The Athenaeum Liverpool

The Christmas Social - The Presidential Pub Quiz
2023-12-08 18:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us for our Christmas Social Evening from 6:00pm in the Newsroom.
A great way to meet more of your fellow members, guests will be gathering from 6:00pm in the Newsroom.
Past President Dr Rob Huxley will be running ‘the Presidential Pub Quiz’ during the evening at what will be a light hearted and enjoyable evening in the Club. Bring your team along and challenge the gray matter as you compete for the ‘grand prize’!

Arrivals: 6:00PM
Drinks Reception from : 6:30pm-7:00pm
Buffet Served: 7:00pm-7:30pm
The Presidential Pub Quiz: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Last Orders: 11:00pm
Tickets for the event cost £35.00 inclusive of drinks reception, Christmas buffet and entry to the quiz.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or with the Concierge.

Athenaeum Festive Afternoon Tea
2023-12-09 12:30 - 15:00, 2023-12-16 12:30 - 15:00
It’s our signature Afternoon Tea with a Christmas twist – don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy our luxurious selection of savouries & pastries, themed especially for Yuletide.
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea and a glass of fizz in your Club.
Tickets are £39.99 per head. Book here to directly through the Concierge.

Viking Women - a queen, a slave and an axe murderer (Literature & History Group)
2023-12-12 14:00 - 15:00
Literature & History group (joint meeting) – Tuesday 12th December 2023 – 2pm in the Library Reading Room
A talk based on the stories of 3 women from the Icelandic sagas, comparing the saga with the archaeological record to assess how realistic a picture the saga presents.
There is no need to book for this interest group meeting, simply turn up and enjoy.

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: It Happened on 5th Avenue
2023-12-13 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 13th December. The programme is being finalised by facilitator Dr Ian Cubbin and will be published shortly, though the dates for this seasons film nights can be found below. Guests gather in the Newsroom from 6:30pm ahead of supper at 7:00pm. The cinema will then open in the Wine Servery at 8:00pm. Sweets and treats will of course be served in the interval!
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Wednesday evening’s at 6:30pm
11th October – Laughter in Paradise (1951)
15th November – Major Barbara (1941)
13th December – It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
17th January – Murder She Said (1961)
21st February – Hobson’s Choice (1954)
20th March – Irish Film Night! (Audience choice of three)
17th April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)

The Athenaeum Christmas Dinner
2023-12-15 12:30 - 18:00
Join the President in raising a glass to toast to a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year at the Club’s Annual Christmas Dinner.
Guests will be gathering in the Newsroom from 12:30pm for a glass of fizz ahead of a hearty Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings at 1:00pm in the Dining Room.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge

Games Group
2023-12-16 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-13 13:00 - 17:00
Who is the group for?
Members of all levels of ability who are interested in playing games and socialising. We are a very relaxed group and no past experience is required.
What games do we play?
Bridge, diplomacy, chess, mahjong, and more!

Friday game & dinner
Fancy dining in the club and a chance to socialise while learning a new game? We will meet at 18:00 in the Reading Room and break at 19:00 for dinner. We resume our game by 21:00 and finish at 22:00. For those who do not have to rush home we can enjoy a night cap in the Newsroom before the club closes at 23:00. Book with reception and make it clear you are joining the Games Group.
Saturday games
If you are in the club on a Saturday why not join in one of the games we will be playing in the Newsroom? We meet at 13:00 and play until 15:00. If you wish you might like to order something to eat from the Newsroom menu.

Date
Event
Meet*

16 Dec 2023
Saturday games
13:00 NR

5 Jan 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

13 Jan 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

2 Feb 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

17 Feb 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

1 Mar 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

16 Mar 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

13 Apr 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

3 May 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

18 May 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

7 Jun 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

5 Jul 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

13 Jul 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

*NR = Newsroom, RR = Library Reading Room

Christmas Informal Dining
2023-12-20 18:00 - 20:00
Christmas Informal Dining: Wednesday 20th December, service from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
The last dining opportunity of the year is the ever-popular Christmas Informal Dining.
The Dining Room will be open from 6:30pm with slots available until 8:00pm. There is limited space for each slot so book fast to get your preferred dining time. If you wish to join the club table, a 7:30pm dining slot has been reserved.
A delectable a la carte menu will be available for guests to choose from on the evening.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Christmas Closure
2023-12-22 16:00 - 2024-01-03 10:00
The Club will close for the festive period from 4:00pm on Friday 22nd December, and reopen at 10:00am on Wednesday 3rd January.

May we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Theatre Group Outing: The Woman In Black
2023-12-30 14:00 - 17:00
The Theatre Group will be visiting the Playhouse on December 30th to watch The Woman In Black.
Tickets are available from £26, to be collected from the Concierge in advance.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLUB WILL CLOSE FOR CHRISTMAS FROM FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE YOUR TICKET BEFORE THIS DATE.
Book you place now by 9th December through the Members’ Area or via the Concierge.
“The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter.”
Daily Telegraph
The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story THE WOMAN IN BLACK returns to Liverpool this Christmas, direct from London’s West End, after an incredible 33 year run at the Fortune Theatre.
The Woman in Black brilliantly delivers atmosphere, illusion and horror! Experience the thrill and excitement of this critically-acclaimed international theatre event that has been seen by over 7 million people worldwide, and continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
“Guaranteed to chill the blood.”
Evening Standard

Friday Evening Dining
2024-01-05 18:00 - 20:00
At least once a month the Club hosts Friday Evening Dining, where the Dining Room is open to members on a Friday Evening.
Typically this will take place on the first Friday of the month, though where this is not possible it will be moved to another Friday.
The Dining Room will be open from 6:00pm for table bookings with slots every 15 minutes until 8:00pm. If you would like to join our Club table, which dines at 7:30pm, please stipulate this when booking.
You can book for Friday Evening Dining now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Literature Group
2024-01-09 14:00 - 15:00
The Literature group meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm in the Library Reading Room – any alterations will be notified in good time.
There is no need to book for this interest group meeting, simply turn up and enjoy.

Speaker to be announced in due course.

Visit Your Library - Library & Archives Group
2024-01-13 11:30 - 13:00
Hear about the history of the Library, the stack area, the catalogue, and some special works from the Committee Room.
Lunch will be available in the Newsroom – pre-booking only.

Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Murder She Said
2024-01-17 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 17th January. The programme is being finalised by facilitator Dr Ian Cubbin and will be published shortly, though the dates for this seasons film nights can be found below. Guests gather in the Newsroom from 6:30pm ahead of supper at 7:00pm. The cinema will then open in the Wine Servery at 8:00pm. Sweets and treats will of course be served in the interval!
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Wednesday evening’s at 6:30pm
11th October – Laughter in Paradise (1951)
15th November – Major Barbara (1941)
13th December – It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
17th January – Murder She Said (1961)
21st February – Hobson’s Choice (1954)
20th March – Irish Film Night! (Audience choice of three)
17th April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)

The Athenaeum Sketching Group
2024-01-20 12:00 - 14:00
Happy New Year From The Athenaeum Sketching Group! We are now meeting on a Saturday, with the next meeting planned for Saturday 20th January (12:00pm-2:00pm) when our President will be modelling for us in the Newsroom!
All members, guests and skill levels are welcome to attend, there is is no need to book in advance simply turn up with your sketching materials and enjoy.

Burns Night
2024-01-26 19:00 - 23:30
Our Annual nod to the Scottish Bard, ‘Rabbie Burns’! Join us for bagpipes, haggis, neeps, and tatties as we enjoy four courses and ever-enjoyable speeches at the popular Burns Night gathering.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

A copy of the menu and event schedule can be found below. Should you have any dietary requirements please provide these at the point of booking.

Starter
Cock-a-leekie soup
(Barley and vegetable soup Ve)
Intermediate
Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon, horseradish crème fraiche, beetroot
Breaded Crowdie, sweet and sour beetroot(v)
Main Course
Haggis, Neaps and Tatties
Haggis, Neaps and Tatties(v)
Dessert
Wild berry Cranachan (v)

Event Schedule:
Reception Drink: 7:00-7:30pm
Dinner & Speeches: 7:30-10:00pm
Newsroom Bar will be open until Midnight this evening, with last orders called at 11:30pm.

History Group - History of Bidston Lighthouse with Dr Stephen Pickles
2024-01-30 14:30 - 16:30
History of Bidston Lighthouse with Dr Stephen Pickles – 2:30pm in the Reading Room, Tuesday 30th January 2024
“An illustrated talk about the history of Bidston Lighthouse, the flag signals on Bidston Hill and the Liverpool-Holyhead semaphore telegraph, from 1763 to 1913. (This talk will expand the talk on the history of the lighthouse that Dr Pickles gave to the Liverpool History society in September last year.)

Book now via the Member’s Area or through the Concierge.

Ladies Lunch
2024-01-31 12:30 - 15:00
Now that the festive season is behind us and we move into January it’s great to have things to look forward to. In that spirit we are very pleased to confirm that our popular Ladies Lunches are returning on the 31st January and it would be great to see as many of our lady members as possible attending.
So, please come along if you would like to :

Catch up with old friends
Make some new friends
Enjoy a lovely lunch
Hear at first hand an update from our General Manager and get answers to your questions

The event will start at 12.30pm with a pre lunch aperitif and canapes followed by a two course meal and coffee.
Ladies, please consider bringing a guest, particularly those who may be interested in joining the Athenaeum. The cost of the lunch will be reimbursed for any lady accepted for membership by 30th June 2024 and there will be a gift for you.

Ticket Price: £27.50
To book, please go to the Website or contact the Concierge at: concierge@theathenaeum.org.uk
Book your place now via the website or directly through the Concierge.

Library & Archives - Trace Your Share Number
2024-02-03 11:30 - 13:00
Examine ways to find and trace the previous holders of your share!

Lunch will be available in the Newsroom, guests are asked to pre-book their meal on the day in advance of the meeting.
Book your place via the Members’ Area now or through the Concierge.

Sydney Gibbes: Tutor the Tsarevich
2024-02-06 14:00 - 16:00
Proprietor Ann Bates will be talking about her relative Charles Sydney Gibbes (1876-1963). An English teacher from Yorkshire, Gibbes was hired by the Tsarina Alexandrova to improve her children’s English. He stayed with the imperial family through the Russian Revolution, returning to England after their murder. His fascinating life has been the subject of several books including J C Trewin’s Tutor to the Tsarevich. Ann will draw ion this and other sources to shed an unusual light on one of the most written-about episodes in history.
Ticket price TBC.

'I Type, I Die', Murder Mystery Evening
2024-02-09 18:00 - 22:30
It is 1987 and in the splendid surroundings of Liverpool’s Athenaeum Club, a group of crime writers and their guests gather for an evening of celebration. Unfortunately, at their last convention, one of their number died in mysterious circumstances. Your mission, if you choose to take it, is to uncover the events leading to his demise and name his murderer.
We are pleased to welcome Wirral-based company The Assassin’s Breed to present this intriguing and entertaining event at the Athenaeum as part of this year’s Presidential programme.
The entertainment will begin with a short presentation describing the grisly events. Guests can then help themselves to the delicious buffet provided by our chefs and settle down to enjoy it in groups of 4-6 around the Newsroom. Members of the company (suspects) will join you to discuss the murder. This is your chance to quiz them and work out ‘whodunit’. If your table gets it right, you can win a prize.
Later, the suspects will be gathered together and the murderer revealed.
Join us to while away a winter evening in the warm and friendly atmosphere of your club, enjoying good food and company while you exercise your ‘little grey cells.’
6.00: Arrivals in the Newsroom
6.30: Welcome and presentation
7.00: Buffet and your chance to meet the suspects
Circa 9.30: The denouement
10.30: Last orders at the bar
Dress Code: ‘Dress to Impress’ in the spirit of the 1980s. Although this is not strictly a formal event, we encourage black tie for the gentlemen.
Price £35.
Book via the website or at reception.

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Hobson's Choice
2024-02-21 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 21st February. The programme is being finalised by facilitator Dr Ian Cubbin and will be published shortly, though the dates for this seasons film nights can be found below. Guests gather in the Newsroom from 6:30pm ahead of supper at 7:00pm. The cinema will then open in the Wine Servery at 8:00pm. Sweets and treats will of course be served in the interval!
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Wednesday evening’s at 6:30pm
11th October – Laughter in Paradise (1951)
15th November – Major Barbara (1941)
13th December – It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
17th January – Murder She Said (1961)
21st February – Hobson’s Choice (1954)
20th March – Irish Film Night! (Audience choice of three)
17th April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)

History Group - An Introduction to Environmental History with Dr D. Chester
2024-02-27 14:30 - 16:30
An Introduction to Environmental History with Dr D. Chester
2:30pm in the Reading Room, 27th February 2024
“Although having some precursors in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, environmental history essentially grew out of the conservation movement of the 1960s. It seeks to examine the historic impact of people on the planet and uses not only conventional archival source materials but also information from archaeology and from so-called sedimentary archives, with information being extracted using techniques that include pollen analysis, chemical markers, magnetic signatures and radiometric dating techniques.
In this lecture, the scope of environmental history will be illustrated using three examples: the use and abuse of the Earth during the Holocene (i.e. the last 10,000 years), human impact on the landscape of southern Europe and the environmental disaster which is represented by the history of Easter Island.”
Book now via the Member’s Area or through the Concierge.

Dinner with Professor Geoff Gill - The Birth & Growth of Tropical Medicine in Liverpool
2024-02-28 18:30 - 22:30
We are delighted to be joined by Professor Geoff Gill of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine who will be joining us on Wednesday 28th February for dinner, where he will be giving a talk on ‘The Birth & Growth of Tropical Medicine in Liverpool’.
Professor Gill is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where he previously held the post of Professor of International Medicine. He has had a major interest in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in tropical environments, with associated research projects in South Africa and Ethiopia. At the LSTM he has for many years been involved with research into and clinical care of former Far East prisoners of war (POWs). In recent years he has led medical history enquiries into Far East imprisonment, resulting in two recent books – Captive Memories and Burma Railway.
Professor Gill will share with us some of the results of his pioneering work with the Far East POWs, as well as reflecting on the history of the LSTM from its foundation in 1898 by Sir Alfred Lewis as the first institution of its kind in the world to the present day, as it continues to lead the world in research and education.
Professor Gill’s talk will be followed by a three course meal in the Dining Room, after which you can relax in the Newsroom until the club closes at 11.00 pm.
Schedule
6.30: Arrivals and welcome
7.00: Talk
8.00: Dinner
10.30: Last orders
You can book now for this fascinating evening on the members’ area of the website or directly at reception. If you have any dietary requirements please highlight this upon booking or in advance of the event.

Menu
Starter
Ham and Black pudding bon bon
Brambley apple sauce
Glamorgan bon bon (V)
English mustard emulsion
-oo0oo-
Main Course
Sole Veronique
Spinach mousse, white wine and grape sauce
-oo0oo-
Lancashire Butter pie (V)
Pea puree, roast shallot
-ooOoo-
Dessert
Pinacolada Trifle (V)

Library & Archives - How Anne Boleyn helped J.R.R Tolkein to write The Hobbit
2024-02-29 17:30 - 19:30
Proprietor Dr Chris O’Neill will be speaking about works that he has discovered in the Athenaeum Library.
These meetings are open to all Athenaeum members and supper is available if pre-booked with reception.

Literature Group
2024-03-05 14:00 - 16:00
A small unsigned portrait in the Reading Room, presented by Proprietor J. Paul Rylands in 1906, depicts Canon Abrham Hume. Who was he and why do we have his portrait? Proprietor Ralph Marsh will be sharing with us the fruits of his research into this fascinating cleric, writer and antiquarian.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to Proprietors.

Poetry Evening
2024-03-09 18:30
Saturday 9th March – 6.30. pm
Following the success of our first Athenaeum Poetry Evening in November, we are celebrating (one day late) the birthday of William Roscoe, poet and founder member of our club, with an evening of poetry and music.
This time we will include both poets reading their own work and readings of favourite poems by others. Guest performers include Paul Rowland, Hilary Walker and Robyn Moore. Proprietors Tim Ward, Ieuan Cligwri and Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes will read their own work and we also expect contributions from our President, Paul Burns, and our Chair, Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips. If you too write poetry and would like to perform one of your poems – or if you would just like to share a favourite poem – there will be an ‘open mic’ slot as well. Please let us know before the event if you want to read.
There will be live folk music, from members of Pentland Brig and a substantial warming buffet prepared by our chefs. The Newsroom will be set out ‘cabaret style’ so that you can eat at your leisure and have a drink or two while enjoying the poetry in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
Book now for a night of comedy, emotion, song, surprises and a warm Athenaeum welcome.
6.30 Music as you arrive
7.00 Poetry
7.45 Buffet served and more music
8.15 More poetry
9.00 Carry on drinking and chatting until closing time (last orders 10.30)!
The dress code for this event is smart casual (no jeans or trainers).
Cost £35.

Buffet Menu
Steak and Mushroom Pie
Peppered Pork Escalope
Roast vegetable, spinach and cream cheese lasagne
Plaice Goujons
Fried potatoes with peppers and red onion
-0-
Selection of Chefs Salads
-0-
Mixed Leaf
-0-
Selection of Breads
Black forest gateaux
-0-
Fruit Salad

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Irish Film Night
2024-03-20 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 20th March. The programme is being finalised by facilitator Dr Ian Cubbin and will be published shortly, though the dates for this seasons film nights can be found below. Guests gather in the Newsroom from 6:30pm ahead of supper at 7:00pm. The cinema will then open in the Wine Servery at 8:00pm. Sweets and treats will of course be served in the interval!
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Wednesday evening’s at 6:30pm
11th October – Laughter in Paradise (1951)
15th November – Major Barbara (1941)
13th December – It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
17th January – Murder She Said (1961)
21st February – Hobson’s Choice (1954)
20th March – Irish Film Night! (Audience choice of three)
17th April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)

The Annual Dinner
2024-03-22 18:30 - 23:30
Members and guests are invited to attend the premier event in the Club calendar, the Annual Dinner. Join the President, Dr Paul Burns, in the Newsroom from 6:30pm for drinks before dinner at 7:30pm.
The speech givers for this event are listed below:
Toast to the Athenaeum – Lady Dodd
Response – Dr Paul Burns, President of the Athenaeum
Toast to Our Guests – Professor George king, Vice President of the Athenaeum
Response – Mr John Scott of the Savile Club, London.

Menu
Starter
Ballantine of Wild Salmon, Garden Herbs, Tarragon & Parsley Emulsion, Tomato Tapenade
-ooOoo-
Spinach & Carrot Beignets (Ve)
Cream Cheese Mousse, Tomato Concasse

Main Course
Roast Sirloin of Angus Beef, Pithivier of Minced Beef & Horseradish
Panache Of Vegetables, Parmenter Potatoes, Red Wine Sauce
-ooOoo-
Cauliflower Steak (Ve)
Peppered Red Wine Jus, Roast Stuffed Tomato

Dessert
Chocolate Crunch Bavarois
Dark Cherry Compote
-ooOoo-
Cheese And Biscuits
Selection Of English Cheese
Biscuits And Fruit

Please note this event is black-tie.

Event Schedule
Reception from 18.30 to 19.30
Dinner Service from 19.00 to 21.30
Last Orders in the Newsroom at midnight.
Club Closes at 00:30.
