AUGUST 2025
The Lyric Rooms, 17 Lower Church Street
The stunning lodge which is accessed up an alley by the main Lyric Rooms building is now restored as
a Masonic Lodge (owned by Freemasons).
This building dates back to 1721 and originally was constructed as a school and described as a charity school for teaching children and youth in the Parish of Ashby. The other buildings were used for the school dining room, kitchens and schoolmasters house. The Lodge building continued to be used as a school until 1910 and was subsequently sold to the Prince of Wales Lodge and was then known as the Oddfellows Hall.
The main building was The Wagon and Horses Public House and the first licensee was William Hackett from 1774 to 1792. There was also a very large Malt House, offices and brew house at the rear. The Wagon and Horses staggered on until 1909 when unfortunately their licence was not renewed.
In 1912, the main building was transformed into the Lyric Picture Palace, a cinema that became a beloved entertainment venue (described in publicity literature as “the cosiest most elaborate in the Midlands”. The cinema experience at the Lyric Picture Palace was a major part of the community’s cultural life, drawing locals into enjoy the magic of the silver screen. The cinema survived until 1927, finally succumbing to competition from the newly opened Picture house on Derby Road (where the CO-OP supermarket now stands).
In 1947 the old Lyric Picture Palace was purchased by C B Parsons Co Ltd, a company associated with Calder Soap Company and Calder Colours who used the premises as a warehouse until 1977 (approx.).
In recent decades (extensive repairs began in 1980) the building was repurposed once again to become The Lyric Rooms. This historic building was updated and modernised to preserve its character whilst ensuring it meets the needs of today’s customer.
In August 2022, the Freemasons trustees agreed to lease the kitchens, dining area, bar and reception to the Perkins family (with daughter Celleste the Director/Manager). They undertook further renovations of the Lyric Rooms. The entire interior was revamped, including a complete overhaul of the reception area and fully refurbished bar.
These updates brought a new energy to the space, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality while maintaining the buildings historic charm. Further enhancements continued in 2023, including a new carpet and a beautiful new ceiling that’s the talk of the Town!
The Lyric Rooms continues to offer an elegant space for all occasions, from weddings, receptions, parties, comedy and film nights plus corporate events. It also continues to host the Masonic Lodges of Ashby.
