IMAGES | Last look at Reform as Living Ventures refurb begins
Living Ventures has said it will start work this month on the fit-out of the old Reform Club at the top of King Street, Manchester, to turn the venue into a 100-cover Grand Pacific restaurant.
The restaurant group took over the lease on the 5,000 sq ft historic space at the beginning of last year, after operator Room Restaurant suddenly closed.
Living Ventures will be on site by 7 November, and is targeting completion of the restaurant for March 2017. Activity was postponed from last year to allow the company to focus on other new openings.
The freehold of 81 King Street is owned by The Tatton Estate. Bruntwood has a long lease and manages the building.
There is already a Grand Pacific bar and restaurant at the top of The Avenue in Spinningfields.
Sister restaurant to Australasia, Grand Pacific specialises in cocktails, sushi, and small plates, operating from brunch through to late night.
The Manchester Club building dates back to 1871 when it was a gentlemen’s club for Liberal Party members.
Interior designer Michelle Derbyshire will oversee the transformation, having worked with Living Ventures on a number of previous projects including Australasia and Artisan.
Tim Bacon, founder of Living Ventures, died from cancer earlier this year. When Living Ventures acquired the lease on the Reform Club last year, he said: “I have admired this space for many years and have fond memories of it as Reform in the 90s. 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.”
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