The Athenaeum Liverpool

Library & Archives - How Anne Boleyn helped J.R.R Tolkein to write The Hobbit
2024-02-29 17:30 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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 Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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.

History Group - History of the Walker Art Gallery with Mrs Christina Clarke
2024-03-26 14:30 - 16:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
History of the Walker Art Gallery with Mrs Christina Clarke, in collaboration with the Athenaeum Arts Group
2:30pm in the Reading Room, 26th March 2024

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

Literature Group: Redfern by Herman Melville
2024-04-02 14:00 - 16:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Our Immediate Past President Dr Rob Huxley will be talking about this semi-autobiographical novel by the author of Moby Dick. The story of a young American on his first sea voyage, the novel is notable for its vivid and enlightening description of Victorian Liverpool.

Dinner with Mike Torpey, Grand National Preview
2024-04-05 18:30 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
April 5th 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
13th April 2024 will see the 176th running of the world’s greatest steeplechase – the Randox Grand National – at Aintree Racecourse.
To mark the event we are welcoming local journalist and Grand National expert Mike Torpey, who will talk to us about the history of this event, which has been central to the life of our city – and many of our Proprietors – since it was first held a few miles away from the club.
Mike Torpey is a distinguished author and journalist specialising in cars and horses. For many years he was the Liverpool Echo’s racing correspondent and tipster. He is a knowledgeable and very entertaining speaker. Expect to learn new facts about the race as well as fascinating (and sometimes scurrilous) stories about horses, jockeys, bookies and punters. You might even come away with a tip for the big race.
Join us for a celebration of one of the biggest events of the year. Mike’s talk will be followed by a delicious three course meal prepared by our Executive Chef (menu to be published soon).
The dress code for this event is ‘lounge suit’ (jackets and ties for gentlemen).
6.30: Arrivals and welcome
7.00: Mike Torpey on the Grand National
8.00: Dinner (menu tbc)
10.30: Last orders
Tickets: £35
Book your place now through the Members’ Area of the website or directly with Reception.

An Evening with Sally Wainwright
2024-04-19 18:30 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
An Evening with Sally Wainwright
April 19, 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Tickets: £35
On Friday 19th April we welcome BAFTA-winning television writer, director and producer Sally Wainwright to the Athenaeum.
From her early days at the University of York and the Leeds Playhouse, through The Archers, Coronation Street and At Home with the Braithwaites to her popular and critically acclaimed dramas Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley, Sally has established herself as one of Britain’s leading television writers. In recent years she has turned her hand to directing and now produces her own work. From detective shows to comedy to costume drama, her work attracts millions of viewers and her many fans at the Athenaeum will not want to miss the opportunity to meet her.
I am delighted that Sally has offered to take a break from her busy schedule to pop over from Yorkshire for a night at our club. Sally will be ‘in conversation’ with our Chair the esteemed broadcaster Roger Phillips. We will then enjoy a three course dinner in the Dining Room, after which we can relax in the Newsroom until closing time.
Do not miss the chance to meet one of the most successful (and nicest!) writers of her generation. Book early via the members’ website or at reception.
6.30 – Arrivals and welcome
7.00 – Sally Wainwright in conversation with Roger Phillips
8.00 – Dinner (menu tbc)
10.30 – Last orders

St George's Day Lunch 2024
2024-04-23 12:30 - 15:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
We celebrate St George’s Day with a delicious banquet in the Dining Room. Join us in the Newsroom from 12:30pm for reception drinks before a 4-course lunch including a selection of English cheeses and biscuits. White and red dress encouraged!
£35 per person
Menu
Starter
Cream of Mushroom & Thyme Soup
Main Course
Roast Beef Sirloin, Yorkshire Pudding
Traditional trimmings
Dessert
Strawberry Trifle

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: The Gay Divorcee
2024-04-23 18:30 - 22:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Tuesday 23rd April. 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)
Tuesday 23rd April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)*** originally wed 17th April

Reciprocal Celebration
2024-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Calling all Athenaeum members!
You are cordially invited to attend a celebration in the Library Reading Room on Friday 26th April, starting at 3:00pm. The occasion? Celebrating and learning more about the expansion of our reciprocal clubs list in recent months.
Join us for a glass of fizz before Proprietors Phillip Speakman and Philip Merry explain the who, what, where, why and how of this important expansion that has taken place and the work that they have undertaken on behalf of the Athenaeum. They will then take us on a whistle stop tour of the world, giving an introduction to these fantastic new clubs which are now accessible for our membership to enjoy!
This event is free of charge to Athenaeum members

History Group - History & Revival of the Liverpool Victorian Society
2024-04-30 17:30 - 19:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
History and Revival of the Liverpool Victorian Society
5:30pm in the Reading Room, 30th April 2024

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

Literature Group: Jane Austen & Everton
2024-05-07 14:00 - 17:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Dr Janet Hollinshead will talk about Jane Austen and her unexpected connection to Everton.
The novel Godmersham Park, by Gill Hornby, appeared in 2022. It is the story of Anne Sharp – the governess to Jane Austen’s niece who lived in Kent. It is surprising where the author’s notes can take a local historian – to the Athenaeum library and even to Everton.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to Athenaeum Members.

The Sir David Maddison Opera Prize 2024
2024-05-10 18:30 - 23:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
In association with the Royal Northern College of Music, we present the 2024 edition of the Sir David Maddison Opera Prize, where the brightest sopranos and contraltos of tomorrow compete to become The Athenaeum’s Artiste-en-Residence.
Attendees will enjoy operatic performances of the highest level before being guided to the Dining Room for a luxurious 2-course supper. After the winner is announced, the Newsroom bar will be open for the remainder of the night.
Book quickly to avoid missing out on one of the most opulent nights of the year.
Tickets: £50

History of Arts Group
2024-05-15 11:30 - 12:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The History of Arts group is back with a bang, returning to regular meetings after a long hiatus. This meeting will be in the Library Reading Room, Jutta Hesketh will talk about this interesting artist whose paintings can also be appreciated as historical documents of his own country.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge.

History Group
2024-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us for another meeting of the History Group.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge.

Athena Dining Evening
2024-05-24 18:30 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Set to be one of the most glamorous nights of the year, the Athena Dining Evening is all about elegant service, and luxury cuisine in the magnificent surroundings of the Committee Room.
Attendees will enjoy a reception drink in the Library Reading Room before taking their seats in the Committee Room for a 4-course dinner, complete with tea & coffee (find full menu details below). The Newsroom bar will then be open for the remainder of the evening.
Book now through the Member’s Area or directly with the Concierge.
Tickets: £100

Starter
Seared Scottish Scallop
Cauliflower Parfait, Keta Caviar
-ooOoo-
Intermediate
Vadouvan Spiced Sweetcorn Volute
Pickled Red Onion, Succotash
Main Course
Fillet Rossini
Duck Parfait, Spinach, Truffled Wild Mushroom
Celeriac Puree
-ooOoo-
Dessert
Passion Fruit Pannacotta
Mango Salsa
-ooOoo-
Tea or Coffee

Event Schedule
Welcome Drinks & Canapés – 6:30pm in the Library Reading Room
Guests guided to Committee Room – 7pm
Dinner Served – 7:05pm
Newsroom Open after dinner – 10pm to 11pm

Dinner with Spencer Leigh
2024-05-30 18:30 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
On Thursday 30th May we welcome local author and journalist Spencer Leigh to the Athenaeum.
In his younger days Spencer was an actuary for Royal Life and wrote about music in his spare time. He has written 25 books and hundreds of sleeve notes. He is proud to have reached No. 1 with the soundtrack album for Heartbeat, although (he says) of course nobody bought it for his sleeve note. His latest book is on Little Richard.
Spencer is one of the world‘s leading experts on Merseybeat and the Beatles and has a fund of stories about the time when Liverpool was the centre of the pop music universe, as well as about musical legends from both Britain and America. In his talk, entitled In My Anecdotage, Spencer will tell us about some of the personalities he has interviewed over the years.
Following the talk we will enjoy a three course dinner in the Dining Room, after which we can relax in the Newsroom until closing time.
Do not miss the chance to get a unique insight into the world of pop and rock from someone who was there.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Tickets: £35

Menu
Starter
Classic Prawn Cocktail
Marie Rose Sauce
-ooOoo-
Breaded Brie (V)
Onion Compote
Main Course
Coq au Vin
French Beans, Sauté Potato
-ooOoo-
Wild Mushroom Crepe Gratin (V)
Truffled Spinach
Sauté Potato
Dessert
Black Forest Cheese Cake

Event Schedule
6:30pm – Arrivals and welcome
7:00pm – In My Anecdotage: a talk by Spencer Leigh followed by Q & A.
8:00pm – Dinner
10:30pm – Last orders

New Members Welcome Evening & Buffet
2024-05-31 18:00 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
It’s once again time to welcome our newest Proprietors in this New Members event, complete with share register signing ceremony, reception drinks & a delicious buffet for those who book.
A great way to meet more of your fellow members, guests will be gathering from 6:00pm in the Newsroom with a glass of fizz & nibbles on us!
Tickets: £15

Literature Group
2024-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us for another meeting of the Literature Group in the Library Reading Room.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to Members.

Might this be of interest: Alberto Sanna - Pre-Concert Dinner
2024-06-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Might this be of interest…
This event has been organised in conjunction with one of the Athenaeum’s members.
Join Michael and Julia Gopfert and their friends for an evening of culture and companionship at The Athenaeum, Liverpool.
This unique event is the perfect opportunity to listen to some great musical works from the past, learn about the historical context in which they originated and spend some quality time with the people you love. Whether you are an early-music aficionado or entirely new to the scene, you will enjoy the format and content of the soirée.
Ahead of the 8pm concert, should you like to join Michael and Julia for a dinner at 6pm in The Athenaeum, please reserve your place by clicking here.
Tickets to the concert are available by clicking here.

Friday Evening Dining
2024-06-07 18:30 - 20:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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 7:00pm 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.
Please note that this iteration of Friday Evening Dining begins at a slightly later time that usual.
You can book for Friday Evening Dining now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

D-Day Lunch
2024-06-08 12:00 - 15:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. We’ll be inviting The Alexandrians into the Club on this special day to commemorate Operation Overlord, and enjoy a 3-course meal in our Dining Room, with wine included. Both SSAFA and ABF will be the beneficiaries of this event, so book now to show your support.
The dress code for this event is lounge suits, and all profits from this event will be split between The Alexandrians and The Centurions.
Menu details are listed below.
Tickets: £50
-Menu-
Starter
Cream of Mushroom Soup (v)
Truffle Oil
Main Course
Roast Pork Normandy
Roasted Pork Loin, Mustard, Apple Sauce
Sauté Potatoes, Broccoli
-ooOoo-
Wild Mushroom Crepe Gratin (v)
Truffled Spinach
Dessert
Cheese Board
Grapes & Biscuits

Event Schedule
Arrivals – 12pm
Seated in Dining Room – 12:30pm
Talk – 12:30pm
Lunch – 1pm
Newsroom Bar Open – 2:30pm
Club Closes – 8:30pm

History of Arts Group
2024-06-12 11:30 - 12:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The History of Arts group is back with a bang, returning to regular meetings after a long hiatus.
Our Guest Speaker Bernadette Hamilton will be telling us about Jan Vermeer (1632-1675), whose beautiful and sensitive paintings continue to appeal to this day.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge for members.

Wine Tasting Evening: An Introduction to The Athenaeum Wine List
2024-06-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join representatives of the Club’s wine merchant, Tanners, for a complimentary wine tasting event in the Newsroom on Thursday 13th June between 6:00pm-8:00pm. Stop by each of the three experts on hand and learn about the wines on the Club’s wine list, whilst of course sampling the various drops available to you. A selection of complimentary nibbles will be available to guests on the evening in addition to the Newsroom menu.
This is a free event though booking is required, register your interest now via the Members’ Area or the Concierge desk and your place will be confirmed as soon as possible. As per the subscription renewal notice priority will be given to those who settled their subscription early or via direct debit.
We anticipate a full house for this evening, in the first instance bookings are limited to a maximum of two, i.e a member and a guest.

(Almost) Father's Day Lunch
2024-06-15 12:30 - 14:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Treat your old man to a luxurious meal at the Athenaeum for Father’s day.
Normal lunch service will run from 12:30pm to 2pm on Saturday 15th June 2024, to give you the opportunity to introduce your fathers to the Club whilst indulging in our expectational cuisine.
Book now through the website or with the Concierge.
Tickets £28

History Group
2024-06-25 17:30 - 19:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The next meeting of our History Group will take place on Tuesday, June 25th, at 5.30pm when Mr Rob Jones will give us a talk on The History of the Liverpool Tobacco Industry, 1642-2007. This talk has been described as a tour de force, with images and story delivered at a bewildering speed. Many images, in full colour, are quite amazing for 1648. Hear about the usual suspects, all smoking themselves to death! A talk not to be missed.
Mr. Rob Jones will talk on An illustrated history of the Tobacco Industry in Liverpool, 1642-2007.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to members.

Library & Archives Group - Machiavelli: How to Tame a Mad Mule & Other Dark Arts
2024-06-27 17:30 - 19:00
Once again, the Athenaeum Library will be honoured by the erudite musings of Reverend Dr Chris O’Neill, who will be delving into the story, life and many amazing talents of the much maligned Niccolò Machiavelli.
Many of you may realise the connection that the Institution has with the Renaissance period, but do you know how deep it goes?
Join us in the Library Reading Room for this insightful talk, and an insight into the part that the Athenaeum – and it’s founding fathers – had in bringing the Renaissance culture over to Liverpool.
Supper will be available if booked with Reception.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to members.

Summer Social; Jazz & Cocktails
2024-06-28 18:30 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Celebrate the long balmy nights of a Liverpool summer in style at the Athenaeum.
Our very own mixologist, Vittorio, will be demonstrating the art of cocktail making to provide us with a range of delicious creations (other drinks available, of course).
Executive Chef Russell and his team will provide a generous selection of canapes and other party snacks.
And our old friend Roy Gregory of Modjango will be returning to the club, this time as one half of the Parade Duo, playing trad jazz and smooth summer sounds.
Relax, kick of your shoes, sing along or even dance – whatever takes your fancy.
Dress code- lounge suit/smart casual.
Tickets: £25m – price includes a welcome drink, food and entertainment. The bar will be open throughout.

Event Schedule
6:30pm – Arrivals and welcome
7:00pm – Jazz with The Parade Duo
10:30pm – Last orders
