A new hotel has opened in Manchester city centre, taking proud inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage.
The Reach at Piccadilly is a beautiful new hotel in an enviable location.
Standing at 11 storeys tall, the building towers over the Rochdale Canal and is a mere 90-second walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
In the present day, that means you’re a short stroll from several iconic music venues, loads of great bars and restaurants, and plenty of transport links, but The Reach at Piccadilly has taken its inspiration from a little further back in time.
It’s been designed to celebrate Manchester’s pioneering history, which is fitting given that it stands on a canal that was vital to the city’s Industrial Revolution.
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The hotel, situated on Ducie Street, has made nods to the area’s history with little touches like nautical interiors, activated charcoal toiletries, and a twist on the ‘fourpenny’ drink that was historically used by workers to toast the end of the day.
The Reach at Piccadilly is Manchester’s new canalside hotel with proudly Mancunian inspirations / Credit: The Manc Group
The hotel itself, which is dog-friendly, has 215 guest rooms, eight suites, and the ground floor restaurant and bar, Lock 84.
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In Lock 84, you’ll find all-day dining crafted around sustainable, seasonal, and local ingredients.
The inspiration for the menu comes from across the globe, but is based on British dishes with lots of small plates, including the stand-out Manchester Scotch Egg, and a range of larger courses, sides, snacks, and more.
The Reach at Piccadilly is part of Tribute Portfolio, a collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, which all strive to create social scenes for guests and locals alike, and each one has its own unique vibe.
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For The Reach at Piccadilly, it’s all about its Manchester-led authenticity and collaboration with local partners, promising guests a ‘warm Northern welcome’.
In Lock 84, you’ll find all-day dining crafted around sustainable, seasonal, and local ingredients / Credit: The Manc Group
Peter Nye, general manager at The Reach at Piccadilly, said: “We are delighted to unveil this new and exciting addition to the city’s thriving hospitality scene. When creating the concept for the hotel, we have been conscious to create an authentic Manchester experience for guests to fully encompass, and our teams have worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure our guests experience the very best of the city’s supply network.
“They’ll be able to enjoy produce grown only a few miles away, drink a great cup of coffee which has been roasted around the corner, and sip on unique, locally brewed beer.
“We really are very excited to welcome guests from around the world.”
The Reach at Piccadilly is now open, and bookings can be made over on the hotel’s website – https://thereachmcr.com/
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The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.
A magical family-friendly winter adventure with a light trail and live entertainment is returning to Tatton Park Gardens
Daisy Jackson
One of winter’s top events will return to Tatton Park Gardens this year, with another season announced for Yuletide.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025.
As visitors wander the Yuletide event, you’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Audiences are invited to step into a world of winter folklore, filled with live music, cosy campfire stories, and plenty more.
New this year will be a troupe of leaping acrobats, plus a new live music stage in the woods, and brand-new enchanting characters to meet around every corner.
Another new element is the wild Wassail, inspired by a centuries-old Twelfth Night tradition of singing and banging pots and pans together to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Wild Rumpus launch of Yuletide at Tatton ParkYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Cat DineleyYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Emma Croman
As night falls, Tatton Park Gardens will be transformed into a family-friendly winter escape.
Magical memories to be made include the chance to sip hot chocolates and toast marshmallows over a campfire, as a traditional storyteller weaves tales for the whole family.
And the glittering light trail includes interactive installations, glowing puppets, and characters inspired by festive tales.
There’ll also be food vendors serving up tasty festive treats and mulled wine.
Yuletide comes from Cheshire-based event producers Wild Rumpus, who’ll be unlocking new parts of the grounds this year.
Credit: Emma CromanCredit: Anna Hornby
Wild Rumpus’ Director Rowan Cannon said: “This year is a fresh and enchanting adventure for the whole family, with a twist of wild creativity.
“There’s loads of never-before-seen elements, including spellbinding acrobats performing as people arrive, a music stage in the woodland with performances from amazing live bands, and a dreamy Shadow Forest where you can cast shadows against beautiful backdrops.
“The trail is taking a new route through Tatton Park Gardens this year, so people can explore parts of the grounds they’ve never seen at night before.”
Yuletide will run at Tatton Park Gardens on selected evenings between Saturday 15 November and Tuesday 23 December 2026.
Tickets start from £19 for adults and £11 for children, but under 2s go free, with selected dates offering off-peak tickets.
Daisy Jackson -
31st July 2024 
