THE most dramatic hotel to arrive in Manchester for decades is up and running.The 60-room Hotel Gotham has opened its doors in the Edwin Lutyens-designed Grade II listed Midland Bank building at the top of King Street – that great, grey Art Deco meets neoclassical landmark, which houses Jamie’s Italian on the ground floor. Already it's having lots of fun with uniformed doormen, its own personalised yellow taxi-van and little touches like the bat-shaped do not disturb signs on the room doors.
Soaring high above is Gotham’s own contribution to the burgeoning Manchester food and drink scene – the Honey restaurant and Club Brass, a bar and exclusive rooftop retreat for VIPs (which TOM counts itself among, obviously). If you are staying there you’ll already have been made to feel very special – upon arrival guests are invited to book a time for the Martini trolley to visit their room for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Honey, say Gotham’s owners Bespoke Hotels, serves 'a modern twist on brasserie classics. Menus and cocktails will reflect the Art Deco heritage, and feature local suppliers – and tastes such as Beetroot Gravadlax, Lamb Hotpot, Coq au Vin, Manchester Tart, Warm Rhubarb and Pistachio Bakewell, Gotham Kirsch cake, Lancashire cheese and Cheshire ham.'
The serving counters are based on period filing cabinets consisting of zinc, wood and marble and finished with beautifully crafted brass Bank vault mesh. Bowler hat displays, green glass wall lamps and 1900’s Banker style chairs continue the period look while the half-moon windows offer panoramas across Manchester. It’s on the sixth floor where the hotel reception is also located.
Club Brass carries on this privileged, craftsman feel. Beautifully clad geometric tin tiled walls are a backdrop to sleek leather booths and cut-glass decanter lights, recycled timber coffee tables and industrial high tables. Reached via an illuminated steel and brass staircase inspired by Bank vaults of old and through safe doors, the Club sits within the original light well space with its original glazed tiles.
The menu here offers all day dining and include ‘Lady Connie Crumpsall’s favourite’, Royal Oscietra Caviar, Oyster Po Boy and a Brass seafood platter. Cocktails, liqueurs and spirits are created exclusively by Sipsmith Independent Spirits.
The hotel, featuring 60 rooms over seven floors, has five inner sanctum suites featuring leather clad walls and a ‘Wonderwall’ for guests entertainment. It's a glamorous treat in itself ascending the restored main staircase with a brass handrail, balustrades, mouldings and terrazzo flooring. Manchester, it’s time to feel the decadence!
Rooms from £150. www.hotelgotham.co.uk @HotelGotham
