The iconic Kimpton Clocktower hotel has unveiled a staggering three-bedroom hotel suite this week – a first for Manchester.
Suite No.51 is about as posh as they come, promising customisable amenities and masses of space for guests.
Do you want a piano popping in your bedroom? A fridge stocked with whatever drinks you fancy? Picking up from the airport and dropped straight at the hotel? You got it!
You can even choose which plants and flowers the room is dressed with for your arrival.
They’re promising that the new suite will offer ‘unrivalled luxury without the fuss’.
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The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s new suite is a jaw-dropping beauty, with dark wood-panelled walls, towering double-height ceilings and enormous windows.
In the main living room, there’s a dining space built into the impressive bay window, a marble table, and custom furniture complete with fabrics designed exclusively for this hotel.
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As well as having up to three bedrooms (they can be split to suit each guest’s requirements), four bathrooms, and a huge open-plan living and dining room, Suite No.51 is also kitted out with plenty of opulent extras.
The living and dining space in Kimpton Clocktower’s Suite No.51. Credit: The Manc GroupOne of THREE bedrooms inside Suite No.51 at Kimpton Clocktower HotelThe walk-in wardrobe
There’s a 65-inch 4K smart TV in the lounge and dining area, 50” smart TVs in each bedroom, PS5 gaming and entertainment system, and a Project T1 Record Player with its own private record collection (though if your favourite music is missing, you can request more through the hotel’s Music Concierge service).
Guests will be able to get ready with their own walk-in wardrobe and dressing room, equipped with Dyson hair styling tools, as well as luxury bathrooms with underfloor heating, free-standing bathtub, a double vanity and a wireless music system.
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All three bedrooms have super king-size beds as well as motorised, sound-insulation black out curtains.
This huge three-bedroom hotel suite has been constructed in a former office within the Grade II-listed hotel, a landmark in Manchester previously known as the Palace.
The hotel was originally The Refuge Assurance company headquarters with a history dating back to 1895, but nowadays is home to 270 bedrooms, the Refuge restaurant and bar, and 17 event spaces.
Guests have access to their own dressing room. You can kit out the cocktail cart with whatever alcohol you want in advance. The second bedroom in the Kimpton Clocktower’s newest suite
Original features it’s become so famed for include its glazed brick tiles, stained glass, and Carrara marble staircase, plus of course the iconic clocktower itself which still stands proud in the Manchester skyline.
Guests who choose to stay in Suite No.51 have a dedicated Kimpton Clocktower ambassador available at the click of a button to help with whatever you need.
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Other bespoke extras include in-room check-in, turndown service and complimentary bar and airport shuttle service.
Before you even step foot inside the hotel building, you can have your room filled with your favourite flowers from the Clocktower Florist downstairs, and stock the cocktail bar with whatever spirits, wines and soft drinks you fancy.
Kelly Andreasson, hotel manager at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, commented: “Kimpton Clocktower continues to captivate, and No. 51 is set to be one of the most opulent suites in the city.
“The Kimpton brand is rooted in heartfelt human connections, and we look forward to welcoming guests, where we will provide a next-level service.”
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s Suite No.51 is available to book now for stays from August – see more here.
In pictures – The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel unveils luxury suite Suite No.51
Featured image: Rebecca Hope Photography
Travel & Tourism
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over a Greater Manchester town this month
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Roll up, roll up all vintage-lovers – a free full day of live entertainment is returning to Oldham town centre later this month.
Following being crowned Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026-2027, there are set to be a whole host of exciting activities coming our way across the next couple of months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
From old classic cars to live music and circus performances, Nostalgic Oldham has it all and we are very excited to pay a visit and celebrate one of our beloved boroughs.
The day will centre around the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, serving as a hub throughout the celebrations. Here, visitors can expect plenty of free activities to get involved with, including Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags, Oldham Theatre Workshop and a craft workshop from Oldham Archives.
It is set to be a family-friendly, action-packed day with buckets of civic pride and traditional shows, including a performance from Saddleworth Morris Men as well as celebrating more contemporary dances from Troupe Dance.
While Tame Valley Motors will be showcasing some of their most nostalgic vehicles for all of you car-lovers, cycling enthusiasts will be able to catch a glimpse of the prestigious trophy inside the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift tent. Fans may also talk to the team behind bringing the competition through Oldham in July 2027.
Amongst the busyness, there will also be the opportunity to witness the unveiling of a brand new mural by artist Dave Draws, inside The Market at 11am.
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over Oldham
His large-scale illustrated map is a tribute to both the area and the people of Oldham, intertwining collaborative stories and drawings from members of the local community.
If you’re over in Oldham for the day, the charity Northern Roots will be opening its new Welcome Building to the public from 11am.
Visitors are welcome to browse their shop of handcrafted gifts, books and fresh produce, indulge on seasonal dishes at their café, explore the outdoor play area, Forestry Skills Centre and four acres of Urban Farm.
Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts at Oldham Council, said: “Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled.
“As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we’re proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it’s completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day.”
Nostalgic Oldham will take place from 11-4pm on Saturday 19 September – be sure not to miss out
The Greater Manchester book café serving literary afternoon teas and build-your-own bouquets
Daisy Jackson
If you like your afternoon tea with a side of good books, there’s a Greater Manchester café where you can quite literally have your cake and read it too.
Tucked inside this charming bookish spot, afternoon tea arrives with an unexpected twist. Rather than being presented with the usual three-tiered stand, you’re handed a stack of heavy hardback books.
But don’t start worrying that you’ve accidentally wandered into a very niche library club. The books are hiding something.
Lift the covers in Peony & Parchment – or, more accurately, open the book-shaped boxes – and you’ll discover a full afternoon tea concealed inside.
There are dainty sandwiches to get stuck into, including tiny egg mayo, herby chicken salad, ham and mustard, and cheese and tomato focaccia, alongside a little quiche.
Then comes the scone – classic, fluffy and ready for the obligatory dollop of clotted cream and jam. And, because no afternoon tea should leave you feeling like you’ve been short-changed in the cake department, there are five miniature slices to work through.
Afternoon tea concealed in a stack of booksSome of the other bakes on display
There’s a Victoria sponge with a dreamy vanilla cream, lemon drizzle, rich chocolate cake, a Bakewell slice and a pecan pie, all sourced from a local bakery just across the alleyway.
It’s all served with a pot of tea or coffee, with the option to add a glass of prosecco.
And the bookish theme doesn’t stop at the afternoon tea.
Downstairs you’ll find shelves packed with books, including the intriguing ‘blind books’. Instead of judging a book by its cover, you’ll be given clues and a short summary of what lies inside before taking a gamble on your mystery read.
Downstairs in Peony & Parchment‘Blind books’A role playing village for kids
There’s also plenty here to keep younger visitors entertained, thanks to a children’s area complete with a mini role-playing village.
And if books and cake weren’t enough, there’s another string to this café’s bow.
The Bloom Bar lets you build your own bouquet. Choose the size you want, then wander around selecting your own stems and foliage to create something that’s uniquely yours.
You can build your own bouquetThe Bloom Bar at Peony & Parchment
Of course, you don’t have to be visiting specifically for the afternoon tea. The wider menu includes tapas, full breakfasts and sandwiches, making it just as suitable for a leisurely brunch, lunch or coffee-and-cake stop.
So whether you’re there to discover your next favourite novel, assemble a bouquet, entertain the kids or simply eat your way through five different miniature cakes, this is one café where there are plenty of chapters to explore.
Daisy Jackson -
11th July 2024 
