Located in the heart of Manchester, The Midland Hotel is steeped in fascinating social and architectural history. First opened in 1903 by the Midland Railway Company, the hotel was initially constructed to serve rail travellers coming from London. Since then, it has welcomed guests day in and day out. Plus, it has also played host to exciting meetings which have shaped British history. Read on to explore more about this iconic hotel.
The Midland Hotel Manchester was designed by architect Charles Trubshaw and was built between 1898 and 1903 at a cost of over £1 million. Due to its initial role as a railway hotel, it had a covered walkway that led from Central Station to the Windmill Street entrance. The hotel featured a purpose-built theatre where drama and opera performances were showcased. It also housed a winter garden, Turkish baths, and an impressive roof garden.
The roof garden was considered the place to be for Manchester’s high society. Afternoon tea was served up in the garden, and guests would climb seven flights of stairs to enjoy picturesque views of the city below. In 1910, the hotel bosses decided to close off the roof garden due to the amount of soot that was emitted from the chimneys. This spoiled the experience for the fashionable elite.
During the Second World War, American intelligence claimed that The Midland was spared from bombing because of Adolf Hitler’s keen interest in its outstanding architecture.
Since its opening, The Midland Hotel has been regarded as one of Manchester’s grandest hotels. The hotel features a solid steel structure constructed from brown terracotta, red brick and different varieties of polished granite. The ground floor is built from pink granite intertwined with darker Shap granite, while the upper floors are made from brick and Burmantofts terracotta.
The Midland Hotel has been recognised as a Grade II listed English Heritage building. Its architecture shares similarities with other buildings in Manchester, including Lancaster House and London Road Fire Station.
Within the first year of its opening, The Midland Hotel was reported to have received over 70,000 guests. Over the years, the hotel has hosted everyone from rock stars to royalty. The Midland is still popular with celebrities today.
Sir Winston Churchill was a regular guest of the hotel.
In November 1959, the Queen Mother dined at The Midland’s Trafford Restaurant after attending a Royal Variety Performance at The Royal Theatre.
The Beatles were famously refused access to The Midland’s The French restaurant after being told they were inappropriately dressed.
The Midland Hotel was the place where Charles Rolls met Henry Royce. The formation of Rolls-Royce later occurred in 1904. There is a plaque situated in the hotel’s entranceway to commemorate this famous meeting.
Victora and David Beckham had their very first date at The Midland’s The French restaurant.
Today, The Midland Hotel is considered one of the best hotels in Manchester. Boasting 312 luxurious bedrooms as well as a relaxing spa and large event spaces, it’s a favourite hotel among locals and visitors from outside the city. The hotel has recently undergone a £14 million refurbishment and is home to several outstanding eateries.
The French restaurant
The French restaurant has always been one of the hotel’s best features. The restaurant was one of Britain’s first Michelin-starred restaurants, and it has recently been redecorated with dark plush seating and idyllic marble tables. Chef Adam Reid joined The French in 2013 and has since stunned guests with his fabulous food known for its exquisite flavour.
Mount Street Dining Room and Bar is a brand-new elegant addition to the hotel. This unique restaurant concept features an all-day menu as well as its own entrance from the street. Old railway posters splashed across the restaurant’s walls point towards the hotel’s history, while soft leather chairs and marble tables give the venue a sophisticated feel.
The Tea Room is Manchester’s only setting dedicated solely to afternoon tea. Afternoon Tea at The Midland has been a particular highlight of the social scene ever since the hotel opened. At The Tea Room, guests can enjoy spectacular views of St Peter’s Square while enjoying a delicious collection of hot drinks alongside sweet and savoury treats.
Fancy staying at one of the top hotels in Manchester? If you’re visiting Manchester, The Midland Hotel offers a superb space to relax and refuel at the end of a busy day. Here, you can learn more about the history of this charming hotel while enjoying a luxurious bedroom, an idyllic spa and fantastic restaurants.
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