It’s been a long time coming… but the first images of Manchester’s newest hotel have finally been released ahead of its grand opening next month.
And it looks like a perfect place for a luxury city centre staycation, if you ask us.
Anyone walking down Princess Street in the heart of Manchester city centre over the past couple of years is likely to have seen the newest addition to lifestyle hotel brand, Malmaison’s, collection slowly taking shape – and now, the time has finally come for Malmaison Manchester Deansgate to officially open its doors at the start of next month.
Ahead of its grand opening on 1 February 2024, a selection of sneak-peak images of the new hotel have been shared, and they give the public a glimpse of what to expect once it’s up and running.
Manchester’s newest luxury hotel is finally set to open its doors next month / Credit: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate
Sat just a stone’s throw from the bustling Deansgate thoroughfare, which connects many of the city’s exciting neighbourhoods, despite its name, this four-star hotel isn’t actually on Deansgate itself, but it will, however, offer 70 rooms and suites – many of which boast views over Albert Square.
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All the interiors have been given the so-called ‘Mal Treatment’, and have taken inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage and contributions to art and music, which is aiming to “create an experience that is as bold and diverse as the city of Manchester itself”.
The bedrooms are said to pay homage to the retro designs of the 60s and 70s, and feature loads of illustrative murals with an “artistic fusion of nature motifs”.
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Malmaison Manchester Deansgate is the second Malmaison hotel in our city / Credit: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate
“Malmaison Manchester Deansgate translates themes that are so intrinsic to the story of Manchester into its design,” explained Jonathan Livesey, who is the Group Development Director at Malmaison & Hotel du Vin ahead of the hotel’s opening in a couple of weeks time.
Hungry for more?
As well as the stunning rooms and suites, the brand-new signature restaurant, Malmaison Bar & Grill, will also be able to seat 114 guests, and is set to serve a stylish fusion grill menu that offers contemporary takes on classic and seasonal dishes, alongside a curated wine list and bar menu.
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Manchester Deansgate will also be home to Malmaison’s second SORA rooftop bar and restaurant in the UK, with an intimate terrace that overlooks the historic Manchester Town Hall.
The new four-star hotel looks like the perfect place for a luxury staycation / Credit: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate
Hotel guests and diners can mix and match small plates from a selection of sushi, Robatayaki, and Pan-Asian fusion style tapas dishes, all while sipping signature cocktails and taking in the striking views of the city as the sun sets.
Manchester Deansgate will be Malmaison’s 18th hotel in its ever-expanding UK portfolio, and the second here in Manchester city centre itself.
Rooms are now available to book, and you can find out prices and more information about the new hotel ahead of its opening on the Malmaison Manchester Deansgate website here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Travel & Tourism
The family-run farm in Bury where you can walk adorable alpacas in the countryside
Emily Sergeant
Tucked away in the Greater Manchester countryside, less than 10 minutes from Bury town centre, you’ll find a herd of loveable alpacas.
Based in the Walshaw area of Bury, just a nine-minute drive from the town’s centre, the family-owned Meadowcroft Farm is run by couple Deb and Deano, who have turned their land into a home dedicated to letting alpacas live their best life – and this includes regular visits from the Greater Manchester public keen to learn all about them.
If you’re looking to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for rolling hills and views as far as the eye can see, then Meadowcroft Farm’s already-popular alpaca walking experience offers just the reset you need.
Oh, and you can make friends with alpacas and other adorable animals too, while you’re at it.
This is Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas / Credit: The Manc Group
The interactive experience starts off with a talk from Deb about everything they do at Meadowcroft Farm, and then you’ll get introduced to each of their 12 fluffy alpacas.
As alpacas are pack animals, this means you need to have at least three living together at one time by law in the UK.
Then each person gets paired up with an alpaca for the walk – with The Manc Group team members, Aimee and Emily, getting to look after the farm’s two new babies, Woody and Buzz.
Once everyone is paired with their alpaca, it’s then time to go for a short walk around the landscape of the farm, with some really gorgeous views to take in along the way.
At this family-run farm in Bury, you can walk a herd of adorable alpacas in the countryside / Credit: The Manc Group
While you’re walking around the flat, grassy route (the walk is suitable for most people, but it’s advised that you dress in correct clothing for the weather and surroundings), Deb takes the time to check in with all the walkers, even stopping to take pictures of everyone with their alpacas before heading back to the farm to feed them.
After working up an appetite, you’ll then get to feed the alpacas, alongside the other animals Meadowcroft takes care of – including baby goats, polish chickens, and rabbits.
Inside Levenshulme Antiques Village, Manchester’s three-story treasure trove of vintage finds
Daisy Jackson
If you’re the sort of person who gets a real kick out of saying ‘Thanks, it’s vintage’, then you probably already know of Levenshulme Antiques Village. But if not, allow us to show you around a little.
This three-story hypermarket has been trading out of the former Levenshulme Town Hall for decades, filling the 127-year-old building with items potentially even older.
It’s a vast antiques centre where every twist in the maze reveals vintage furniture, collectibles, artwork and curiosities from every era imaginable.
The building itself still carries plenty of charm and history from the building’s past as the local council offices, and thankfully very little of its personality was stripped away in the process of transforming the building into the Levenshulme Antiques Village.
Today, visitors still climb the grand staircase beneath soaring ceilings and pass through hallways lined with original wall-to-wall ceramic tiles.
There’s free parking outside (which is good, because you’re likely to leave with a boot-full of treasure), and once inside, the scale of the place quickly becomes apparent.
Friendly traders fill the building, many of whom are more than happy to chat, share stories behind their stock, or guide visitors towards hidden gems tucked away in quieter rooms. And there are plenty of gems to uncover.
A room packed with mid-century furnitureLevenshulme Antiques Village is a treasure trove of vintage findsJust look at this lot…
From antique furniture and oil paintings to jewellery, records, ceramics and shelves overflowing with nicknacks, the village rewards slow wandering. One moment you might stumble across a beautifully carved temple door; the next, a collection of vintage signs or a perfectly preserved mid-century cabinet.
The top floor is perhaps the most striking space of all. Once a ballroom, the enormous room still retains a sense of grandeur, with high ceilings and huge windows flooding the space with natural light, but is now transformed into a densely packed emporium of antiques and collectibles.
Outside, the experience continues with artist workshops and creative studios, among them is craftsman Kip Kaboli, known for producing handcrafted Japanese knives and even hosting oyster events. It’s an unusual but fitting addition to a place that celebrates both heritage and craftsmanship.
Old ceramic tiles still line the hallwaysThe on-site tearoom at Levenshulme Antiques Village
Halfway through exploring, many visitors end up at the affordable tearoom on the first floor, serving comforting classics like salad sandwiches and afternoon teas.
What makes Levenshulme Antiques Village special is not simply the volume of antiques packed inside, but the atmosphere, the warm welcome from traders, and the weird and wonderful history of the place.
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2024 
