One last look at the Clarion Cafe in 1908

I have decided to have one last look at the Clarion Cafe which was on Market Street and opened by Robert Blatchford on Saturday 31st October 1908.

It was a place I had no idea had existed, but must have been a pretty impressive place.

And so with that ever present wish to bring the forgotten past alive here are some pictures of the interior of the place from when it was opened in 1908.

According to Harry Pollitt, the Cafe was the work of ‘skilled men from eighteen trades built decorated and furnished’

The salon was imposing with a Dutch fireplace and ceiling lantern ships lanterns and the walls decorated with oak panels.

Pictures; courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council, Clarion Cafe 1908, m57130,