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Aspers is actually the nickname of the late John Aspinall, the legendary conservationist, animal park owner and founder of Aspinalls Club Limited. After serving in the Royal Marines at the end of World War II, John Aspinall went to Jesus College Oxford where he learnt, above all else, to play poker very well. In the 50's, John took advantage of a loop hole in the English law and gave Gaming Parties in London where 'Chemin de Fer' was played. He soon became England's best known gambler. In 1962 the gaming laws were changed and John, holding the UK’s first gaming licence, opened the famous Clermont Club in Berkeley Square. In 1972, John sold the club to concentrate on his two wild animal parks, Howletts and Port Lympne. In 1978 John opened Aspinalls Club just behind Harrods on Sloane Street. Although this small club had only six tables, it became very popular and a move was made in 1982 to the palatial Curzon House at 20 Curzon Street. In partnership with Sir James Goldsmith, Aspinalls went public two years later and was the single most over subscribed issue in the history of the USM [Unlisted Securities Market]. The present Aspinalls Club opened at 27 Curzon Street in 1992, amalgamating into No. 28 a few years later. John passed away in 2000. His eldest son, Damian, continues the family tradition and is one of the principal partners behind the development of Aspers.
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