Remembering Liverpool Structures - Reece's Ballroom

Initially, S.Reece & Sons Ltd were legally formed in 1908 and had cafes across Liverpool including Nos. 9, 11 and 13 Parker Street. As business became more profitable they invested in new premises next door and demolition started in 1923. The architects for the new premises were Edmund Kirby & Sons of 5 Cook St with William Moss & Sons Ltd, from Roscoe Street sucesssfully tendering to be the main building contractors with a build estimate of £109,287 dated the 11th of January 1926. The building was soon ready and was signed off  in the summer of 1927 and on the 14th of July, 4000 of their customers were invited to a reception in their fine new building.

Occupying five floors it included a Basement housing a Smoke Room and a Lounge for men only until 3pm; a Ground Floor divided between a shop for the sale of confectionery, a quick lunch counter and acommodation for light refreshments; a main restaurant and grill room on the First Floor; a popular cafe on the second Floor; a Ballroom for 200 dancers on the Third Floor with stunning walnut panelling, Art Deco lights and oak parquet flooring; a Masonic Suite and Banqueting Hall on the Fourth Floor and the Kitchen and Staff Rooms on the Fifth Floor. Soda fountains were also on each floor. The Restaurant duly opened on Monday the 25th of July and a dance was held that evening in the Ballroom with Reece's Dance Orchestra at an entrance fee of 7/6 ( 37 1/2p ).

Dance Party at Reece's, Parker Street, February 1934

The commercial photographic firm of Stewart Bale Ltd were commissioned to take this photograph by Reece & Sons Ltd, from their principal offices in Hawke Street, off Brownlow Hill, Liverpool. Also in Hawke Street (behind the Adelphi Hotel), were Reece's main Offices, and a Dairy and Bakery. Stewart Bale was an important firm of Liverpool based photographers who could command significant commissions, which says something about the status of Reece's. The photograph was taken early to mid February 1934 so we are not sure whether it shows a Valentine's day celebration or not but it would be nice to think so. Reece's was a well known Liverpool company popular in the early to mid twentieth century; they ran a dairy and bakery plus a number of cafés in and around Liverpool which were popular places for people to meet. At Parker Street, Reece's ballroom 'Spring Floor' was supplied and fitted by Francis Morton, Junior & Co, London, who also supplied the Grafton Rooms, and the  Adelphi Hotel and was described as, 'A Rendevous to Delight Dancers. At one time dancing was a form of recreation enjoyed almost exclusively by the middle and upper classes but was not the case then for the art was practised by practically all. This was largely due to the new freedom which found expression in a thousand different ways at 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 was 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. Spacious and airy, the spring floor was of the most modern construction that gave perfect enjoyment to the patrons. Another advantage was found in its easy accessibility from all parts.

During the winter, tea dances were held every afternoon in the week, and except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, no charge was made to those who reserved tables for tea. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons the charge was one shilling, which did not include refreshments, whilst on Saturday nights the charge was 2s. 6d. The music was provided by Reece's own band under the leadership of Mr Bert Pearson. Playing together throughout the year enabled the musicians to play a large selection of dance tunes with that rhythm and colour which made dancing easy and created a strong desire to take the floor. But one did need not be a dancer to enjoy a visit to Reece's ballroom as it attracted a sufficient number of elegantly apparelled dancers whose obvious ability and pleasure was delightful to observe. Half an hour spent over tea on the fringe of the dance floor offered rest and joy to jaded bodies and minds.'

Christmas was a special time as well with Dinner Dances being held on Christmas Eve, Boxing Night and New Years Eve in the Grill Room and Ballroom together with a first class cabaret show. Children's parties were also held over the Christmas period. There was an iconic wedding reception held there in 1962. When John Lennon married Cynthia Powell in a secret ceremony at the Mount Pleasant Register Office on the 23rd of August 1962, Brian Epstein (the Best Man for the occasion) said he would 'take care of everything'. Paul and George also attended but John's aunt Mimi, who disapproved of the union, was absent although Cynthia's half brother and his wife were there. After the ceremony it was off to Reece's. However Brian had forgotten to book a table, so they were kept waiting in the lobby for about twenty minutes before being seated. It was busy with lunchtime local office workers. Incidentally, Reece’s was where John's parents, Alf and Julia, had also celebrated their own wedding in 1938, the start of another ill fated marriage. They all sat down and tucked in to a hearty meal of Soup, Chicken and Trifle. The restaurant didn't have an alcohol license at the time, so Brian toasted the Bride and Groom in water. And when Brian paid the bill, it totalled fifteen shillings ( 75p ). 

see also:- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2021/12/remembering-liverpool-structures_6.html