The building is constructed of sandstone ashlar with polychrome dressings and a hipped slate roof. It is of three storeys with elaborate corner turrets, oriel windows and balconies.[3] The main entrance has extensive masonry carving, with gargoyles and “winged beasts".[1] The interior contains a "fine" staircase, a two-storey main dining room, and a very large billiard room on the third floor, which runs the entire length of the building.[1] The hall and staircase have linenfold panelling.[3]
Declining membership in the late 20th century led the club to merge with the Engineers' Club in 1967 to form the Manchester Club, but this also failed to prove financially viable and was wound up in 1988. The club's archives are held at the John Rylands Library, Deansgate.[6] The building is now a restaurant and bar.[7]
In December 2022 the building became home to House of Books & Friends, an independent bookshop, cafe and events space. Funded and founded by a law firm, gunnercooke, the bookshop's aim is to address loneliness and social isolation in the community.[8]
