The National Liberal Club was established in 1882 by William Ewart Gladstone. It was designed to provide facilities for Liberal Party campaigners. William Digby acted as secretary of the Club until 1887.

The National Liberal Club held a banquet for Dadabhai Naoroji in 1888 to mark their disapproval of Lord Salisbury's comments that the electorate was not ready to elect a 'blackman'. Over the years a number of Indian visitors frequented the club.

The National Liberal Club still operates in London as a gentleman's club, but is now open to women.