Manchester has always been one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the UK, and now it’s been officially named as one of the hottest in the world – or at least, one of its hotels has.
The Brooklyn Hotel has only been open a matter of weeks but it’s listed in the top 1% of hotels on Trip Advisor and makes an exclusive list of the best 25 new hotels in the world.
Situated on the trendy Portland Street, Brooklyn Hotel has already been attracting lots of positive attention despite the fact it only re-opened its doors on 17 May and has been trading for just over 27 weeks.
It’s not just the location close to Manchester city centre that makes the Brooklyn so sought after – here’s a look at some of its highlights.
Tapping Into Hot Trends
One of the biggest attractions at Brooklyn Hotel is what you’ll find in the basement: Napoleon’s Casino and Restaurant.
But this is no dingy gambling parlour tucked away in the dark depths; Napoleon’s is a glamorous space where diners can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while overlooking the huge range of casino tables.
You don’t need to book dinner to head to Napoleon’s for some fun. The high-class cocktail bar is the perfect way to start the evening before taking your pick of the many gaming tables including poker, blackjack and roulette. There are also the latest slots and a heated terrace area where guests can smoke while taking a break from the action.
No other hotel in Manchester has a casino facility, and Brooklyn taps right into the heart of current trends. 2020 created an insatiable appetite for online entertainment and gaming, and casinos have rocketed in popularity. The diversity of what’s on offer is pivotal to its success; gone are the days of the basic table games and roulette tables with the surge of so many new variations of roulette available online. Players can now find many versions of their favourite games, and if they head to Napoleon’s, they’ll be able to play while soaking up the real-life atmosphere of a land casino.
A Bite of the Big Apple
The global pandemic has made it more difficult for people to travel but as the name suggests, the Brooklyn brings a slice of Brooklyn, New York to the UK. It may not be easy to travel to the Big Apple right now, but you can still enjoy a nibble on its sights and sounds.
The hotel channels the über-cool New York scene with yellow cabs and a big projector showing American classics in an amphitheatre just off the lobby. Panoramic views across the skyline may not give quite the same cityscape as New York, but enjoy the cocktails and order a plate of brownies, and pretty soon you’ll be having too much fun to care!
The supersized rooms are similarly luxurious with floor to ceiling windows which are reminiscent of an American loft. Ten of the first-floor bedrooms have an outside terrace where you can relax with a coffee while gazing out over Portland Street and the Village.
Surrounded by all the coolest gadgets you can imagine inside your room – including a Smeg fridge and Kitsch vintage radio – the Brooklyn Hotel delivers comfort and relaxation in the most exuberant way possible.
If you’d like to find out more, check out sa gaming.
Manchester
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
The Manc -
12th July 2021 
