• Why Manchester is the Ideal City for your Next Business Meeting

    Searching for somewhere to host your next company conference? Consider meeting in Manchester.They don't call it the Northern Powerhouse for nothing. From the Industrial Revolution to the modern age of science and technology, Manchester has always thrived when it comes to business. While it was once the centre of the UK’s textile trade, it now hosts some of the world’s biggest and most ambitious companies, from adidas and Kellogg’s to the BBC.As a city that’s full of well-established and up-and-coming companies, Manchester makes for the perfect place to host your next meeting. Need persuading? Here’s three key reasons:Manchester is a city of innovationWhether you’re looking to refresh your current business plan or come up with some new ideas, Manchester is definitely the place to go for some inspiration. It’s where the first programmable computer was invented in the 1940s and where the first railway line opened in 1830. Some of the UK’s (if not the world’s) most progressive people have also come from the city, including leader of the Suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst.If music is more your area, Manchester’s had its share of the limelight thanks to Tony Wilson’s Factory Records and the much-loved Haçienda nightclub, plus it’s thought to have birthed more bands than any other city in the UK.And who can forget Manchester’s sporting roots? The city revolutionised football with the English Football League in 1888, and its two iconic teams are now household names across the globe.The city continuously hosts world-class eventsFrom marketing conferences to art expos and many exciting festivals, Manchester packs a punch with its annual events for businesses in every kind of industry. Many are held at the Manchester Central Convention Centre that’s conveniently located just across the road from The Midland Hotel.Manchester has great transport connections As well as direct train services to London, Birmingham and multiple other British cities, Manchester has an international airport that’s less than thirty minutes from its centre. Once in the city, you’ll find it’s easy to move around thanks to excellent transport links like Manchester’s iconic yellow trams.Why host your Manchester conference at The Midland Hotel?Besides from our full-service meeting room facilities and central location a stone’s throw from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road stations, The Midland has a long history of hosting important meetings.It’s a well-known fact that Rolls-Royce founders, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, first met within our walls way back in 1904. Winston Churchill also favoured The Midland whenever he was in the city and once made a speech in our hotel hall. Fast-forward nearly a century and our restaurant The French was supposedly where David and Victoria Beckham had their first date.End your search for conference hotels in Manchester and take a look at our flexible meetings rooms at The Midland that feature sophisticated interiors, state of the art technology systems, super-fast Wi-Fi and capacity for up to 700 people.

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  • Launch of an Afternoon Tea-Style Brunch

    Courtesy of the Manchester Evening News, by Daisy JacksonManchester’s historic hotel, The Midland, has launched a new brunch offering, served afternoon tea-style in its dedicated Tea Room.White tablecloths, bone china crockery and cake stands will be used to present diners with a luxurious selection of miniature brunch dishes.There’s also the option to upgrade your high brunch to a bottomless brunch, with bottomless prosecco, mimosas, Bloody Marys, bellinis, beers and lagers available for an extra £20 per person.Available every day, dishes from the brand new brunch offering will include waffles with streaky bacon and maple syrup, baked eggs with chorizo, and brioche French toast with cinnamon.There will also be miniature portions of smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagels, cheese scones with pancetta butter, granola and yogurt pots, smoothies and pancakes.The Midland has been a big player in the city’s afternoon tea scene since the hotel opened in 1903, with the Tea Room acting as a dedicated venue for the traditional treat.Jens Hallman, general manager at The Midland, said: “The Tea Room is a fantastic space and incredibly popular for afternoon teas, so introducing a brunch menu made total sense.“We’re really excited about this – it’s something totally different, there isn’t anywhere else in Manchester that offers brunch in this format on a daily basis.“It gives you a little bit of everything you might want from a brunch, with the option to enjoy a mid-morning cocktail if the mood takes you!”The brunches are priced at £19 per person and are available between 10.30am and 1.30pm seven days a week.You can book in advance, although space is saved for walk-ins too.

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  • 10 Romantic Things to do in Manchester

    What’s better than a weekend away with your significant other? With our top 12 romantic activities to indulge in during a Manchester based city break, you’ll be falling in love all over again.Enjoy the viewThe dramatic Manchester skyline is the perfect backdrop for sharing a cocktail. Visit the rooftop terrace at 20 stories in Spinningfields for relaxed seating, champagne and cocktails and a laidback grill menu. Time your visit to watch the sun set as you sip your drinks. Roam Dunham MasseyExplore the gardens at Dunham Massey, home to herds of fallow deer and other wildlife as well as architectural oddities and a stunning Georgian Country House. Stop into the National Trust Shop to browse local Cheshire produce and plants grown on site.Unwind at the Midland SpaIt’s possible to find a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life without even leaving The Midland. At our award-winning spa you can relax in thermal areas, nap in the sleep chamber hanging pods and indulge in massages, facials and other specialist treatments.The spa at The Midland Hotel in Manchester is the perfect destination for unforgettable spa days with your significant other. Indulge in luxurious treatments and experiences designed specifically for couples, creating a romantic and rejuvenating escape. The tranquil ambiance, soothing aromas, and serene surroundings set the stage for an intimate and blissful experience. Share this special time together, rejuvenating your bodies and minds while rekindling the romance. Take in a showWith the Royal Opera House, Palace Theatre, Lowry, Royal Exchange Theatre and more in Manchester, you can always find a show to suit your tastes. If you already have evening plans, visit the Mezzanine Gallery at the Royal Exchange Theatre to admire the Victorian architecture and enjoy their exhibitions over coffee. Let your competitive side outFor a date night with a difference, challenge your partner to a few rounds of kooky mini-golf at Junkyard Golf or Axe Throwing at Great Northern. You might discover a hidden talent and the loser can get the next round of drinks. Enjoy the cultureManchester is bursting with artistic and historical culture. Soak some of it up at the Manchester and Whitworth Art Galleries or The John Rylands Library. With museums as varied as the Imperial War Museum North, People’s History Museum and Museum of Science and Industry, there’s something for everybody. Have a romantic mealWith two award-winning restaurants located inside The Midland, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Book a table at The French to enjoy the four, six or nine course menus that change daily to incorporate locally sourced, seasonal produce. Mr Cooper’s Restaurant and Bar provides a more relaxed setting and The Tea Room has served exceptional afternoon teas since 1903. Catch a movieIf you’re visiting around the holiday of love, check out the Valentine’s Movie Experience in the transformed Mayfield Depot for classic silver-screen romances. Throughout the year you can snuggle up together to blockbusters or special screenings at HOME.Make some sweet musicManchester is a music lover’s dream with big name gigs and open mic nights on almost every night. Browse the independent vinyl stores in the Northern Quarter during the day and you might find a new favourite song to share. Get activeHead out to Trafford City for adventures on the Chill Factore snow slope or in the iFly wind tunnel. Weather you get your adrenaline rush flying down the longest real snow slope in the UK or soaring through the sky, you’ll have an unforgettable day out. Indulge your sweet toothShare a sundae at Black Milk, the Northern Quarter’s original dessert café. Specialising in cereal, they also have a full menu featuring hot chocolate, cakes and waffles or even milkshakes so over the top that they needed their own category of freakshakes.Just Stay in your RoomThere are endless romantic things to do in Manchester, but sometimes the most indulgent one is simply staying snuggled up in bed together. Every Midland experience begins with our charming yet modern rooms, designed to be peaceful and indulgent sanctuaries. With complimentary wi-fi, flat screen television and delicious dishes just a phone call away, we completely understand if you choose to stay in.

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  • 48 Hours in Manchester: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

    Vibrant, energetic and eclectic, Manchester is the perfect city for a cultured-yet-lively trip. Whether you want to explore the textile heritage of this industrial town, discover more about the city’s musical roots or experience world-class dining, Manchester has everything you could wish for on a city break.While you could spend longer exploring this northern city, a weekend is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what Manchester has to offer. To help get you started with planning your trip, we’ve put together some of the best things to do in Manchester in 48 hours.Travel tips:Manchester is easily reachable from across the country, with trains arriving from London Euston into Manchester Piccadilly in just over 2 hours. For those travelling from the north, the city can be reached from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in under 3 hours and Leeds in just 1 hour.Most of the city centre is walkable and one of the best ways to explore is on foot. With this in mind, choose a central hotel that gives easy access to the best things to do in Manchester. The Midland, for example, is a stone’s throw from a variety of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars. With stylish and luxurious rooms, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day (or night) on the town.Day One:Morning:The best way to start your two-day trip to Manchester is to explore the city on foot to get your bearings. For window shopping, head to the ultra-cool Northern Quarter. With plenty of independent shops, vintage stores and quirky establishments, you’ll find plenty to see here. If designer shopping is more your thing, walk towards the Arndale Centre or Spinningfields.Lunch:Manchester is a foodie’s dream, and there are plenty of lunch spots to choose from. In the Northern Quarter, you’ll find everything from pizza to elegant Asian food. If you’re in the Spinningfields area, there are plenty of luxury dining options too.Afternoon:After lunch, consider exploring one of Manchester’s exciting and innovative museums. The People’s History Museum is worth a visit and is ideally located next to Spinningfields. Alternatively, pay a visit to the neo-gothic John Rylands Library, which is an exquisite example of late Victorian architecture.Dinner:Once you’ve had your fill of Manchester’s cultural offerings, head back to The Midland for dinner. With incredible fine dining in The French, enjoy intricate dishes of the highest quality created by chef Adam Reid. For after-dinner cocktails, stop by the beautifully designed Midland Bar.Day Two:Morning:For your second morning in Manchester, enjoy a leisurely brunch in one of the city’s best breakfast establishments. The café in Manchester Town Hall is a good choice, as it offers the opportunity to visit one of the city’s finest landmarks too. Alternatively, keep it simple by enjoying an exquisitely crafted brunch at The Midland.Afternoon:For an afternoon tipple, head to Deansgate. Offering some of the trendiest bars in the city, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two. Deansgate is also conveniently located near to the Manchester Arena and the Royal Exchange Theatre, making it a great place to enjoy a drink and dinner before seeing a concert or show.Dinner:Whether you’re looking for a post-show supper or a full dining experience after spending the day exploring the city, head back to The Midland for dinner. Our Mr Cooper’s Restaurant and Bar offers the perfect relaxed ambience for your last night in the city, with exceptional dishes that are sure to delight. From the Northern Quarter to Spinningfields, Manchester is the perfect location for a vibrant city break. For more ideas to inspire your trip to this exciting city, discover our selection of things to do in Manchester.

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  • 11 Dreamy Designer Shops in Manchester

    From quirky independent stores in the Northern Quarter to an unrivalled selection of high-street shops in the central retail district, it’s easy to see why Manchester is the go-to shopping destination for locals and visitors alike.The city plays host to an exquisite range of designer shopping experiences, making it the perfect choice for those wishing to add a touch of luxury to their wardrobes. To help inspire your shopping trip, we’ve put together a carefully-selected collection of some of the best designer shops in Manchester.SelfridgesIf you’re looking for a variety of designer shops in Manchester, look no further. Centrally located in Exchange Square, Selfridges offers a one-stop-shop for luxury shopping in the city. Here, you’ll find plenty of high-end labels, from Balenciaga to Valentino, with many stores offering a personal shopping service too.Harvey Nichols Harvey Nichols is another essential stop on your retail therapy itinerary. Located directly across from Selfridges, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better location for designer shops in Manchester. With three floors of luxury fashion, beauty and food to peruse, Harvey Nichols is a must-visit.Oliver SweeneyFor gorgeous footwear and designer men’s clothing, Oliver Sweeney is one of the best designer shops in Manchester. Expect expert craftsmanship and pieces of the highest quality here. The concept store is located in the newly-designed Spinningfields development, offering plenty of other luxury shopping opportunities nearby.BelstaffFrom ultra-cool designer leather jackets to iconic motorsport-inspired clothing for both men and women, Belstaff is one of Manchester’s most intriguing stores. Housed in a beautifully historic building on Kings Street, with other luxury shops nearby, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better designer shop in Manchester.DKNYNew York cool meets the energetic spirit of Manchester with the DKNY store on Kings Street. Here, you’ll find classic high-end pieces for relaxed and eclectic fashion. Shop the latest collections and be inspired by the unique style of this designer store.BOSSFrom refined business-wear to relaxed weekend fashion, the BOSS store on Cathedral Street is a must-visit for anyone shopping in Manchester. Expect the latest collections and the highest quality from this designer shop.Vivienne WestwoodEclectic and intrinsically fun, Vivienne Westwood is a mainstay of designer shops in Manchester. From larger-than-life prints to punk-inspired fashion, find all the latest collections here. To visit the store, head to Spring Gardens and look out for the stunning Victorian architecture too.Louis VuittonFamed for their monogrammed luggage and handbags, no luxury shopping trip would be complete without a visit to Louis Vuitton. With avant-garde styling and expert craftsmanship, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here.Emporio ArmaniSophisticated and esteemed, Emporio Armani offer timeless yet effortlessly on-trend Italian men and womenswear. With a flagship store in Spinningfields, there’ll be no better time to inject a hint of Italian flair into your wardrobe on your Manchester shopping trip.Michael KorsWorld-renowned and with award-winning styling, Michael Kors offer an exquisite range of ready-to-wear clothing, handbags and accessories. You’ll find the Manchester Michael Kors store on New Cathedral Street, with plenty of other designer shops nearby.MulberryKnown for their luxury leather accessories and bags, Mulberry is a must-visit for those looking to add to their handbag collection. With a beautiful store on The Avenue in Spinningfields, and plenty of luxury shopping opportunities in the surrounding areas, you’re sure to find the perfect arm candy here.Reward yourself for a successful shopping trip with a fine dining experience at The Midland. Relax and unwind with an elegant afternoon tea in our opulent tea room overlooking St Peter’s Square. Or, savour an exquisitely crafted lunch or evening meal at one of our a la carte restaurants.

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  • Transform Christmas into a World of Decadence

    As well as your winter warmer of mulled wine there is a variety of festive favourites for you to try. Golden Roast Turkey & Apricot Stuffing sandwiches, scones accompanied by clotted cream & Mrs Darlington’s Jams and Dark chocolate delice with smoked almonds and Malden salt are just a few to tantalise your taste buds.Monday- Thursday: £35 per personFriday- Sunday: £37 per personFor a limited time only come join the festivities.Tel: 0161 235 4782Offer available from 23rd November until the 30th December 2018 (excludes 25th & 26thDecember), subject to availability. Booking required. Dishes from a set menu and subject to change. Includes VAT. Excludes service. Please be aware if paying with a gift card that Festive Afternoon Tea is more than traditional and you may have to pay the difference.

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