Benvenuto a Club di Londra — Italy’s home in the heart of London.
Founded in 1986, Club di Londra has consistently promoted cultural, social, business and economic interchange among its members, fostering meaningful connections across borders and sectors. Today, as ever, the Club provides a forum where distinguished personalities from the worlds of economics, politics, business, academia and the arts can meet, converse and collaborate.
In the evolving context of the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Club’s mission has acquired renewed significance. Its initiatives act as a bridge between the Italian and British communities, supporting dialogue, understanding and cooperation at a time when constructive engagement is more vital than ever.
Membership contributions sustain the Club’s activities, which include an active calendar of social dinners, talks, debates and events featuring prominent speakers from a wide range of industries. These gatherings offer members privileged access to insights, expertise and high‑level networking in an informal yet intellectually stimulating environment.
Club di Londra was established in London in 1986 by leading representatives of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK, including Charles Forte, Rocco Forte, Massimo Coen, Leonardo Simonelli, Carlo Colombotti, Paolo Filo della Torre, Giorgio Cefis and William Middleton.
The Club emerged from a desire to distinguish the Chamber’s institutional and operational activities from the more social and informal interactions that naturally developed among its network of entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists and professionals. From this need, a dedicated space for conviviality, discussion and exchange was born.
In its early years, the Club hosted a series of social events attended by members and notable guests, many of whom were invited to speak on topics of shared interest. Among the distinguished figures who have addressed the Club are Carlo Ripa di Meana, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Romano Prodi, Massimo d’Alema, Cardinal Cormac Murphy‑O’Connor, Sir Eddie George, Maurice Fraser, Boris Johnson, Enrico Letta, Carlo De Benedetti and Beppe Severgnini.
The Club’s first President was Massimo Coen, succeeded by Leonardo Simonelli, who served until March 2020. Sir Rocco Forte served from 2020 to 2024.
Today, the Club is honoured to have Prof. Michael Mainelli KStJ OMRI FCCA FCSI(Hon) FBCS as its President, guiding its continued evolution and relevance.