The Midland Hotel in Manchester has been a much-loved part of the magnificent city’s life for over 118 years. Step into its timeless elegance and experience award-winning restaurants and an idyllic urban spa.
It’s played host to Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers and rock stars since it opened in 1903, and has also counted Sir Winston Churchill as one of its regulars; there are many stories still told about this indomitable former Prime Minister’s rather impressive appetite. It was possibly also the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous luxury brands: Charles Rolls and Henry Royce were introduced at The Midland Hotel in 1904, and went on to launch their prestige car business together, building the very first Rolls Royce in the city.
The Midland is ideally located on Peter Street in the centre of Manchester – just a short walk away from Bridgewater Hall, the Palace Theatre and Manchester Central Exhibition and Conference Centre. It’s half a mile from Manchester Piccadilly, set beside St Peter’s Square, just 10 minutes’ brisk walk to the city’s shops and bars, and a 5 minute walk to Manchester Oxford Road. The hotel has recently enjoyed a £14m investment which has enabled it to transform its bedrooms and ground floor – so not only is it a distinctive and beautiful building from the outside, but also wonderfully elegant and stylish as you enter. High ceilings; gorgeous artwork; trees; chrome and accents of black, silver and white all combine to give a luxurious Art Deco feel. The champagne bar area is a lively place to sip and be seen by the fashionable set in the evenings, and a pleasing place to relax and read during the day.
There are 312 relaxing rooms or luxury suites, where you can unwind in ultimate comfort and style. The décor is neutral, with warm creams and stone tones contrasting with darker wood accents. Our Superior room came with a seating area and high windows, with views across to the church, plus all the mod cons you would expect from a hotel of this class. For an even more special stay, do choose one of the suites. With larger lounge and bedroom areas, they have all the comfort you’d expect, as well as all the space you need, plus stunning skyline views in select bedrooms, seating areas and larger bathrooms, complimentary newspapers and ESPA spa toiletries and a crisp white bathrobe and slippers, which come in handy for visiting the spa. You don’t need to leave the hotel to dine as it has excellent culinary experiences in house and is, in fact, home to two award-winning restaurants and Manchester’s favourite tearoom.
Mount Street Dining Room and Bar brings together Northern hospitality and contemporary design, with a focus on sourcing great local ingredients and providing elevated home dining in luxe Art Deco surroundings. It’s a place for any occasion, from a celebratory three-course meal; a sumptuous Sunday dinner; some cocktails over a bite with friends, or an excellent buffet-style breakfast each morning.
Dinner at Adam Reid at The French – proud holder of 4 AA Rosettes and named one of the top 15 restaurants in the UK – is another treat, with the menu is changed daily, and each dish incorporating fresh, locally sourced produce of the highest quality.
This is a wonderful hotel for an indulgent afternoon tea, and has been a mainstay of the Manchester social scene ever since the hotel opened in 1903. As the city’s only setting specifically designed for, and dedicated to, afternoon tea – which is served in opulent surroundings overlooking St Peter’s Square – The Tea Room at The Midland is truly one of a kind. There’s also the Midland Lounge: serving classic cocktails into the night, you can here enjoy everything from sharing platters to bar snacks with a glass or two of champagne.
Eating and relaxing aside, you must experience the excellent Rena Spa. A World Luxury Spa Award Winner, it’s the perfect place to escape. It features sleep chambers, a heated relaxation pool and steam rooms and a host of top class treatments. Over all, a super city centre hotel with excellent rooms, dining and spa experiences and perfect location. To book and for more information visit www.themidlandhotel.co.uk
By Lisa Curtiss
