Opened on May 24, 1874, the Bahia British Club celebrates 150 years this year, making it the oldest social club in Bahia and one of twenty in Brazil. The BBC was born out of inspiration from the European clubs of the time, a private place for socializing and entertainment dedicated to the discussion of business, politics and culture.
On Rua Banco dos Ingleses, overlooking the Baía de Todos-os-Santos, it received a visit from Queen Elizabeth in 1968 and was the second stop for the Salvadoran British royal family during their only visit to Brazil. On that occasion, the then 42-year-old King met the club.
The BBC's current chairman, lawyer Silvio Garces, shared in an interview Metro1 Unlike many traditional venues that cannot survive cultural, social and economic changes, how has the club been able to endure over the decades?
Disclosure/Bahia British Club
Silvio Garces explains that the space for club social discussions is “an environment aimed at conversations about different aspects”. According to him, these conversations are always accompanied by drinks, which may or may not be alcoholic, and the club has many options. “In addition, this place offers great cuisine and a stunning view of the Baía de Todos os Santos, following the same inspiration as the English clubs,” he said.
The club, which was mostly of English descent, no longer has British members and currently has 60 members. “We received a letter from the ambassador congratulating us and even saying that he would come to Bahia in the second semester to meet us. The ambassador came and recorded this. The longevity of the club contributed to a warm welcome, including from the English community. We also received a letter from the Manchester club,” he recounted.
