WORK will soon commence on 81 King Street, or as it is more fondly known, the old Reform Club, to transform it into a brand new restaurant and bar concept from Living Ventures, due to open in spring 2017.

...he hinted that Grand Pacific will nod towards the colonial splendour of Raffles Hotel, Singapore, in its heyday

The Grand Pacific project was close to the heart of Tim Bacon, founder of Living Ventures, who passed away in April following a long battle with cancer. After its former restaurant incarnation, Room, closed in 2015, Tim didn’t hesitate before seizing the opportunity to secure the venue when it came available. “I have admired this space for many years and have fond memories of it as Reform in the 90s,” he said at the time, “its history is fascinating and having been a hospitality establishment for nearly 145 years, we aim to successfully continue the tradition. It will be a sensitive and complimentary upgrade, as I’m keen not to lose any of the character which oozes through this space.”

Living Ventures have appointed designer Michelle Derbyshire to undertake the renovation. Michelle has worked closely with Tim on a number of previous projects including Australasia and Artisan. Tim had already confirmed the plans before he died, so Jeremy Roberts, CEO and co-founder of Living Ventures, and his team are keen to ensure it is done sensitively in the way he wanted.

 
.Grand Pacific will open in the old Reform Club Spring 2017

We were invited on a tour around Manchester’s Reform Club to see the historic space stripped back to its original features before it gets transformed into Grand Pacific. Jeremy wasn’t giving much away on what changes are due to be made to this Grade II* listed building, but he hinted that Grand Pacific will nod towards the colonial splendour of Raffles Hotel, Singapore, in its heyday.

Hints can also be taken from the inclusion of a pineapple incorporated into the Grand Pacific logo. One can be seen on the main stone fireplace and also in the shape of the tumblers we were given to drink from. In ancient culture the pineapple was used as a symbol of welcome as well as good health and prosperity.

Clues can also be found in what has been removed from Room’s interior fit out – which is everything. Gone is the feature bar wall that held the optics and divided the room. Soon to be gone are the oversized lamp shades and custom made wallpaper. At the moment, the stripped out Reform Club is a glorious empty monument to the riches brought in from Manchester’s industrial era.

 
.Room closed in January 2015 - more here

The building began life as the Reform Club in 1871, a largely Venetian Gothic style Liberal Club. Its architect was Edward Salomons who also designed Manchester’s Jewish Museum. The stone exterior features elaborate turrets on the two front corners; sculptured panels, granite pillars and carvings writhing all over its surface, relief sculpture, finials, tile work and gargoyles – all symbolic of Manchester’s key position in the world of industry.

It was built as the city headquarters for the Liberal Party and prominent figures such as William Gladstone, Winston Churchill and Lloyd George all spoke from the first floor is a balcony. Behind the balcony is the magnificent dining room of the club with its huge oak ceiling.

Inside you’ll find an eight foot staircase made from rare pitch pine engraved with a range of relevant symbolism reflecting Manchester at the peak of its industrial powers; crossed cotton buds and sunflowers – a Victorian idiom which reflected the idea that wherever there was sun, Manchester was making money. Carved into the grand fireplaces, you’ll see sigils incorporating the three rivers of Manchester (Irwell, Irk and Medlock) and the only inland city allowed a coat of arms with a ship on it. The interior still holds mysteries that are waiting to be solved – preferably with a drink in your hand.

Grand Pacific opens in Spring 2017

 
 
.