Touring One Of London's Oldest Clubs | Walking Tour With Simon Cundey

In today's video, Kirby is in London to meet his good friend, Simon Cundey, managing director of Savile Row tailors Henry Poole & Co. Simon, a member of the Royal Automobile Club, one of London's oldest and preeminent gentlemen's clubs, invites Kirby on a tour of its magnificent building, before the two of them head back out into London to walk up Pall Mall and St James's Street, discussing the historic shops along the way, and they make their way up to Savile Row and Henry Poole's shop.
For more information about Henry Poole & Co:
henrypoole.com/
For more information about the RAC club:
www.royalautom...
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WHAT KIRBY IS WEARING
Suit: Bespoke Eric Jensen at Sartoria Gallo New York made with Dormeuil Echo cloth.
Shirt: Charvet bespoke
Accessories: Kirby Allison Sovereign Grade Braces, Tie, and Socks
Shoes: Bespoke Gaziano and Girling
#walkingtour #london #kirbyallison
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[@danielhoven570]

In a world where so many of us are feeling disconnected from anything meaningful, it is comforting to enjoy a moment in this world of continuity and reassuring gentility.

[@varun009]

0:06 what an absolute gentleman! Realized you were filming and stepped off the pavement so as not to interrupt your shot. Gestures like these are seldom recognized so I'm compelled to point them out.

[@TheWarCorrespondent79]

I'm glad someone else noticed this! A very classy and respectful move!

[@painstruck01]

his shoes tell me he works in media. it was probably a reflex reaction 😅

[@clausandersen2856]

@@painstruck01 Ah, Sherlock?

[@daisybluegroff]

The production value of this channel is off the tie-pin chain. Nice one, Kirby.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! We put a lot of effort into it, for sure. Always striving to do better and we have fantastic filming and editing crews. It isn’t easy. Thank you!

[@spizzenergi2292]

I put this on the TV at home and the whole family watched from start to finish. They thought it was a BBC documentary. Excellent production.

[@lorrainechircop4411]

Simon Poole is such a gentleman. Having Simon take you and your team to visit his club and experience his personal appreciation for the craftsmanship within his stroll to work, such a hoot. Well done by the way... ❤️🇦🇺

[@clivejohnson9515]

Great video as usual, Kirby. A couple of things Simon didnt tell you (well, not on camera anyway!) was that the alleyway next to Berry Brothers and Rudd leads to Pickering Place, which is the smallest open public space in London, and was also the site of the last known duel in London. The American Bar at the Savoy even has a cocktail named after it. It also served as the location for what was the texan embassy until it joined the united States, hence the plaque that Simon pointed out! 🙂

[@LDacic]

Most interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

God Bless Texas

[@iAmDonCarlos87]

The quality of your content keeps getting better and better Kirby. Congrats.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! We endeavor to always increase the quality of our content! The best stuff we’re just now filming!

[@SimplyTakuma]

Love to see not only the stroll with Simon, but also see other people like Tom, the Lobbs ect. Such a joy!

[@professorpelotard7925]

Another absolute winner! The RAC is a beautiful place. I have never been invited so this was a bit of a revelation. During my 30 years in London I have had the pleasure of visiting several clubs as a guest; the Athenaeum, the Reform Club, the Oriental etc, but I have never been invited to become a member. I tend to take the Groucho Marx approach to this oversight on their part: "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member". Beautiful work Kirby, your production values are really up there! And Simon is a perfect co-host for something like this.

[@jyc313]

Haven’t had a chance to visit the Reform or Oriental, but was invited a few times to the Athenaeum. Charming club indeed. Was fortunate to be invited to the Jubilee lunch this past June. Cheers.

[@PeteNice29]

Marx understood his station.

[@ARlELATOM]

I don’t know how you have the energy to make these videos. I’m sure it must involve hours of work and filming. Hats off to you and the team

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

This oozes class and traditional, old-world gentry.

[@harrypalmer7169]

Another fascinating glimpse into a world where tradition and quality rule. In this throw away world it is heartening to see goods made to last generations.

[@Rich.Aardvark]

What makes me proud to be British is how humble these gentlemen are about their craftsmanship.

[@davidreddington4381]

27:00 I really enjoyed Kirby's reaction when he saw the plaque of the Republic of Texas

[@scottbrandon6244]

At 10:48. The outdoor sunlight really brings out the true colors in the suit cloths worn by Simon and Kirby.

[@chris-cole]

Mr Cundy really is a lovely host. Lovely, polite, softly spoken host. A brilliant video Kirby! Opening my eyes up to my own Capital City really is wonderful viewing 👍

[@NDCCwithTC]

Dear Kirby I think this has been vent very favorite video so far!!!! Mr Simon Pool is such a nice person and a TRUE gentleman!!!! God bless!!! TC

[@PeteNice29]

The sheer quantity of paint on the front of these older buildings is actually a point of beauty.

[@ARlELATOM]

What a wonderful video! Not many channels could hold my attention for over an hour

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jkranites]

The stories and production are incredible Kirby. Keep it up!!!

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

Simon is in the process of making me a suit. He's a very pleasant man and easy to deal with concerning the fabrication of my suit (I am a very particular client). I look forward to seeing him in two weeks when he and James, his associate come to Los Angeles for their Fall visit and my first fitting of my suit.

[@kirbyallison]

Tell him hello for me! He has a great team and makes one of the best bespoke suits in the world!

[@timcarpenter8526]

Kirby, We seem to be kindred spirits mon ami, both of us perfectly willing to uphold traditions that were dead or dying mostly before we were born. In a world such as this we could use more grace and etiquette. Thank you for your videos.

[@priestofpartagas]

This was a real treat to watch, Kirby! I've often wondered what lay behind those wooden swivel doors of the RAC! I had the great fortune of accompanying my good friend to a wine dinner at White's and it was an experience I'll never forget. Thanks for the magnificent, content! (Also, that suit you're wearing looks stunning!!)

[@selfrealized]

What a great man you are Kirby! Thank you so much for opening the doorway to finer things in life which I never knew existed.

[@philipklink5406]

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant. Thanks so much Kirby and Simon. Cheers!Phil

[@davidgray3321]

I am from the U.K. and have lived in London and I thoroughly enjoyed this, I have been to 4 of the London clubs, The Fly Fishers is lovely, very small and personal , and Whites of course perhaps the most famous.

[@Drdee1]

Broadcast quality video and audio combined with access to a world that most of us will never see. A winning combination!

[@roastbeef1010]

I have been waiting for a video of this sort(clubland) for a while. Superb quality, on par with a professional documentary!

[@meneurb]

Kirby thank you for sharing with us your experience ,you are so generous, have a nice day

[@pablobruning4508]

Being married to a Brit, I took special interest in this particular video, The Texas Legation plaque was also of interest to us as my wife and I lived in the DFW area while attending college. Thanks so much, Kirby,

[@stevenwilsondrummer5956]

Kirby, as usual you show us Brits what’s great about our Country. You’re a true gentleman. Thank you for showing us these hidden gems.

[@fethryduck]

He showed how rotten the UK is.

[@4115t41r]

Great tour with a great host, Mr Cundy is a knowledgeable friendly person.

[@BeckyB11]

There's such a richness to the video's production values. Fascinating content as well. Bravo, Kirby!

[@samruda23]

I am staying at the RAC next year (reciprocal with New York Athletic Club). Have used the club before and it is gorgeous. Lunch in the Long Bar is excellent. Another club with a pool and good fitness facilities is the Landsdown Club in Mayfair. Smaller and less grand but also very well appointed. I have learned a great deal from these walking tours. The one with Davidoff was especially helpful to learn the proper way to light a cigar.

[@PieterKleij]

Always loved the part in Moonraker where Bond was dining and playing cards in M's club Blades. Not an existing one, but was a mixture of existing ones. Blades is a fictional London gentlemen's club appearing and referenced in several of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, most notably Moonraker. Blades is situated on "Park Street" (correct name Park Place) off St James's Street, at the approximate location of the real-life club Pratt's. Boodle's, where Fleming himself was a member and which has a lineage similar to that of Blades (both being descended from the earlier Savoir Vivre Club) as well as having similar architecture. The Portland Club, which features bridge and where Fleming was a member, preferring the bridge games there because, as at Blades, they were played for high stakes. White's, with which (like Blades), Beau Brummell, Horace Walpole, and Edward Gibbon had some association and where M's real-life counterpart, Sir Stewart Menzies, was a member, and where Fleming too was a member until moving to Boodle's. Brooks's, located quite close to Blades, founded at the same time, sharing its emphasis on gaming and its association with the Hellfire Club, and providing at least one of the famous bets to be found in Blades's betting book.

[@MrVorpalsword]

Many of us are members of Blades, we tend to be Northern - it exists.

[@lulusbackintown1478]

So lovely to see the RAC pool again. Haven't been for so many years. Used the pool when I worked in Jermyn Street.

[@PzGren_1907]

It is a pleasure to watch your videos. I have always been fascinated by British culture and the way of life and with your channel it allows me to immerse myself more into this world. Thank you very much Mr. Kirby and I wish you continued success with your channel. Greetings from switzerland 🇨🇭

[@barryhollywood9186]

I’m a 30 year old man and you and Eddie Sahakian have got me into cigars. I’m going to have my first this month. Luckily I actually live near(ish) to Davidoffs so I’ll have to stop in there. I hope Eddie is in!

[@czarekp3552]

unless you plan on kissing Kirby, Eddie or anther cigar smoking golf club bar propping bore, instead of a woman, until lung cancer kills you, i wish you all the best

[@SwinburneSam]

With a name like that you will make it on the big screen.

[@safpsy]

Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers Of The Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale. Cigar Smoking Can Cause Lung Cancer And Heart Disease. Tobacco Use Increases The Risk Of Infertility, Stillbirth, And Low Birth Weight. Cigars Are Not A Safe Alternative To Cigarettes.

[@barryhollywood9186]

Thank you Sam - that’s my aim

[@barryhollywood9186]

@@safpsy I bet you’re fun at a party

[@3DGvisuals]

I'm English but I've just learnt about the Beadles of London from this American gent's video. Tremendous 😁

[@komteera7494]

Great video... Very very interesting club and all great craftmemships & shops from generations to generations! Thank you so much indeed!

[@cw4558]

I love this Kirby you need to do more videos on everything gentlemanly… fine cars, food, cigars, clothing, exotic places/ hotels etc. anything and everything luxury.. You are the perfect man for the job.. The word is changing into a cheap place. I think it would be better if we went back to the old way. I’m in my late 30s and I want to thank you for opening my eyes to this world.

[@ericresh3268]

Thanks for giving us a peek into places most of us will never get a chance to see. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@JP-ik3hr]

Thank you, Kirby. Probably my favourite video so far. I'm only 80 miles from London yet seldom venture there. A surreal experience having my native homeland, history and traditions illuminated on KZbin by an American! Thank you again.

[@RS-B5ZV]

I have often walked past this club and wondered what it was like inside. Very classy.

[@colinmasterson2260]

Another brilliant production and your guests as so at ease with you.. London tourism board should be looking to you as big up the city so much…

[@jimmieakesson6024]

Well done to you and your team here Kirby. Videography is great, and you are becoming more and more natural in front of the camera. Cheers!

[@ianwalls4976]

Amazing episode a great way to spend a great day out with friends thankyou kirby 👏

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

Looking at my John Lobb shoes right now. Stocklys-bench-made not custom made unfortunatey but still beautifully made and do I have a shine on them.

[@MD-01]

being out of character as a "constipated gentleman" seems like an excruciatingly painful and daunting task. I respect that effort and you've earned my like !

[@mentonish]

Its so nice to see this humble british tradition

[@outsidethematrix5053]

Great video from Kirby and his team! Kirby's videos and it's content directed me towards proper way of taking care myself in many ways including proper shaving and right way of developing taste for bespoke shoes and clothing.Amazing channel to be honest.Thank you sir.

[@Dakshmarwah]

Oh boy what a fantastic video yet again. Kirby your visits to England are an absolute for your viewers. Kudos to your production team aswell 👏🏽

[@strappernick9891]

Fascinating look at one of London's historic clubs! Thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at the RAC Kirby. Looking forward to more of your visits at the many other clubs.

[@dirtyunclehubert]

the world of gentlemens clubs is as it is impenetrable for most of us guys, just as fascinating. step in at any time of the day - no more business, no more nagging family life, no stress. a short time escape from the world with guaranteed only likeminded fellas - thats the marvel of these places - the guarantee to unwind and be in great company. hence the steep pricing and other access requirements in these places.

[@illunation]

His videos are a feast for your very eyes!

[@Theman26642]

Was there 2 weeks ago. They had the DB5 from No Time to Die. Lovely place.

[@MrRepublicking]

I often attend The Reform Club and generally like to read there with its vintage books on the shelves. However I haven’t been inside this club. It seems so much larger and amazing to even have an indoor pool; as well as being beautifully decorated inside. Thank you for showing the insights, as I have been very curious and interested about it’s history.

[@aaronholmes8568]

I would love to see you visit Northern Ireland, with our rich history of fine linen, quality cut glass and crystal, shipbuilding and possibly a visit to the Ulster Reform Club.

[@kirbyallison]

Actually looking at the linen history there. I am already aware of the rich history available to explore. Excellent mills, like Spence Bryson, and interesting history with places like Lisburn's linen museum, and the interesting visual history of the remnants of the industry along the rivers, like at Dromore, where the old weir and sluice gates still exist.

[@olivernjoku3110]

This channel is a wonderful experience.

[@russ9921]

I was measured for and bought an Optimo fedora when Optimo visited London. They are based in Chicago. Their founder takes a lot of care to source original hat making machinery from around the world. The hat arrived after about six months, is stunning quality and a perfect fit. Maybe you could do a visit to their factory, sometime, Kirby?

[@kirbyallison]

In the works!

[@benjaminharrisongray9079]

Losing the original silk top hat looms was one of the greatest tragedies in the history of all fashion. But I haven't given up hope yet that one day, miraculously, we will see its like again. Somehow, some way.

[@LDacic]

You have been absolutely killing it lately, Kirby. Thank you and well done!

[@fr.michaelsakran1076]

Thanks Kirby! I’m really looking forward to seeing your bespoke fragrance being made at Floris. They make great stuff! (I’m a big fan of their No. 89). Truefitt & Hill and Geo. F. Trumper are also up there in terms of traditional, well-made fragrances.

[@fawkes2109]

These wonderful videos offer an insight into traditional luxury nonpareil of any other videos on His Majesty’s internet

[@davemedlyn071]

It’s really getting a home from home for you. Thoroughly enjoyable film. Regards.

[@GamerNxUSN]

I have been watching this channel for a little over a week now, and I finally understand my wife's enjoyment of Austen period piece movies haha!

[@GamerNxUSN]

I wish my 20 something year old self cared about this stuff when I was there in 2008 with the Navy, although we did get to see wesminster abbey from the balcony of the methodist hall across the street. Bath was equally as beautiful. Whish we could have stayed longer.

[@rickevans8614]

Great episode Kirby. Maybe you should start a club in Dallas! They all start somewhere! Keep up the great content.

[@toddellerbrook5559]

Kirby, love ya brother. Great programs, information and Production of videos.

[@antonoat]

Fascinating history, thank you gentleman! 👏👍😀

[@bheinatz1]

Kirby, you are on fire, my man!

[@garybarton8261]

Utterly superb video. Wonderful

[@xM4XT0Nx]

Great watch, outstanding camerawork.

[@dontcomment6012]

Festival of speed is AMAZING

[@TailWheelsRock]

Great video. Just got back from London and enjoyed a number of places you have highlighted in your videos. I would love to see more great private clubs as a member of the Yale club in NYC we have many reciprocal clubs in London but I could not tell you which are good or not so we stay on Park Lane - would be great to see the other prominent clubs. Keep up the great work! As an aside and a man who enjoys good fashion, I was surprised to see how my well heeled friends in London spend their day in casual attire especially surprised to see the white trainers everyone is wearing. I felt a bit over dressed in my pradas but not in my converse! Depending of course where you go lol. But even Donovan’s Bar at Browns was much less dressy as it used to be!🎃

[@stevenplayford5803]

You can see how the formality has dropped over time as Kirby has become friends with a number of the folks featured.

[@henrylemelay5436]

Klopt:je kunt geen vriend zijn van de directeur,hooguit buiten de sociëteit 😅

[@alejandromalave6781]

What a plot twist when Mr thom appears 😍 the best of the surprise, it always better when you are together

[@RC-xp5zr]

Remarkable as always.

[@ak203]

Love the RAC, though surprised they let the cameras in.

[@bl00dhoney]

They probably lost a lot of members during the pandemic

[@tombarac8253]

I suppose that you don't have to lift a plate when sitting. Only if you are drinking while standing and maybe moving around you're supposed to raise a plate too. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Wonderful video, every minute was pure enjoyment.

[@vicentegregorio6476]

Excellent video, Kirby! Congrats!

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks a ton!

[@Robert-Downey-Syndrome]

Kirby reminds me of Dennis in Sunny when he tries to sound a bit more high brow than he actually is. 'Quite the tour' haha

[@beaversixniner]

This is fantastic 🎉

[@cayteowands]

Bring back hats✨ I wear a hat every day. It's elegant, it's polite & it's sexy on men & women

[@aronob]

I was also born on the wrong country, but legally worked my way to the right one and I’m loving it.

[@antoniogarza549]

Howdy all the way from Dallas Texas, I must say I think this show is the most eloquent and tasteful addition to a hard days of work over a glass of Brandy, coupled with an exquisite aged cigar. keep up the good work

[@kirbyallison]

My kind of ending to a day!

[@floundergearjam]

While I don't partake of Brandy, I do echo the sentiment. One of the most erudite channels on YT.

[@Alistair-d5n]

They walk amongst us different world I have to go to London sometime 🙂

[@jayb1108]

Really good conservative content … very nice contrast to what you otherwise see … almost from a different world and generation … love it as it shows how many different aspects there are to life 👍👍👍

[@niels9165]

Great video - love watching your London tours. I must compliment your suit - stunning! And with Milanese buttonhole? fine detail!

[@notheotherklaus]

How unpretentious and nice Simon Cundey is, wonderful to watch.

[@kiely4561]

Fred Dibnah a man known for his love of steam powered engines used to take his whole family on trips around the country in the 1980s on a early 20th century steam roller, must have been absolutely bone shattering lol

[@lukereynolds9907]

Fred was a proper man that's for sure 👏

[@jyc313]

Last time I was there (early July) as a guest they had Ayrton Senna’s Mclaren displayed on the oval floor. Amazing. I’ve always enjoyed the RAC - a bit more relaxed in recent years. I’ve only been in 4 clubs within London (all as a guest) - RAC, Athenaeum, Brooks’s, and White’s. Lunch at White’s was quite a special treat given its history and status. Cheers!

[@fowsitv3668]

Amazing video. pls can you share where can be purchased the double bottom blazer wore by tom Chamberlin... Stunning

[@ryanmead3939]

Fantastic content mr Allison.

[@nathaliedufour3891]

Elitist, snob, exclusive 🙂 it's what makes London special too ♥

[@christianmatheron6444]

Like every city in the world.

[@ericsmock6910]

Kirby is awesome. Would be nice to visit these places.

[@WoRLDs_CoLLiDiNG]

Kirby you really wanted that coffee - I know the feeling

[@ezequielmartinez3582]

Kirby would of been a loyalist back in the day 100%.

[@ARlELATOM]

Kirby, have you every heard of the Anacreontic Society? It is the gentleman’s club that basically is the origin of the American national anthem. It no longer exists. What a shame to no longer have this part of history. I’ve often thought you would be the man to restart the club. Just an idea 😄

[@scsmith4604]

That sounds great. Come into the club for a workout and then finish up at the long bar. I just looked up membership fees and this seems very reasonable compared to something comparable in the USA.

[@chunkychinn]

Hi again Kirby, you remember Pickett that I was telling you about. Well you filmed with "Pickett" right behind you its housed in Albany house, the whole of it, in Burlington Gardens, They also have a shop in Burlington Arcade. You film it right at the very end of the vudeo, several frames. Go in and view rhfinest luggage, cashmire and leather goods, you can even choose your own leather, just go in and see. Thankyou for another great tour, around my favourite part of London.