Built in 1875 by architect, Joseph Goddard, who designed Leicester’s Clock Tower, amongst other landmarks. For many years, the building as occupied by Leicestershire Constitutional Club.
In 1991, it opened as Welford Place. Officially a club and restaurant, attracting from the nearby law courts in Pocklingtons Walk, but the bar seemed open to all.
Ruddles bear was served in the most ornate bar which had an imposing entrance, Victorian panelling and fireplaces – a classic comfort in the heart of the city. I loved the place, unfortunately for whatever reason, it didn’t work. Maybe its licensing conditions didn’t help. Still it was good whilst it lasted.
Barry Lount
By 1999, Scottish & Newcastle Brewery wanted to gut the building and turn it into a theme pub, to be reopened as Bar 18. English Heritage stepped in, granting listed building status just in time to save this wonderful building. It re-opened as The Place, early 2000.
It reopened as The Place shortly after. The Place wasn’t to last, so after another closure, it went from the sublime to the ridiculous, becoming Spanky’s Disco Bar.
By 2003 it became The Club House.
After a while this closed and became a Pizza Restaurant, circa 2014.
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I was working on Millstone Lane and a lunchtime pint there with great views down Welford Road was very relaxing.
Shame really it didn’t last Bill as it was somewhat different from the usual, I loved the architecture, internally, gave a calming effect to the hustle and bustle of town.