The Reform Club in Manchester is a Grade II* listedStructure of particular architectural and/or historic interest deserving of special protection. former gentlemen’s club, dating from the Victorian era. Built in 1870–1871 in the Venetian Gothic style, it was designed by Edward Salomons.[1][2] The building is situated on the corner of King Street and Spring Gardens. The architectural historian Claire Hartwell considers the club Salomons’ “best city-centre building”.[2]
The Reform was constructed as a club for “Liberal gentlemen”. By the late 1950s membership had declined to such an extent that the club was forced to merge with another Manchester gentleman’s club, the Engineers Club, in 1967, forming the Manchester Club. Women were finally admitted as members in the 1980s, but membership continued to decline, and the club finally closed in 1987.[3]
The club was transformed into the Grand Pacific bar and restaurant in 2017,[4] and in 2022 it became the home of House of Books and Friends, an independent bookshop, cafe and events space.[5]
Architecture
The building is constructed of sandstone ashlarMasonry of squared and finely cut or worked stone, commonly used for the facing of a building. with polychrome dressings and a hipped slate roof. It is of three storeys with elaborate corner turrets, oriel windowsGlazed polygonal recess built out from the upper storey of a building. and balconies.[1] The main entrance has extensive masonry carving, with gargoyles and “winged beasts”. The interior contains a “fine” staircase, a two-storey main dining room, and a very large billiard room on the third floor, which runs the entire length of the building.[2] The hall and staircase have linenfoldStyle of relief carving used to decorate wood panelling, resembling linen with vertical loose folds. panelling.[1]