1936 Shaking in the 60's by Eddie Clarke

Forces as a Gunner Captain. The war being over I then joined the seething masses and became one of the normal ingredients thrown back into civilian life. Within two weeks I was back with my old pal, the "Shaker", and in charge of the Cocktail Bar at the Royal Clarence Hotel, Exeter. Confidence restored, like Dick Whittington I again ventured into the City of London and took over at the Albany Club where I remained until Christmas bells rang out in 1953. There would not be room in this book to list the personalities and celebrities who lingered at this Bar during seven very happy years. It was at that time the meeting place of the famous. And most memorable of all was the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and on another occasion. Lord Louis Mountbatten. But time marched on, and events kept pace. Early in January 1954 I opened my own place—The Albemarle Club in the heart of London's Mayfair. This ambition at last achieved was marred by sadness at the closing, within a few months, of the famous old Albany Club. But it can now safely be said that to some extent the Albemarle in its Regency House surroundings has taken the place ofthe Albany and has grown up to be the new rendezvous for the personalities of the day. One can always find mingled together at the bar celebrities from all careers in life, probably including an English cricketer, a journalist, a Harley Street physician, or an actress. In the restaurant, enjoying the really excellent cuisine, there will be perhaps membersofParliament,chatting quietly and earnestly over lunch, or a prominent actor reading his script at a corner table. Laterin theevening atdinner before the theatre there may be a family party, or even a star or television person ality having a quick ^upper before appearing themselves. Towards midnight the restaurant echoes with the happy

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