Mollie’s Motel has announced the opening date of its hotel and diner in Manchester.
The brand, which promises value-luxe, design-led accommodation, will be opening in the Old Granada Studios next month.
This will be the most ambitious Mollie’s Motel to date, and its first city centre hotel and diner (the first were roadside sites in Oxfordshire and Bristol).
Inside, there’ll be 128 rooms across five floors, ranging from doubles to twins to bunk rooms, with prices starting at an incredibly reasonable £139.
There’ll also be studios and a selection of luxe suites featuring freestanding bathtubs, walk-in wardrobes and Peloton bikes – a new chapter for Mollie’s.
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Also opening in the iconic former TV studio before the end of this year will be Soho House, with the members’ club taking over the top three floors.
Soho House Design has worked on the build of Mollie’s Motel to preserve the modernist facade of Old Granada Studios and make playful nods to the building’s vibrant history.
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Studio IV at Mollie’s Motel in ManchesterStudio IV at Mollie’s Motel in ManchesterA VIP room at Mollie’s Motel ManchesterA VIP room at Mollie’s Motel Manchester
It’s part of St John’s, the neighbourhood that is also home to venues like Caravan, Fenix, The Trading Route and Courts Club, and will have cultural institutions like the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Opera House and Aviva Studios on the doorstep.
Mollie’s Motel rooms in Manchester will nod to the building’s heritage with dark wood panelling, terrazzo and aged brass finishes, plus rainshowers, super king bed, Dyson Airwraps, GHD straighteners and Cowshed toiletries.
The sixth floor will be home to 23 bedrooms designed specifically for Soho House members, plus an 80sqm private apartment with two bedrooms and an open plan living room with kitchenette.
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On the first floor, guests will have access to a state-of-the-art Soho House gym, with a free weights area, studio space, steam and sauna, plus a balcony with casual seating.
Mollie’s DinerThe green room at Mollie’s Motel ManchesterMollie’s Motel Manchester now has an opening date
As for the diner aspect, Mollie’s Diner will have 110 seats plus private dining for 30, all designed in a mid-century style with classic counter seating and luxe leather banquettes inspired by the interior of a vintage Cadillac.
It continues with Studio IV, an open-plan cocktail bar with live music and entertainment, VIP bar and snug, and an outdoor heated terrace.
Mollie’s Motel will work with local artists to create bespoke artworks for the rooms and public spaces.
Bookings for Mollie’s Motel Manchester are now open HERE.
You can paddle a canoe down a Greater Manchester canal to a floating cafe and bar
Daisy Jackson
Fancy swapping the city streets for a few hours on the water?
Just a short tram ride from Manchester city centre is a spot where you can hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard, and explore the beautiful Bridgewater Canal from a completely different perspective.
Tucked away down the stairs by The King’s Ransom pub, Grip Adventures has been part of Sale for the past four years.
Whether you’re after a relaxed paddle in the sunshine, a fun day out with friends, or a family activity, there’s something for everyone.
You can choose from single canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, or hire a double canoe if you’d rather explore as a group.
One of the best parts is that the canal is lined with great places to stop.
Paddling along the Bridgewater CanalStunning scenery along the Bridgewater CanalBaby ducklings spotted from the canoeGrip Adventure is right on the canal in SaleFloating cafe Walton PerkThe canoes parked up outside the Kings Ransom pub in Sale
Walton Perk sits right on the water, making it the perfect halfway coffee break. As well as coffees and cakes, you can even pick up a takeaway Aperol Spritz from here – without even setting foot outside your boat.
If you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday when it’s closed, Grapefruit Coffee is just across the road, so you can grab a takeaway before heading down to the canal.
Grip Adventure is run by Glenn Rees, who has spent more than 20 years leading outdoor adventure camps and is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone.
Alongside paddle hire, Glenn also delivers alternative education and outdoor learning programmes, works with Trafford Young Carers, and even runs land-based adventure games around the canal.
You really don’t have to travel far to enjoy an idyllic day on the water. In fact, one of Greater Manchester’s best summer days out has been hiding in plain sight just along the Bridgewater Canal.
Inside Dakota, the luxurious new hotel at Manchester Airport
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new hotel at Manchester Airport, and this one is all about luxury.
If the Dakota name sounds familiar, it’ll probably be from its city centre hotel, which has become a favourite with A-list celebrities and discerning travellers alike.
Now, the luxury hotel brand has opened its second Manchester location, this time just moments from the airport.
Designed to be ‘the destination before the destination’, Dakota Manchester Airport is aiming to redefine what an airport hotel can be.
The £54 million development features 154 elegant bedrooms and suites, all finished with the brand’s signature dark, sophisticated interiors and premium design details.
Just like its city centre counterpart, guests can expect a stylish bar and restaurant at the heart of the hotel. The Grill serves premium steaks, indulgent sides and an extensive wine list in an art deco-inspired setting complete with leather booths and a striking central bar.
And just like in town, there are plenty of luxury touches and details at Dakota Manchester Airport for guests to take advantage of.
The beautiful bar area at Dakota Manchester AirportThe Grill restaurantThe Grill restaurantA dedicated chauffere service to take you to your terminalAn example of the bedrooms at Dakota Manchester Airport
That includes the UK’s only hotel-operated valet parking service at an airport hotel, with the Dakota team looking after your car while you’re away.
There’s also a chauffeur service running 24 hours a day to take guests directly to their terminal, as well as private dining rooms, a cigar terrace and humidor, making it feel more like a luxury city hotel than somewhere to stay before an early flight.
Matt Townley, Group Operations Director, said: “Receiving the keys to Dakota Manchester Airport is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the project and marks the beginning of the final phase ahead of opening.
“Over the coming weeks, our focus will be on the continued development of our award-winning team and culture to ensure every touchpoint of the guest experience is delivered with the service and attention to detail that Dakota is known for.”
Daisy Jackson -
13th November 2025 
