First look: inside The Midland following spectacular £14m revamp

Manchester’s world-famous hotel The Midland is steeped in history, and has always been one of the city’s favourite landmarks.

Now it’s undergone a £14m refurbishment, featuring a stunning transformation of all bedrooms and public areas, a brand new restaurant Mount Street Dining Room & Bar, as well as the destination restaurant, The French.

We took a look inside, to see what’s new.

The most striking immediate change is to the hotel’s main foyer, which now features a brand new, split-level bar built on a raised platform in the heart of the hotel’s lobby, providing a spectacular space for both guests and non-guests to enjoy. 

The focal point is a beautiful curved Champagne bar, a dazzling dark shade of emerald with stools to perch on, which will feature a range of Champagne and cocktails.

As well as a taste of luxury – smoked salmon, caviar, a glass of chilled Pommery – it will also be an elegant spot to enjoy a cup of tea, a beer or a sandwich, too, with an all-day menu.

In the evening, twinkling lights in the trees will give a glamorous feel making a perfect spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks, with music at the weekends adding to the atmosphere.

“There’s something  for everyone, whether it’s a group of friends having drinks or a spot for a coffee after shopping,” says Area General Manager Rachel Davies, pointing out a jaw-dropping painted ceiling which is sure to be a hit on Instagram.

There are even plug sockets around the lounge area, for those of us – all of us, surely? – who fancy spending the day remote working from the hottest new spot in town.

The French has also received a new makeover, though fans will be pleased to see the grand room’s signature chandeliers still remain – as will chef Adam Reid’s playlist of top tunes.

The dining space is now decorated in opulent shades of blue, with dark plush banquette seating and shimmering marble tables.

The Tea Room, meanwhile, is now an elegant space of pastel pinks, chic patterned curtains and beautiful Art Deco curves to make afternoon tea even more of an event.

The Midland’s food and beverage offering has also received a brand-new look as part of the transformation. 

New restaurant concept, Mount Street Dining Room & Bar, is a modern British style brasserie, which combines Northern hospitality with an all-day menu offering. 

Old railway posters adorn the walls, with dark wood panelling, soft leather chairs and new marble tables giving the space a handsome, grown-up feel.

As well as being the space for breakfast for hotel guests, Mount Street, which has its own separate entrance from the street, is an all-day dining destination in its own right, with a beautiful bar area for relaxed drinks and dishes such as chargrilled fish and lobster, steaks and grill dishes from the hotel’s in-house butcher, and hearty homemade pies.

In addition to the public areas, the hotel’s 312 bedrooms have also undergone impressive refurbishments. 

Featuring a restful, neutral colour palette adorned with luxurious soft padded armchairs, plump cushions and glowing lamps, the new rooms offer guests ultimate comfort and style.

Suites such as the Rolls Royce are huge, with enormous beds, separate lounge areas and covetable roll-top baths offering a genuinely glamorous getaway for those who want to splash out.

The refurbishment follows the full rebrand of the award-winning on-site spa, which transitioned into Rena Spa at The Midland in November 2019 and offers a selection of specialist treatments, all using renowned French beauty brand, Caudalie.

It’s a stunning transformation, retaining the hotel’s history whilst also bringing it bang up to date.

Whether you’re a hotel guest or just popping by for afternoon tea, lunch, a casual drink, a glass of fizz or a fabulous dinner at The French, you won’t want to leave.

And with so much on offer all under one roof, there’s absolutely no need to.

The Midland reopens to the public on 17th May in accordance with government guidelines.