The Headrow Club

To the mortal world, the Headrow club seems to be no more than a rather old fashioned Gentlemen's Club. Indeed, many of the more important and influential mortals of the city do belong to the Club. However, it's real purpose is as a meeting place for the 'gentlemen' Kindred of the fief, who find more modern atmospheres not to their tastes.

The Club can be found in the same buildings on the Leeds Headrow then it has occupied since Victorian times. Although the Club occupies a large building, the entrance is discreet and unassuming. The small brass plaque, always brightly polished, doesn't even give the Club's name, merely informing visitors that the premises are for 'Member's Only'. Tradesmen are expected to use the delivery door at the rear of the club.

Once through the door, visitors must negotiate the highly protective reception desk staff before they can gain admittance. Members, of course, can go through to the Club's rooms at once, although visitors must be signed in. Non-members are not permitted to go into the rest of the club unless they are escorted. It is rumoured that over the decades the Club has provided refuge for more than one gentleman who wished to avoid his creditors or even the police.

The Headrow Club provides all the services to be expected of an exclusive gentlemens' club. All the appropriate newpapers and periodicals are taken, there is an excellent library and the dining room is justly famous for it's cuisine. For the summer months, there is an exquisitly kept tea garden in a small courtyard in the center of the building. There are rooms available for members, who may stay free of charge for a certain number of nights a year. The Gaming Room is licensed for most forms of gambling and although less popular than in former times, it's stylish, beautiful and immaculate decor seems to hold the very essence of the Club in it's panelled walls and crystal chandeliers.

The Headrow Club does not allow women members, although lady guests may be entertained in the dining-room (lunchtimes and certain nights only) and the tea garden. They are also permitted in the gaming room, provided no other members object. There is also a special Ladies' Room, where ladies can be served tea or after dinner drinks, or wait for their menfolk to finish their business elsewhere in the Club.

Mortal membership of the Club is very expensive, although exceptions have been made in the past for old members who have fallen on hard times. Kindred membership is even more expensive, and it is Kindred patronage that has sustained the ambience of the Club when lean times have rendered others of it's kind shabby and dated. Membership is only open to those Kindred who are willing and able to provide the huge fees and who are proposed, seconded and voted into the Club by existing members. Favoured ghouls are often also members and several visit the Club regularly without their masters.

Kindred members of the club often mingle with the mortals. Many have allies and retainers amongst the rich kine of the fief and find the Club a useful place to maintain and foster these contacts. However, the rules of the Club strictly prohibit the poaching of fellow members' mortal pawns. By tradition, rivalries and feuds are laid aside in the Club, making it a relaxing place for the Elders.

The Club also provides several special services for Kindred members. An upstairs smoking room, writing room and lounge provide privacy from mortals. There are several unusual and valuable texts which are not kept in the open library but are available on application. The basement contains several luxurious rooms for daytime stays. It is even rumoured that the management of the Club are able to provide Blood, in emergencies. Perhaps the most important thing the Club has to offer, however, is the chance for Elders to relax amongst mortals and enjoy each other's company, away from the stresses of immortal existance.

The Club is currently run, and has been for several decades, by Samuel Leversby, one of Sir John's ghouls. Several of the other staff are also ghouls and by tradition, each Kindred member is permitted one ghoul in the establishment. Oddly, however, Samuel has a reputation for strict neutrality in the affairs of the Fief. Over the years Kindred have confided their worries to him without the least fear that their troubles would reach other ears. Samuel is the perfect club manager, repectful without being obsequious, attentive without being overwhelming and interested in his members' affairs without seeming to pry.

In theory, only Elders are permitted to join the Headrow Club. However, one or two Ancilla have crept onto the list over the years. One Ancilla who has not been offered membership is Paul Stewart. This 'slight', as he sees it, forms part of his deep greivance against William Braithwaite. The current Kindred membership is as follows:-

Sir John Hughendon-Smythe

Sir John is the heart of the Club. He established it, furnished it and pays the staff wages. It is generally believed that he doesn't pay a membership fee, although in fact he does.

Sir Nicholas Gilbert

The Club is a regular haunt of his when not at the Chantry or Temple Newsham. He enjoys the chance to socialise with the Ventrue away from fief politics.

William Braithwaite

William prefers to spend time with the mortals at the Club, although he is also often to be found in the company of Sir John.

Colonel Francis Charteris

No-one can quite remember how the Colonel managed to get himself voted into the Club. Since then however, no-one has been able to find an excuse to bar him and he pays his membership with scrupulous, and rather pointed, punctuality.

Rudolf Schumann

Rudolf spends most of his time in the library or socialising quietly with Kindred and Kine. He has donated several valuable books to the Club library over the years.

Sean Connor

Sean is only really a member for the gambling.

Branwell Bronte

Likewise. Sean proposed him for membership because he enjoys playing cards with him. He was voted in, despite some misgivings, but has never caused trouble in the Club.

Vicomte Eduard Mourin de St-Simeon

The Club gives Eduard an escape from Marie, who would never allow herself to be signed in anywhere.