Local developers Jamworks are currently in the process of transforming the former Reeces Ballroom at 11 – 17 Parker Street, near to Clayton Square Shopping Centre, into 19 one-bedroom flats and 72 studios. The ground floor is currently Superdrug. Previous plans in 2011 by Tune Hotels did not come to fruition, and the floors have remained unused since the 1980’s.
During preparatory work a fascinating insights to the buildings history have been uncovered as illustrated in the following pictures:
The Beauty contest featured above was evidently to be attended by one of the world’s richest women, cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein
S. Reece & Sons Ltd (incorporated 1908) had cafes across Liverpool including at Nos. 9, 11, 13 Parker St. They also had offices, a dairy, and a bakery in Hawke St. Business must have been good as they invested in new premises built 1925 – 27 next door to the newly built Owen Owen building. Demolition started in 1923 as shown in the following pics (put cursor over for captions):
The building was ready for signing off during the summer of 1927 with the main building contractors of William Moss & Sons Ltd, Roscoe St Livepool having been the earlier successful tender:
£109, 287 Dated 11th Jan 1926 – ‘materials and labour in the Erection and Completion of Messrs. Recces’ new premises Clayton Square Liverpool’
The Records Office at Liverpool Central Library holds a large number of records in relation to the tenders, correspondence and architects drawings. The architects being Edmund Kirby & Sons of 5 Cook St Liverpool.
Plans for the 4th Floor
The ‘Spring Floor’ was supplied and fitted by Francis Morton, Junior & Co, London, who also supplied the Grafton Rooms, and the Adelphi Hotel
The build was clearly not without issues. A parquet floor needed replacing after lifting, there were arguments over awarding of contracts, a long running dispute with Standard Telephones & Cables Ltd over the music and wireless system supplied, and work was halted during the General Strike of 1926.
The LRO records show there were many fine fittings and décor, especially in the Lodge Room/Masonic Suite: – ‘six columns for Lodge Room – Doric, Corinthian, and Ionic together with the pilasters are to be fluted’
The Ladies Cloak Room was fitted with ‘ruboleum’ –
The layout of the building is apparent from a ‘Copy of Information re stairs, lifts etc. supplied to Liverpool Police’
Basement: – Smoke-room 73ft x 50ft x 13’ 1’’ high, and Lounge 34ft x 24ft x 13’ 1’’ high
Ground Floor – Shop and light refreshments 110ft x 50ft x 17’ 1’’ high
1st Floor – Main Dining Room – 110ft x 50ft x 11’10’’ high
2nd floor – Café – 110ft x 50ft x 11’7’’ high
3rd Floor – Ball Room – 110ft x 50ft x 12’ high
4th Floor – Masonic Suite 50ft x 55ft x 12’ high, and Banqueting Hall 66ft x 27ft x 12 high
5th Floor – Broken up into Cold Storage and other small rooms essential to the kitchen’ 110ft x 50ft x 11ft high
Back Staircase – 4ft wide
Main Staircase – 6ft wide
Emergency Escape Staircase – 3rd to ground floor only – 3’ 11’’ wide
Small goods lift – 4’ 6’’ x 4’ 4’’
Large goods lift – 6’ x 4’ 9’’
Main Passenger Lifts x 3 – 5’ 4’’ x 3’ 10’’
The opening reception for staff took place on 14th July 1927: Liverpool Echo via @BNArchive The restaurant opened on 25th July
Once open the premises were clearly a hive of activity as can be seen from it’s adverts:
The cafe gets a mention in a book about the infamous Julia Wallace ‘Man from The Pru’ murder of 1931. One of the suspects, Richard Gordon Parry, having been arrested at the cafe for theft.
A piece from The Liverpolitan Vol.13 No.12 pg.33, December 1948 paints a delightful picture of the ballroom and gives us some social history:
A RENDEVOUS TO DELIGHT DANCERS
‘The tremendous increase in the number of devotes of the Terpsichorean art must be apparent to every social observer. At one time dancing was a form of recreation enjoyed almost exclusively by the middle and upper classes. That is not the case today for the art is practised by practically all. This is largely due to the new freedom which has found expression in a thousand different ways since the end of the Great War, and partly to the discovery on the part of many who were formerly prejudiced against dancing as a pastime that its pursuit is in no way detrimental to morality.
With characteristic foresight, when Messrs Reece embarked upon the erection of their magnificent restaurant in Parker St, they decided that the whole of the third floor should be laid out as a ballroom. From the pictures reproduced on this page it will be seen that it is spacious and airy. The spring floor is of the most modern construction and gives perfect enjoyment to the patrons. Another advantage is found in its easy accessibility from all parts.
During the winter, tea dances are held every afternoon in the week, and except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, no charge is made to those who reserve tables for tea. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons the charge is 1s, which does not include refreshments, whilst on Saturday nights the charge is 2s. 6d.
The music is provided by Reece’s own band under the leadership of Mr Bert Pearson. Playing together throughout the year has enabled the musicians to play a large selection of dance tunes with that rhythm and colour which makes dancing easy and creates a strong desire to take the floor.
But one need not be a dancer to enjoy a visit to Reece’s ballroom. It attracts a sufficient number of elegantly apparelled dancers whose obvious ability and pleasure it is delightful to observe. Half an hour spent over tea on the fringe of the dance floor will offer rest and joy to jaded bodies and minds’
Reece’s was famously the venue for the wedding reception of John and Cynthia Lennon in 1962. As it was not a licensed premises, guests at the wedding breakfast had to toast the couple with water
Christmas was evidently a highlight at Reece’s, as highlighted by this cutting from The Liverpolitan magazine of December 1948 featuring manager Mr. E. A. Verando:
The Liverpolitan Dec 1948
Many renown guests over the years included LFC shareholders:
An advert and picture from 1934:
Were you a Reesonian?……why not share your memories of Reece’s? Did you read the company magazine first issued 31st Dec 1930?
The developers vision post re-development with roof-top extension:
UPDATE – Nov 2016: with pics
Developer Caro Developments is about to convert the upper floors of the Parker Street building, which in 1962 hosted the wedding of John and Cynthia Lennon to apartments. Tony McDonough reports.
The new roof-top extension dividing opinions:
Liverpool Records Office references:
338.1 Ree – Reesonian 31st Dec 1930
720KIR/2699, 2700, 2701, 2702, 2697, 2698 – various correspondence, drawings, tenders etc held by architects Edmund Kirby & Co.
Liverpool1207 
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I used to work in Reeces cafes across Liverpool fron 1975 till Sayers took them over in late 70s maybe 80s. I also worked in Reeces Parker Street as the cashier. I remember I was sat in a booth in the middle of the floor I also worked in Reeces Elliot Street and St Johns Market before the fire that burned down the market.
Thanks Gillian, good memories
Hi Gillian, you must have been there about the same time as I was in Hawke Street working for Arthur Thomas, Bernard Stapleton, and the Lewis’s food buyers. Do you remember Frank Holroyde, lovely Mr. Todd, etc.,l?!
Hi Gillian, I am a Researcher, do you have any pictures of Reece’s ballroom during the 70’s -80’s? I would love to have a chat with you – do you have an email address?
My father, William H. Brown, was the office manager of Reece’s for many years. Before moving to Hawke Street he had managed the Grove Hotel in Wallasey. This was a Reece’s establishment that included a shop, a bakery and a small hotel used chiefly, I believe, by “commercial travelers.”
He had joined Reece’s soon after returning home from France where he had fought in the First World War. My absolute favorite treat was a Reece’s mince pie!
Many thanks for sharing this history Michael.
I worked in Reece’s office for about ten years, and would love to hear from anyone else who was there until about 1971.
I was a disc jockey at Reeces ballroom in the mid sixties went under the name of Jonathan Shaw
Reeces provided the equipment it was one rather ropey turntable and a poor underpowered PA. System .
But nonetheless we got quite good crowds
The most popular record by far was Jackie Wilson Higher and Higher.
The biggest problem was getting the kids to leave so I hit upon the idea of the closing record being sitar music
It worked and the floor quickly cleared.
This was post Beatles Gerry Searchers etc.and was the era of the next generation of Liverpool band such as Roadrunners Cordes ,Clayton Squares and such .
I guess the audience we attracted was a younger one not quite ready for the clubs .
It’s interesting that I don’t recall any trouble at a gig .in spite of parental dissent at “modern youth” and so called “music ”
Up on the stage facing double glass doors and a concrete staircase I had a great view of the so called respectable set going up the stairs to the ballroom above and of the police running upstairs and bouncing down the concrete stairs trouble makers from those of a so called more respectable generation.
I think at times but was more if a pick up joint
Than a venue for Ballroom dancers .
Happy Days !!!
Cheers John, great memories. Thanks for taking the time to share
Lovely to see all these comments, they certainly take me back to the old days. I am still in touch with Kay (Reece’s Milk) and Joe Kelly, the Bakery Manager – they live in Leicester and we email now and again.
Carole
Hi John, I am a Researcher, do you have any pictures of Reece’s ballroom during the 60s 70’s, or 80’s? I would love to have a chat with you! Do you have an email address?
Hi Jessica
The Parker Street shop, dance floors and restaurants closed down on the last Saturday of March 1972, a lot earlier than may people recall.
I worked on the meat and bacon counters with Maurice Foran, Harry Sandon, Ronnie Burke, Joe Leigh, Sue Rushton, Derek Hipple, Nora, Eva and Netta plus a few others whose names I can not remember. From the other departments, I remember Jackie Nelson, Diane, 2 Junes, Sue Jesop, John Doyle, Malcolm Rothwell, and managers Robert Furnival, Peter Lee, Mr Wheeler. Happy days
My mum was the toilet attendant her name was phobe and l worked in the mustard pot cafe at the back of the shop. And l loved every day l was there found my boyfriend there he was a commie chef the time his name is Brian hill and l remember mr wheeler.
Cheers Val, sound like happy memories, thanks for sharing. I wonder if any old colleagues will read and get in touch?
i am currently researching the francis family , im sure they owned this building or were related to the reece family can anybody help please.
my name is tony i worked in reeces as a shop porter my boss was mick mullady and when we worked on the lifts at the week ends we came under john carter 2 great bosses
To Tony little Ronnie off. The bacon counter here who could ever forget Mick my mentor great time
Sadly Kay, who was secretary in Hawke Street and married Joe the Bakery Manager, passed away a few months ago. We were in touch for about 40 years.
Carole
Sorry to hear that.
I worked for the Famous Army Stores (a Liverpool based company) from 1967 to 1976 and their annual Dinner & Dance was held at Reeces Restaurant. They were brilliant. (happy memories). I may be wrong but I think the restaurant was owned by them. Any info?
Looking for someone to help me! I worked in the Reeses factory around 1973/74 where my uncle (Billy Griffiths) was one of the foremen. I used to work in the walk around fridge freezers where the pies etc were stores after coming off the assembly line. Where was that factory located in Liverpool? I moved back to Ireland around 1976/77. My Mum was from Seacombe Street in Everton. Any information greatly appreciated.
Hawke Street I think, behind the Adelphi
Thanks for that info. Will look it up when over for the Liverpool/ Everton game on the 4/12/19. Staying in the city centre for 2/3 days.
Hello,
Good to see your email. Yes I remember Billy Griffiths. I worked for Arthur Thomas and Bernard Stapleton and I was on the tasting panel with Joe Kelly and some others. Joe married Kay from Reece’s Milk, and they moved to Leicester. Sadly Kay died last year, as we were still in touch via email, and Joe moved back to relations in Liverpool. The Secretary before me, was Margaret Baker, and we are still in touch so she may be able to answer some questions for you. She is in South Africa at the moment on holiday, but she would be pleased to hear from you I am sure. Let me know if you need any information and I will put my thinking cap on !
Carole
P.S. I meant to say, the bakery was in Hawke Street, behind the Adelphi, but I have a feeling it is no longer there, but not sure because I now live in Warrington.
Carole
I can remember going to a nightclub in Reece’s in about 1970
Worked in Reece’s Ballroom and Banqueting Suite in December 1960 whilst on leave from the RAF in Germany. My bosses were Billy (?) and Bobby Anderson, Apart from furniture arranging, vacuum cleaning, lift-attendant and cloakroom duties, I had to clean up in the mornings after preliminary excess intakes at Yates’ Wine Lodge by Reece’s (unlicensed) diners.
When I was about to leave at Christmas – and did not know if I would be paid beforehand – Billy and Bobby offered to lend me the money to get me back to Germany, a great kindness which I did not need to take advantage of, but which I have never forgotten.
Great memories Michael, thanks for taking the time to share.
June doyle who was in the corner of the shop and she used to make the sandwiches. June died last week .
Sad news, thank you for the update.
R.I.P.
I was taken to Reece’s restaurant several times as a child. They had a beautiful rocking horse there. When I left school, before going to college, I worked in Reece’s factory, somewhere up behind the Adelphi hotel. It was rather like Dante’s inferno, with heat and terrific noise on some floors, and no Health & Safety in the late 1960s. Not much hygiene either, and there were cockroaches. The people who worked there full time were a decent crowd, and were a laugh, but It was extremely hard work, with pathetic pay. My friend had a temporary job, like me, but in the office, and was paid over £3 a week, whereas I was paid £2 odd. She had an easy time of it, so the pay seemed very unfair. It made me appreciate how often uneducated people are underpaid and over-exploited, however hard their jobs are, and I’m sure made me a better and more considerate person. I’ve never forgotten the experience, and am glad I had it, though it made me think twice about buying frozen or packaged food, having seen how it was prepared.
Interesting times Alison, thanks for getting in touch.
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I used to frequent Reece’s Disco with my friends~ We must have been only about 15 @ the time. I think we’d go out with about 10 Bob~ That paid our bus fares there & back from home, Entry in, a glass of coke (soft drink) or alcoholic beverage ( I think they sold alcohol ?) & chips on the way home! Lots of dancing! I recall winning one of the dance-offs & I received Argent’s Hold Your Head Up Record (1972)
And if they stare
Just let them burn their eyes on you moving
And if they shout
Don’t let it change a thing that you’re doing
Hold your head up, oh…. Very good song….
Thought it was quite grand at the time with an imposing staircase ~Happy Days….
Great memories!
any one remember david salisbury as com chef at reeces resturant ,
My father was William H. Brown, General Manager. Anyone remember him?
I am in process of digitising my school boy diaries and got to 1974 where an early entry says “Mum made redundant ! “. At the time she was an office worker for Reece’s, based at Hawke Street. I knew she started there in 1964 as a part timer :- 0930-4p.m. and enjoyed it; “bought ledger” I think she called it. The company must have struggled on and then been taken over, as she worked at Hawke St. till 1981-when she was finally made redundant. I distinctly remember the long stairwell up to the offices which must have been hard going for her as she did lunch time shopping at Lewis’s. Building long since flattened. Sad.
Cheers Rob, some pics just before demolition here: http://nwex.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6001
Before working for Reece’s and just after the war my Mum (stage name Frances Dee) did a singing stint in the Ballroom. Surprisingly, given that nearly all stuff went out live, I still have some recordings from the period (originally taped, or put on 78’s- to be later broadcast?) featuring ‘Chiquita Banana’ and quite a posh announcer.
My Dad (Bob Duffy) featured on double bass and I have one picture, from 1948, surviving, with drummer “AW” (Alan Wright) and “BG” not sure if this was Bill Gregson on piano. My dad, being fellow rhythm section, carried his friendships with Reece’s ballroom drummers well into the 1970’s and I remember them.
Thanks for the demolition pictures. Mum was finally made redundant in 1981 and was offered the opportunity to relocate to Ellesmere Port. Presumably meaning the building was derelict for nigh on three decades- if it wasn’t demolished till 2009!
PS How do you publish photos to the site-re my further article? Many thanks.
My father, William H. Brown, was office manager at Reece’s in the 1950’s and ’60’s. Prior to that he had been at their establishment at Grove Road, Wallasey, where there was a shop, a bakery and, upstairs, a few rooms to let — a sort of modest hotel.
Just clearing my late Uncle estate and found an old tea spoon with S Reece and sons
If it could only speak. What a tail it could tell.