A new hotel has opened in Manchester city centre, promising a ‘fun and endless adventure’ – and affordable bedrooms.
Moxy Manchester is a nine-storey hotel in the heart of Spinningfields, where guests are greeted with a cocktail as they check in.
It sees a former hat factory converted into a contemporary 146-bedroom hotel, clad in metal panels.
A seated cubby area. Credit: Supplied
Inside, the hotel has been kitted out with a bar and hangout space, where guests can make use of a foosball table, board games and card games.
Bar Moxy has been decorated with Manchester-style illustrations and illuminated signs, plus bright furniture and a wrap-around bar, and DJs playing every night.
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Bar Moxy in the new hotel in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
The bar will serve a menu of light bites and cocktails, including house specials like the Disco Diva, a sharing cocktail of vodka, limoncello, elderflower and prosecco, served in a disco ball.
The hotels are designed with social media in mind, displaying a digital Guestbook of photos and videos taken by Moxy guests.
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The rooms themselves are pet-friendly, and include walk-in showers and TVs with Netflix.
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Albert’s Schloss is hosting a massive Y2K-inspired New Year’s Eve party
Danny Jones
Albert’s Schloss, home to some of Manchester’s biggest and wildest nights out, is hosting one massive blowout to celebrate New Year 2025.
Known for their big, Bavarian-themed events, live oompah bands, fantastic alpine food and drink, not to mention plenty of dancing on tables, the Peter Street favourite located just off Deansgate never does things in half measures.
In fact, the partying is beyond tried and tested, as plenty of Mancs plan to visit Albert’s Schloss for NYE annually, so it’s a good job they’re getting ahead this year, with tickets already on sale now.
They’re also no stranger to theme, and this time they’re looking to ring in the New Year by looking back at one of the biggest dates in modern memory: the turn of the Millennium.
Come curtains up, this is gonna be the biggest night of the year. (Credit: Press shot via Albert’s Schloss)
Yes, with the Y2K style back in vogue, be it the fashion, music, hairstyles and more, Manchester Albert’s Schloss is capitalising on the moment with a full-on revival that would put even the best of late ’90s/early noughties clubbing through its paces.
From 7pm onwards, guests can look forward to the usual Haus bands, DJs sets and all-star showtime cast delivering live music, dancing and pure, unfiltered joy.
As per an official press release, strap-in for a night full of “pop anthems, disco classics, and a few guilty pleasures as the haus transforms into a glitter-soaked time capsule of millennium madness.”
You have our attention – carry on…
With three other locations around the UK, including Birmingham, London and Liverpool’s Albert’s Shenke’s, we can vouch for Manchester’s very own being the best.
If the scenes from their Octoberfest celebrations are anything to go by, this event won’t disappoint and in-line with the rest of the festive period, bookings for their Christmas parties are also open.
Of course, guests are encouraged to embrace the theme; crop tops, cargo pants, bucket hats and double denim are all encouraged. As they put it, “Whether you’re channelling Britney, Bowie or the Backstreet Boys, this is your chance to party like it’s 1999.”
General Admission tickets start from £50 and include a glass of prosecco on arrival. Entry is from 7pm, with the last entry window closes by 10:30pm. This also a strictly 21+ only event.
There’s also a special Albert’s Schloss NYE set menu offer to, priced at £90 per person and including a glass of prosecco, canapés on arrival and midnight snacks to keep the party fuelled into the early hours.
Expect a three-course feast made up of a bier onion soup and beef carpaccio, sauerbraten beef short rib and roast chicken supreme, as well as a choice of milk chocolate mousse and vanilla crème brûlée.
Secure your place at one of the biggest parties while you still can – you can grab your tickets HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
9th December 2021 
