The Clubhouse
The clubhouse is located in an exclusive neighbourhood, the Lorensberg villa estate. This upscale residential area was built in the 1910’s and 1920’s for wealthy business owners and the like. Almost all buildings are heritage listed and the surroundings are one of a kind in Sweden, mixing Swedish National Romantic style with a hint of Classicism.
In 1916, shipowner Herbert Metcalfe had the magnificent house on Skyttegatan 1 built. Like most of the villas in the area, it was designed by architects Arvid Bjerke and R O Swensson. World War I was extremely profitable for Swedish shipping, since the country was neutral. After the end of the war, the shipping economy went sour, and Herbert Metcalfe was forced to sell the estate in 1922. It was bought by fellow shipowner and industrialist Dan Broström, who moved in with his family.
Dan Broström died in a car accident in 1925, but the widow – legendary Ann-Ida Broström – inhabited the house for the rest of her life. She passed away in 1965, on the same day that the Broström shipping company celebrated its 100th anniversary. The conglomerate was Gothenburg’s largest company, employing some 17 000 people.
In her lifetime, Mrs Broström had donated the estate to the Swedish Shipowners’ Association, which was co-founded in 1906 by her late husband. The Royal Bachelors’ Club became a tenant in 1969, making better use of the large house. In 1987, the Club was able to purchase the somewhat neglected building and had it renovated.
Over time, the premises have been adjusted to better fit the members’ needs. In later years, meeting rooms have been upgraded with modern equipment and more extensive co-working facilities have been developed.
Facilities
Members can book the handsome clubhouse for private functions, conferences and meetings.
The clubhouse offers a high-profile restaurant with a small bar. Outdoor seating with self-service is possible when the weather permits, orders are placed at the bar. Upstairs, there is a pool table and a library equipped with a television set. Several meeting rooms and co-working spaces are found throughout the house. In the lower garden, the game of pétanque can be played, ask the staff for boules/balls.
For visitors with special needs like strollers or wheelchairs, the restaurant level can be easily accessed from Högåsplatsen.