A Historic Aberdeen Based Club
For over ninety years, Aberdeen’s business and professional community has gathered weekly to share ideas, debate the world and build lasting connections.
About the club
A Thursday tradition, ninety years in the making
Each Thursday from September to June, members gather at the Marcliffe Hotel for lunch, followed by a speaker who presents for around thirty minutes. Topics range across business, science, the arts, current affairs, and everything in between.
Once a month, the club invites a distinguished guest speaker. Every member speaks roughly once a year and is welcome to invite guests along. It is an environment that rewards curiosity. Lunch convenes at 12.00 for 12.30, with proceedings wrapping up around 2.00 pm. During the summer months, informal lunches are held fortnightly.
Nine decades of Aberdeen's intellectual life
Founded
The club was established with roots in The Rotary Club, with the aim of creating a forum for open discussion across business, science, the arts, and public affairs.
Growth years
Membership grew steadily, at times reaching around 200 members drawn from the professions and commercial life of Aberdeen and the surrounding region.
The oil era
As Aberdeen's economy transformed with North Sea oil, the club's membership reflected the city's evolving professional landscape.
Still going strong
The club continues its weekly Thursday meetings, now hosted at the Marcliffe Hotel, with around 45 members and 25 to 30 attending each week.
Membership is by invitation
Invitation only
Membership of the club has always been by invitation. New members are proposed by an existing member and welcomed into a network built on trust rather than open application. It keeps the room small, the conversation honest, and the connections worth having.
Weekly speakers
Every Thursday, members meet for lunch followed by a talk from one of their own. Topics range across business, science, current affairs and beyond. Each member takes their turn to speak roughly once a year, making for a programme shaped entirely by the room.
Guest speakers
Once a month, the club welcomes a distinguished guest speaker from outside its membership. These sessions draw larger audiences and often members' guests too, offering a broader view alongside the everyday exchange of ideas.
Gallery
Life at the club
Get in touch
Whether you are interested in membership or would like to attend a lunch as a guest, or simply want to find out more about the club, we are happy to hear from you.
Visit Us
The Marcliffe Hotel
North Deeside Road, Aberdeen, AB15 9YA
Email Us
abpclub@aol.comMeetings
Thursdays, 12.00 for 12.30pm
September to June