The Beefsteak Club (1735-1867, revived 1966 to present day)
While there are several versions of how the Sublime Society of the Beefsteaks (commonly called “The Beefsteak Club”) was founded, the goal of the club was clear: Eat steak. Each week members ate a meal of steak, onions, and baked potatoes, washed down with a cup of porter, followed by toasted cheese.
Members took an oath proclaiming, “So beef and liberty be my reward!” and donned blue coats and a waistcoat with shining brass buttons that proudly proclaimed “Beef and Liberty.” Members who became unruly they be bundled in a white sheet and taken from the room followed by another member carrying the official society sword. He would then be “brought back in the garb of penitence” (a.k.a. a table cloth).
