The Coffee Shop And Gallery @ St. George's House,

ABOUT US

St. George's House

Originally built by the Co-operative society, St George's House opened as the Bridge Street Co-op drapery store on 30th July 1897. Described as a 'superb building' by the then Mayor of Bolton, St. Georges house was the largest retail building in Bolton at that time.

 

On June 1st 1902 the building, including much of the splendid facade, was badly damaged by fire. During the next 21 months, a new frontage was designed, and an extra floor added. The building officially reopened on February 27th 1904. Details of this can be found here

https://archive.org/stream/historyofgreatli00peap#page/272/mode/2up

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalewadey/3966679541/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalewadey/8883251544/in/photostream/

 

In November 1952 the building was sold to the Electricity Board (later NORWEB). This was due to the gradual shift in trade towards Deansgate and Victoria Square. The building remained in this use until 1971.

 

St. George's House was acquired by the NHS Prescription Pricing Authority 1976, and used up until their move to Middlebrook, Horwich, in 2010.

 

In a sad state of disrepair, the building was then vacant for some time, until Python Properties (current owners) acquired the site for refurbishment.

 

St. George's House officially reopened as high quality offices on the 4th July 2012. The refurbishment cost £1,500,000, and included features such as the public gallery and coffee shop on the ground floor, as well as 4 floors of office space. During the refurbishment, the original Edwardian lift, complete with glazing an decorative ironwork, was discovered hidden behind hardboard panelling. This was subsequently restored to its former glory, and now services the offices.

 

 

The Coffee Shop & Gallery

The Coffee Shop

The refurbishment of The Coffee Shop is now almost complete, and should be finished by mid July. All work is now being carried out during closed periods, and in no way affects the services or quality offered.

 

The Coffee Shop came into being in June 2012 (the first business within the newly refurbished St. George's House), and was managed by Mel on behalf of Heaven Sent Catering Ltd. The Coffee shop flourished with the occupation of the office spaces, but services were limited by the lack of catering and servery space.

In January 2014, Heaven Sent put all their coffee shops up for sale, and Mel, along with her partner Pat, took the plunge, gaining total control in March.

It was soon agreed with the property owners that the catering facilities were no longer suitable, and the refurbishment commenced.

3 months later, and The Coffee Shop now boasts a larger fully equiped kitchen, considerably larger servery complete with salad bar, full sized drinks fridge and state-of-the-art coffee machine.

 

Our policy is to provide wholesome home cooked food whilst supporting local businesses. With that in mind, virtually all our produce is sourced from suppliers within 6 miles of St. George's House. If you are a supplier, and think we can help support each other, then please contact us.

 

The Gallery

The Gallery is provided by Python, and allows local artists to showcase their artwork to the general public. For fuller details on Pythonss commitment to local art, details of how to display your artwork, and information on upcoming displays, please see their website http://www.pythonproperties.co.uk/galleries/the-gallery-at-st-georges-house/art Please feel free to come and peruse the artwork, maybe enjoying a coffee or two whilst doing so.