Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, was spotted leaving Harry's Bar, an exclusive private members' club in London's Mayfair, on Wednesday afternoon after spending several hours there while MPs debated the energy and vehicles taxation bill in the House of Commons. The bill, which Farage had previously branded a 'lunatic green levy' in March, was undergoing its second reading when Farage opted to attend a Jewish charity lunch at the venue instead.
Timing and Details of Farage's Visit
Farage arrived at Harry's Bar around 12:15pm for the charity lunch and was photographed leaving at 3:09pm, accompanied by four security guards and driven away in a Range Rover. The second reading of the energy and vehicles taxation bill began at 2:38pm, meaning Farage missed the entire debate. This marks his third visit to a high-end private members' club in the past month.
Cost and Exclusivity of Harry's Bar
Membership at Harry's Bar costs £3,750 per year, with an additional £1,850 joining fee. The club, a favorite of celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham, features an upscale Italian restaurant where dishes include £40 steak tartare, £32 thinly-sliced veal, and £28 tomato salad. The dress code requires 'elegant' attire, banning leather garments and pale denim. The club's website boasts it is 'one of the most elegant and sophisticated private members' clubs in London.'
Criticism from Labour and Shadow Defence Minister
Earlier that day, Labour MP Richard Burgon criticized Farage for failing to attend a Westminster Hall debate on MPs acquiring second jobs. Burgon noted that Farage earns £22,500 per hour promoting a gold dealer, pushing his second job earnings to nearly £2 million in two years since the general election. Shadow defence minister Mark Francois also condemned Farage's absence from defence debates, calling him a 'plastic patriot' who 'wraps himself in the flag' but fails to show up for crucial discussions.
Previous Instances of Fine Dining Over Politics
This is not the first time Farage has chosen luxury venues over parliamentary duties. Last week, he attended a Brexit anniversary celebration at the upscale French restaurant Saint Jacques while MPs debated defence spending. Earlier last month, he retreated to Oswald's, another private members' club, after being booed in the Commons for urging supporters to react with 'pure cold rage' over the murder of university student Henry Nowak. That incident drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said Farage had shown 'exactly who he is' and accused him of exploiting a grieving family.
Farage's Attendance at PMQs
Before heading to Harry's Bar, Farage attended Prime Minister's Questions, sitting next to Reform MP Lee Anderson. He nodded as Anderson spoke about nurses being replaced by illegal immigrants in an HMO. Shortly after, he left for the club. Reform UK was approached for comment but did not respond.
