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
Kids can now travel on Greater Manchester buses for FREE all summer long
Emily Sergeant
Young people across Greater Manchester will benefit from unlimited free bus travel this summer.
As part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign – which was announced back in May – Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has revealed that all children aged five to 15 can travel for free in England, including on Bee Network bus services, during the school summer holidays throughout August.
Not only that, but 16-year-olds will be able to activate their ‘Our Pass’ one month earlier (from 1 August instead of 1 September), giving them an extra month of free bus and cheaper tram travel.
The move means that all young people in Greater Manchester will be entitled to free bus travel for the whole month.
Children under five already get to travel for free on the Bee Network all year round.
From 1-31 August, children aged 5-15 can travel FREE on all #BeeNetwork buses across Greater Manchester as part of the government’s Great British Savings scheme.
And if you’re turning 16? You can activate your @OurPassGM a month early from 1 August, unlocking free bus travel and… pic.twitter.com/BM9vIEnNfH
The Great British Summer Savings scheme has introduced a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – on things like travel, children’s meals in restaurants, and family leisure activities over the summer period.
The Government says the aim of the initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
No registration or sign-up is required to benefit from the Summer Savings scheme on the Bee Network, TfGM confirmed, with anyone aged between five and 15 instructed to just ask the driver for a free ticket as they board the bus.
“We’re pleased to be taking part in the Greater British Summer Savings scheme which will mean free bus travel on the Bee Network for everyone aged five to 15 in August,” commented Fran Wilkinson, who is the Customer and Growth Director at TfGM.
“This will help make days out more affordable for families this summer.
“The Bee Network is all about making it easier and more affordable to get around Greater Manchester and this national scheme will help us do just that.”
Featured Image – TfGM
Travel & Tourism
The beautiful woodland walk and tearoom with a magical past
Daisy Jackson
There are few places in Cheshire where history, folklore and good food come together quite as perfectly as Alderley Edge.
Best known for its dramatic sandstone escarpment, sweeping countryside views and ancient copper mines, the National Trust beauty spot has inspired myths for centuries.
And at the heart of it all, after a beautiful woodland walk, sits a charming tearoom whose name is woven into one of the area’s most famous legends.
The Wizard Tearoom is the perfect place to begin – or end – the National Trust’s popular Wizard’s Wander, an easy circular route that explores woodland paths, old mining remains and the legendary sites that gave Alderley Edge its magical reputation.
According to local folklore, first published in 1805, a mysterious wizard guards an army of sleeping knights hidden beneath the Edge, waiting to awaken when England needs them most.
Steeped in character, the tearoom itself occupies a building dating back to the 16th century and has become something of a destination in its own right.
Today it’s run by aunt-and-niece team Rachel and Harriet, who have created a welcoming spot for walkers, families and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
You reach the tea room via a beautiful walk through Alderley EdgeIce cream from the hatch at the Wizard Tea RoomOutside the tea roomThe Alderley Edge Wizard’s Wander walkPimms and a slice of cakeA huge tray of pastries
With outdoor seating overlooking one of Cheshire’s most scenic beauty spots, the menu stretches from hearty breakfast baps and relaxed lunches to traditional scones with clotted cream and jam. During the warmer months, a refreshing Pimms is just as tempting as a cup of tea after a woodland stroll.
There’s also an ice cream hatch at the front, making it easy for visitors to grab a cone before setting off on the trails or while enjoying the picnic area nearby.
The owners are passionate about supporting local producers. Ingredients are sourced from nearby suppliers wherever possible, from locally produced honey to cakes baked by Baked by Bean, giving visitors a genuine taste of Cheshire alongside the spectacular scenery.
The tea room has also grown into a community hub, hosting regular events including pottery painting sessions and open mic nights.
Outside the gates, the Wizard’s Wander offers a gentle one-mile adventure through some of Alderley Edge’s most intriguing landmarks. Along the way walkers pass old mine workings, dramatic viewpoints including Stormy Point, the mysterious Devil’s Grave and the famous Golden Stone.
Whether you’re visiting for the legends, the countryside or simply a slice of homemade cake after a walk, it’s easy to see why this corner of Cheshire continues to cast its spell on visitors.
Combining centuries of history, enchanting folklore and warm hospitality, the Wizard Tearoom proves that sometimes the best adventures end with tea and cake.
You can see the full walking route on the National Trust website HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2024 
