As the saying goes, there's nowhere like home! After another 6 month stint in London, I am finally home in Kenya... sadly only for a week! It's quite funny that despite having a job, house and majority of my friends now in London, I still feel like I live a double life between there and Nairobi... although nowadays I rarely get much time back here.
Anyway, for obvious reasons, aside the weather, one of the things I really miss is our local country club - Muthaiga. It's a real colonial-era gem, from its pink and white colonnades, to the ancient animal heads hung from the walls of several beautifully maintained bars, to the 20,000-book library. It's steeped in charm and tradition. Standards are rigidly maintained, for example jackets and ties are compulsory for men in several rooms after 7:30 pm, no women are allowed in the Member's Bar ha ha... so old school, but you have got to love it - there are not many places left like this in the world!
We have grown up with the lovely staff there, they always welcome us back with such genuine hospitality... we even arrived yesterday for lunch and without ordering, the charming waiter arrived with pimms as he knew that was my parents Sunday tipple!!!!
Whatever you are in the mood for, the club has options to accommodate everyone. There is the formal traditional dining room, perfect for family Sunday lunches where the silver turkey trolley does the rounds - and is still carved with white gloves, or a much more relaxed swimming pool area called Pinks, where there is an open planned bar and tables and sun beds scattered around. There are games rooms, tennis and squash courts, a golf course and even rooms to stay. However, you do have to either be a member to use it or taken by a member. There are many benefits of joining as there are reciprocal clubs around the world, in London these include The Hurlingham Club and The RAC.
To me, Muthaiga Country Club is almost another home away from home, I have celebrated Christmas Day there for over 20 years and have many many happy memories.
If you are ever in Nairobi and get the chance to pop in for lunch or supper, it really is a secret gem that will transport you back into a bygone era.
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