The Athenaeum Liverpool

St George's Day Lunch 2024
2024-04-23 12:30 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | 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

Literature Group: The Gospel of Jesus' Wife
2024-07-02 14:00 - 16:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Following the death of Christ, many authors felt inspired to write about Jesus, his family, and his followers. Most of these texts were rejected by the Church leadership and disappeared from sight. However, recent papyrological discoveries in Egypt have allowed us to access writings long thought of as lost.
The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife is a particularly controversial papyrus fragment which was presented to the world by a Harvard scholar, Prof. Karen King, in 2012. In her talk Paula will attempt to throw a light on the fascinating world of papyrology and its importance for understanding the production of early Christian literature.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to Athenaeum members.

The Exchange Presents: The State of Free Speech
2024-07-04 18:30 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us for a discussion on the state of free speech today, hosted by Ian Skillicorn of The Exchange. Freedom of speech has become one of the most hotly debated issues of our age. Advocates argue that the present socio-political atmosphere stifles freedom of expression and legitimate dissent, fuels cancel culture and leads to censorship. Critics claim that free speech advocacy is being used as an excuse to spread hate and disinformation.
During this event, Dr Jan Macvarish, Education and Events Director of the Free Speech Union, will discuss the work of the FSU, some of the individual cases they have represented, and the current state of Free Speech in the UK and further afield.
The Exchange organises and hosts public conversations about the important issues of our age. We encourage debate and the sharing of opinions and experiences in a welcoming and respectful environment. The Exchange events take place in The Athenaeum in the heart of Liverpool. The Athenaeum was founded in 1797 to provide a meeting place where ideas and information could be exchanged in pleasant surroundings. The Exchange continues this long tradition of debate and enquiry in the twenty first century.
About Dr Jan Macvarish
Dr Jan Macvarish is the Education and Events Director of the Free Speech Union. Before joining the FSU, Jan was an academic sociologist at the University of Kent and Birkbeck, University of London, with a particular interesting in the study of interpersonal relationships, parenting, family life, family and health policy, sex and intimacy. She is the author of the book Neuroparenting: The Expert Invasion of Family Life and co-author of two editions of the bestselling book, Parenting Culture Studies.
The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members and campaigns for free speech more widely. Launched in 2020 by journalist Toby Young, the FSU has since grown to just under fourteen thousand members and has achieved successful outcomes in over 70% of its casework.
Following the discussion, we will enjoy a three-course dinner in the Dining Room, after which we can relax in the Newsroom until closing time.
Tickets: £37

Event Schedule
6:30pm – Arrivals & Welcome
6:45pm – Discussion with Dr Jan Macvarish, hosted by Ian Skillicorn
8:00pm – Dinner (menu tbc)
10:30pm – Last Orders

Friday Evening Dining - July
2024-07-05 18:30 - 20:00 | 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 6:30pm 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.

History of Arts Group
2024-07-10 11:30 - 12:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us in the Library Reading Room for another meeting of the History of Arts group, this time revolving around 20th Century British Art & Paintings.
Attendance of this talk is free to Members and their guests.

Civic Lunch
2024-07-11 12:30 - 15:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Please join the President and his distinguished guests for a delicious two course meal and celebrate the Athenaeum’s unique place in the life our great city.
The first Laws of the Athenaeum, drawn up in 1798, stated that the Mayor of Liverpool should be a member of the institution for ‘the time being’, meaning the term of his office. Since then, Mayors and Lord Mayors have often been our guests at dinners and lunches. Our ties to the city remain strong and cordial. Indeed, the council, formerly the corporation, is our landlord and our 1928 lease stipulates that we should pay the Lord Mayor a ground rent of one peppercorn on demand.
Over the years, the courtesy of honorary membership has been extended to other civic dignitaries. Our current Law 3 states that ‘The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, and the High Sheriff of Merseyside, for their periods of office, shall be invited to make use of the institution.’ Recent tradition dictates that all these dignitaries are invited annually to lunch at the Athenaeum.
This is an important feature of our calendar but one of which many members are unaware. This year, we have decided to change all that and open the event to all Proprietors, associate members, and their guests.
Dress code: lounge suits.
Tickets: £33.50

Event Schedule
12:30pm – Arrivals & welcome drink
1:00pm – Lunch

History Group - Local Government in 17th Century Prescot
2024-07-24 14:30 - 16:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
This is a reminder that the next meeting of our History Group will take place on Wednesday, July 24th, at 2.30pm (please note the time) when Proprietor Nigel Gilmour will give us a talk on Leet courts – a snapshot of local government in 17C Prescot. Nigel discovered this topic when reading in the Athenaeum Library and gave this talk many years ago to the then History group. He has since revised it. It has interesting links to our recent history.
This talk will be in the Library Reading Room.
Attendance of this talk is free of charge to Members.

New Members Welcome Evening - July
2024-07-26 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 and nibbles on us!
Light entertainment will be provided during the evening – tbc, and there will also be an opportunity for our new Proprietors to sign their share in the history 1809 share register.
A buffet will also be available during the evening – prebooking is required to assist with catering.

Drinks Reception : 6:00pm
Signing Ceremony: 6:30pm
Buffet Served: 7:30pm

Attendance of the reception is free of charge.
Tickets for the buffet are £15.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or with the Concierge.

Food for Thought: A Conversation about Romanian Cuisine
2024-07-27 12:00 - 16:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Mămăligă, maize porridge or polenta, is one of the most popular Romanian dishes. In his recent and highly acclaimed book, historian Alex Drace-Francis tells the story of how corn, once just a humble ingredient, has become over time a national treasure and a recognisable symbol of Romanian everyday life and culture. Eaten by both rich and poor for centuries, mămăligă can often spark an animated debate about its specificity and relevance in trade, social connections, art, popular culture and ethnicity. Join us to continue this fascinating conversation about the role of food, ingredients and cultural practices in the formation of national identity.
Join us at the iconic Atheneum in the heart of Liverpool on Saturday, 27 July, from 12:00pm. The conversation will be followed by a mămăligă feast that includes: tochitură (traditional casserole of pork loin, sausage, and liver); mămăligă (slow sooked polenta); varză călită (slow roasted caramelized cabbage with tomato and paprika); telemea (salty sheep cheese); sauté potatoes; welcome drink (thereafter cash bar).
Ticket Price: £30

Full Menu
Tochitura (Traditional Casserole of Pork Loin, Sausage and Liver)
Mamaliga (Slow cooked Polenta)
Varza Calita (Slow roasted caramelized cabbage with tomato and paprika)
Telemea (Sheep Cheese with a Slightly Salty and Creamy Texture)
Sauté Potatoes
Assorted Bread Rolls

Friday Evening Dining - August
2024-08-02 18:30 - 20:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
