read smart casual rather than smart cash, though smart cash could be useful as well!