When I first heard the name of Phyllis Court Club, I was slightly confused. Who is, or was, Phyllis and what on earth did she have to do with a beautiful Edwardian house on the river at Henley-on-Thames?

As it happens, the word is actually a corruption of the old English name for a red rose ‘fyllis’, because one of those flowers was the nominal rent paid by the landowner John de Molyns to King Edward III in the 14th century.

It is just over a hundred years since the Phyllis Court private members club was built on that 18 acres of land, much of which stretches along the banks of the River Thames. The building overlooks the finishing line of the Henley Royal Regatta and it certainly does have a regal air about it, with impeccably kept croquet lawns, bandstand and pavilion. But despite all that history, its general manager, Stephen Taylor, is busy focusing on some extremely contemporary issues.

For instance, since he arrived to take charge two years ago, its 3,000 members have invested around £1.6m refurbishing the interior in a classic but chic style.

Although Phyllis Court is a club and therefore not generally open to the public, there are a number of party nights in the festive season when it welcomes non-members. Each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in December, there’s a three-course dinner, including half a bottle of wine per person and disco until 1am, on offer for £39.50 a head. There’s another way to take advantage of the club’s charms. It has 17 hotel rooms and anyone who stays is automatically granted temporary membership status.

Alternatively, if you feel like giving yourself a Christmas present, according to Stephen the club welcomes new members and the £520 fee (£840 for joint membership) is softened by the fact that it includes a 40 per cent discount on rooms.

One of the best things about Phyllis Court is the heavily subsidised and excellent food and drink and, since room rates are extremely reasonable at £85 a night, it makes a good choice for a special night out.

Stephen is particularly proud of the food that is served and his other burning ambition is for the club to win three AA rosettes within the next couple of years. With this in mind, six months ago he brought in chef Greg Lewis,, who has an impressive CV which includes working at three-Michelin-starred Arzak restaurant in Spain.

Greg describes his style of cooking as “modern British with a slight French twist” and has strict criteria for where and how he sources the raw ingredients for his kitchen. He insists on personally inspecting all the farms and producers he buys from and uses only ethically reared and slaughtered meat and sustainable fish.

Phyllis Court Club, Marlow Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2HT. 01491 570500 www.phylliscourt.co.uk